Mike Martin has always been a writer, but for over 20 years, he has been a freelance writer, specializing in workplace and social policy issues. Mike has been published in newspapers and magazines across Canada, the United States and New Zealand. His first published book, Change The Things You Can: Dealing With Difficult People was published in 2011.
Check out the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series website, or visit the author on Twitter or Facebook.
Please tell readers about your current book.
A Twist of Fortune is the fourth and latest book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. The series is set in small fishing communities in Newfoundland on the easternmost tip of Canada. Sgt. Windflower is a Cree from northern Alberta who fights crime and solves murders along with his steady sidekick, Corporal Eddie Tizzard. There’s also plenty of food and fun and history along with a budding relationship between Windflower and the owner of the local cafĂ©, Sheila Hillier.
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Check out the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series website, or visit the author on Twitter or Facebook.
Please tell readers about your current book.
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AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | CHAPTERS/INDIGO |
Who or what inspires your writing?
I think that I am most inspire by nature and natural surroundings, especially the ocean. Maybe that’s why there’s a shot of the Atlantic Ocean on the cover of every Sgt. Windflower book.
When did you know you would be a writer?
As long as I can remember I wanted to be a writer. I loved books and reading and the adventures that they brought to me as a child and that continued with me from children’s books into the classics and modern literature. My work have always included some aspect of writing but it wasn’t until much later in life that I was finally willing to take the plunge into full-time writing.
How long did it take you to write your novel?
The first book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series took about 5 years from when I first had the idea to actually having the book in my hands. There were a lot of fits and starts and pauses and doubts. But the rest of the books came much faster, thank goodness. Now it takes me about 3 months to write a book, another 3 months to edit and then into the publishing cycle.
What is the hardest part of writing for you?
Writing is easy, editing is hard. But I have to say that I enjoy all aspects of writing from ideas to the finished product. The hardest part would be not being able to write.
Do you have any writing rituals?
I write every morning and when I am in the middle of a book I write in the afternoon and even at night. Once the creative process starts the words have to get out as fast as I can type them. I also write at least a chapter before I stop to have a look at it. I try and get the bulk of the book written before I show any of it to anybody else.
Any advice to aspiring writers?
I had no idea of where to even begin writing a novel so I did what was suggested to me, which I offer as advice to all aspiring writers: Read about how other writers did it. One book that really helped was Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” and in this book and others I learned that the way to write a novel was to start and then to keep at it until it was finished. It didn’t matter about the weather, or money, or the economy, or relationships, or even family or sickness or anything. If you want to write a book, you just get up every day and you do it.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
I admire every single person who has written and published a book. My favorite authors are Donna Leon and Elizabeth George. And I will always read and enjoy Stephen King.
What are your favorite books, or which book has impacted you the most?
I think Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit had the most influence on me when I first read them. I continue to read them again every year. Having the movies is great, but nothing can beat my own imagination combined with Tolkien’s words.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished Stephen King’s, Revival, an am reading Colm Toibin’s, Nora Webster, along with a whole pile of junk that’s great for the summer.
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**No compensation was received for posting. This site is not responsible for prize shipment, lost, damaged or stolen prizes.
Looks like a very interesting read! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI've just finished reading my copy of this book. I love the series and will be doing my review soon.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this mystery.
ReplyDeleteAre you still singing publicly? I'll bet you have a pretty voice.
ReplyDeletenice advice
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read. I need something a little different to read! thanks fro the chance!
ReplyDeleteSounds very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.