Tell readers a little about yourself.
I grew up in a world far, far away. Back when dragons and gods roamed the realms.
What do you do when you're not writing?
Adventure for treasure and lasses. Sadly, I always end up with just ale.
Why did you choose your pen name?
I'm the dungeon master of my realm. The pen name chose me.
What are you working on right now?
More novels in my old D&D campaign from my time in South Korea in the 90's.
How do you build your story's world?
These stories are all from my notes and excel files built in the 90's. Dumped into ChatGPT and mined for treasure. Some surprising stuff in there I had forgotten about.
What's something you cut that you still miss?
I removed a complete series I started to write titled "Binder". I saw some real world promise with it and decided to spend more time in the development before publishing it. Most like a 2027 debut. Stay tuned.
Have you ever killed off a character readers loved?
Not in these works. And yes, it was intentional... you have to read them to understand why.
Do you plan everything in advance, or discover the story as you go?
The first few works on here was just press enter and go after I decided what to focus on. My latest works are more focused on output. Meaning, it will be of better quality, but take longer to complete. The next series will be of that nature if I ever get past my current project.
How do you map out a chapter before you write it?
This is my favorite part. In my serious work, I play out scenes of dialogue that will push the story forward. I have a great sense of pacing, humor, and drama that can seed or recall ideas or dialogue. Once I understand what the characters have to accomplish, I can go to town. Are they arguing? Fighting? Professing their love? I got it.
What do you do when you're stuck?
I switch projects or focus on editing. I never let blockage stop the engine. I just switch gears. The blockage works itself out, it takes time. Meanwhile, I do side projects under Aram Wolfe, or plot out new ideas for my public writing name.
How much research goes into your books?
Quite a lot, actually. I have to understand the basics on any subject before I can write confidently about it. My real-world experiences help tremendously with operational details and planning. For things I don't know (and believe me, there is quite a bit), I Claude or ChatGPT the situation and have it keep me honest. Two ways to do this.. buy the book or real world action. They don't always match.
What does "being the author" mean to you when you write with AI?
The stories and dialogue are all my brainstorming. AI may help in tuning in on things, but it never creates the idea. AI can't create. A human input and decision has to happen to make the story feel alive. Leaving it to pure AI creation is going to create a weak product. I know, several of my works here are me playing/exploring with AI to see what it can do. I'm not satisfied with the outcome, but I am satisfied with the learning of new ways to accomplish things.
How do you keep your own voice on the page?
Editing... editing, editing, editing. I own it. If the output is trash, that is all on me. I have to read every chapter... that is the important part, reading the output to make sure your voice is kept and the story flows how you imagine it will be.
How do you find and connect with readers?
I wish I knew the answer to this. It takes time. It takes marketing. It takes a social media platform to do it. I have little time, little patience for marketing, and low social media presence. Guess I am thankful the tens of you that find my work.
Do you write to music? What's on the playlist?
Always. I tune out the world and tune into tunes. I love alternative bluegrass music like Punch Brothers or Nickel Creek, Sarah Jarosz is on my favs list, to stadium rock bands like Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age, to a little Billy Joel or Metallica. Depends on the mood, really. I got it all.
