Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
People who know me, know that I tell stories. It’s what I do. Generally I take real life events and remix them in a funny way but this is just how I cut my teeth. I prefer writing stories not based in reality, stories full of dragons, aliens, and other mythical beings. For me, stories are a way to escape the mundane world (coffee, work, cleaning house, chores, coffee, work, sleep, etc) and to go on adventures without ever having to leave the comfort of my routine.
I have written many books but, TYR – Children of Dreki, is my first published novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My ‘latest’ book is also my first book. It’s called TYR – Children of Dreki.
The story of what inspired this story is a long process, and complicated. It started with a little boy named Kip. He popped into my head after I played a little game with shapeshifting characters who could turn from human into monsters. For years and years I struggled to figure out what his story was but try as I might I just couldn’t grasp it.
Then, four years ago, his parents popped into my head and suddenly it all fell into place. I wrote his parents story (the prequel to my current novel) and that led to TYR and the Children of Dreki stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can only write in silence. ANY noise and I just can’t.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Ludlum (I’ve been reading him since I was a wee little bean). I once read an interview where he said that he wanted to write books that were like movies. When I was 11 I wrote an 80K novel that started as Ludlum fanfiction and morphed into something much bigger. I will NEVER share that story with anyone but family… 20 years later my family still bug me to publish it but I just can’t.
Joan D. Vinge. She was my exposure to science fiction. Her character Cat struck me deep. After reading her Catspaw series I dove head first into sci-fi and I haven’t looked back since.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing the next two books in the Children of Dreki main trilogy. After that I will be penning the two prequels.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no idea. The majority of my promotion up to this point has been offline.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Just don’t stop. Too often I see new authors say things like: Oh! My book didn’t sell! I’m quitting! What’s the point if nobody buys it!
1. Stop writing just to sell. Write because you have stories to tell.
2. Don’t quit. It takes time to build up a readership (or so I’m told).
3. If you have 1 reader, that’s enough.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Put yourself in the other persons shoes.
This is great practice for writers but also just for being a decent human being.
What are you reading now?
Orphans of Tarnalin by John McDonell
I met John accidentally through Twitter and stumbled on his book. So far, I’m enjoying it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. Keep publishing. Keep chasing that dream!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1 Empty notebook. So I could tell myself some stories.
The Sherlock Holmes Anthology (hours and hours of reading there).
Catspaw by Joan D. Vinge. Doesn’t matter how many times I read this book, I just want to read it again and again.
Author Websites and Profiles
N.R. Tupper Website
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