Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is Steve Mitchell. I write as S. C. Mitchell. I’m 64 and a half years old.

Fiona: Where are you from?

I was born and lived most of my life in a small town known as Tomahawk, Wisconsin. Currently I live in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

My wife and I have been married for 42 years. I have 2 adult children. No grandchildren…yet.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My novel Phaze won the 2019 National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award (NERFA) and the 2019 Northern Hearts Award.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing my first novel about 40 years ago, after the birth of my son. A story started growing in my mind and I just had to write it down. I took out my old manual typewriter and dove in. Took me almost 20 years to finish, and it’s pure crap, but I learned a lot along the way.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

February 20, 2013. The release of my first professionally published novel, Son of Thunder. I’d written and self-published 4 books before that, but this was the first time I felt legitimate.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Swiftly Beats the Heart is a superhero romance novella, my first published book, inspired by my love of comic books.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I wanted something that kind of said superhero romance, but I’m not sure I hit it. And the book is crap, by the way, so I wouldn’t buy it. I did a much better job with my Xi Force series.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I don’t lock myself into a specific style, but I tend to write narrative from my hero or heroines point of view.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

My preferred genre is Sci-Fi/Fantasy so pretty much everything is made up, though I will occasionally base a character on someone I know.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

Most of the places I write about aren’t real laces, so I don’t need to travel for the novel. Saying that, an occasional trip to a Disney theme park doesn’t hurt.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My wife designed the covers for my latest series, The Demon Gate Chronicles. I think she did a great job. Soul Mate publishing determines the cover artest for my books published through them. The Xi Force covers, which I think are awesome, were done by Fiona Jayde

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I really go for escapism. No real message, though occasionally something slips in. I just looking to give my reader a vacation from the real world.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

I am currently reading Brandon Sanderson, and I think his stuff is amazing. All time favorite authors include Anne McCaffrey, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Nora Roberts, and Robert E. Howard.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My editor at Soul Mate, Cheryl Yeko, has been an amazing teacher and supporter. She’s edited eleven of my books, and with each one I learned something new from her.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I did once, but not so much now. Yes, there’s still a chance something I write hits big, but I hate marketing, and that’s what you need to do now to get noticed and build a fan base. I’d rather just write my stories. Fortunately, I have a nice retirement and don’t need the income to survive.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

My latest books have been pretty much just what I wanted them to be. Now my earlier books, yeah, there’s lots I’d probably change in those. This is why my latest releases, the Demon Gate Chronicles, are edited and updated books I released years ago.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I’m currently working on a Steampunk Victorian novel, so I’m doing lots of research into the Victorian era. Fun stuff.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

This is tough, because most of the actors that come to mind are currently too old to play the parts. I guess I’ll have to leave this to the casting department. Get someone fresh and new, and make them a star in my movie.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Sure. Don’t listen to advice from other authors unless it’s something you feel you want to do. (That includes this advice, unless it’s something you want to do.)

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Read more of my books…please?

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Awesome book.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The first book I really dove into was one of the Conan books by Robert E. Howard.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Different things will tickle my funny bone, and I do laugh out loud sometimes while reading. Babies laughing just crack me up. I also find I cry easier, now that I’m older. Tear-jerker movies, death of a favourite character in a book, things like that.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Anne McCaffery. She was my favourite author for years. I lived on Pern every chance I had. Her novels spoke to me early and often. I miss her.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I am currently building a Walt Disney World themed electric train layout in my basement.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

All the Marvel stuff, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and other big Sci-Fi/Fantasy stuff. Currently watching the Witcher.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

Bacon—the worlds most perfect food. Pizza, a good steak, and just about anything with some combination of flour and sugar. Basically, everything they tell me not to eat, that’s what I like. Cool colors, purple, blue, green. I like all kinds of music, from classical to rock to country.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

There is no future where I do not write. The stories bubble up in my brain and need to spill out onto the page. I may not publish, but I will always write.

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

With my wife and kids, just talking.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

No headstone for me. Hopefully my books will leave their mark.

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

I am horrible at promotion and blogging, but you’ll find me here:

http://scmitchellauthor.com/

Blog: http://scmitchell.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorSCMitchell

Twitter @authorsmitchell

Amazon Authors page USA  https://www.amazon.com/S-C-Mitchell/e/B007D0Z1MW/

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/S-C-Mitchell/e/B007D0Z1MW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1579362635&sr=1-1