Author interview: Leonard D. Hilley II
This #SymposiumSaturday we welcome author Leonard D. Hilley II With two books scheduled for release this year, and 9 already published there’s bound to be something to suit everyone’s taste.
About the author
Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Author Bio)
Leonard D. Hilley II grew up in Fort Payne, AL, where his never-ending curiosity introduced him to the world of biology and books. During his youth he was an avid insect collector and reared butterflies and moths. His love for science eventually merged with his writing. He currently resides in Marietta, Ohio, where he writes science fiction thrillers, epic high fantasy, and YA mysteries.
Education: B.S. Biology; MFA in Creative Writing
What are your hobbies?
For years I was greatly interested in Entomology, which is often hinted at in other books like Devils Den and Predators of Darkness: Aftermath. I believe the world of insects (butterflies, moths, & beetles primarily) caused me to look deeper into the environment, which also makes me as a writer strive to show the details of the characters’ worlds. I drew comics for several years as a child. I love fishing, hiking, and exploring caves, too. I love being outdoors whenever I get the chance.
Which writers inspire you?
As a teenager, I read Roger Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber, which opened my mind to the world of fantasy. In 1993, I was introduced to Dean R. Koontz’s books, and immediately began writing again. Due to personal things in my life prior to 1993, I have quit writing for ten years.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
I read all editions of books. Paperback is easiest, but I’m getting more fond of the Kindle now since you have hundreds of books to access when you’re not at home.
What are you reading at present?
Richelle Mead’s Succubus Blues
What is your favourite book and why?
The Servants of Twilight by Dean R. Koontz is probably at the top of my list since it is the book that snapped encouraged me to return to writing.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
So many. Hard to pinpoint one because I love each for different reasons. Finding Forrester with Sean Connery is one that I’ve watched numerous times. It is about an aspiring writing student who accidentally stumbles upon an author who has become a social recluse. The author becomes the students mentor and in ways, they save one another.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Celebrating my 23rd wedding anniversary with my best friend and our two children.
How do you relax?
Read, television, and travel (hiking, nature walks)
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Read everything you can. The more you read, the larger your vocabulary is. Never stop writing. Keep writing. Revision is key in writing. The first draft is great, but then the real work begins.
About writing
What made you realise your calling as an author?
I knew at an early age. I loved books and was reading at age 3. In primary school I had read every book on the library shelves. When I ran out of books that interested me, that was when I began writing my own. I wrote my first novel at age 11.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
I really wish I knew where they came from. Often an idea catches me offguard. Predators of Darkness: Aftermath began from a single sentence right before I had laid down to sleep. I wrote it down, went back to bed, and then the next two paragraphs came to me. I got up and wrote them down. Had I not, I’d have lost those words, I’m certain. I just finished the fifth book in that series and started book six—all evolved from an opening sentence.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It really depends upon the book. The book I finished in February took 14 years to complete. Forrest Wollinsky: Vampire Hunter took 22 days.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I never outline. I follow the characters and see where they take me.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Isolation.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
When I find the answer, I will share it.
