Ask the Author: Sam Hooker
Answered Questions (12)
Sam Hooker
Why did I just walk into this room?
I must have had a reason, but for the life of me, I can't think what it might have been. Did I forget for innocent reasons, such as time's deteriorative effect on the brain? Or was I made to forget by some sinister and secret power who lurks in the shadows and siphons off my short term memory?
That's rather flattering, actually. To think that I'm sufficiently powerful to force unimaginable terrors to hide in the shadows, fearful of what I might do if I discovered them! Perhaps I wield a great and terrible power that I have yet to-
Wait, no. I left my book in here.
I must have had a reason, but for the life of me, I can't think what it might have been. Did I forget for innocent reasons, such as time's deteriorative effect on the brain? Or was I made to forget by some sinister and secret power who lurks in the shadows and siphons off my short term memory?
That's rather flattering, actually. To think that I'm sufficiently powerful to force unimaginable terrors to hide in the shadows, fearful of what I might do if I discovered them! Perhaps I wield a great and terrible power that I have yet to-
Wait, no. I left my book in here.
Sam Hooker
I don't have specific plans to write more about those characters. Then again, I haven't vowed that I won't. I'd say there's every reason to hope.
Sam Hooker
Strange, this is the second time I've been asked to write a horror story. The first time they called it a "confession," but now I'm just splitting hairs.
Sam Hooker
That's easy. I'd go to the Shire and retire. Hobbits know how to live.
Sam Hooker
I'm working my way back through the City Watch series of Terry Pratchett's Discworld. Sam Vimes is a great character, definitely my favorite Discworld protagonist. Tied with Tiffany Aching, of course. And Moist von Lipwig. And Rincewind, obviously. Death is up there, too. Fine, I love them all.
Sam Hooker
I've got a reading coming up next month! I'll be at Mysterious Galaxy Books in San Diego on Saturday, June 16 from 2-4pm.
Sam Hooker
The working title was "Santa vs. The Frost Giants." I've always been fascinated with the idea of Santa Claus. The man has an entire village in one of the least hospitable climates on Earth. He's obviously conquered the climatic challenges, what else would stand in his way? Giants, obviously.
Really, once I'd worked that out, it essentially wrote itself.
Really, once I'd worked that out, it essentially wrote itself.
Sam Hooker
Whiskey, mostly.
I also read, I watch old comedies on BBC, or find outdoor places that are quiet. That's becoming increasingly difficult. Never underestimate the power of a long, quiet sit.
I also read, I watch old comedies on BBC, or find outdoor places that are quiet. That's becoming increasingly difficult. Never underestimate the power of a long, quiet sit.
Sam Hooker
Learning some Guns N' Roses guitar solos. By the end of the year, once I've taken everyone down to the Paradise City, I'll put my head down and draft my next novel.
Sam Hooker
Keep a nice bottle of whiskey in our desk, but nothing flashy. Also plenty of balled-up napkins, so you have something to throw at people while shouting "can't you see I'm trying to write?!"
Past that, just write. Write what's in your head, whether it's your best or not. The only thing that can't be fixed in editing is a blank page.
Past that, just write. Write what's in your head, whether it's your best or not. The only thing that can't be fixed in editing is a blank page.
Sam Hooker
It's definitely not the glamour, the fortune, the fame -- although I'd be willing to try those on and give them a chance to impress me.
It's the story. To look upon the story I've inflicted upon the world, and say "take that, you bastards!" It's the best feeling.
It's the story. To look upon the story I've inflicted upon the world, and say "take that, you bastards!" It's the best feeling.
Sam Hooker
I don't get writer's block. Not that I can distinguish from the garden variety, crippling panic that comes from knowing that the next word I type will undoubtedly be the wrong one, and likely cause a global financial meltdown.
However I do occasionally find my characters simply sallying forth for the sake of word count. That's when I know the well has run dry, and I need to binge on Netflix and craft beers until it has refilled. That usually takes a day or two.
However I do occasionally find my characters simply sallying forth for the sake of word count. That's when I know the well has run dry, and I need to binge on Netflix and craft beers until it has refilled. That usually takes a day or two.
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