Featured Author: James McCann

It's always a blast to meet a likeminded – CANADIAN – authors, and meeting James was no exception. A few months after reading his YA vampire tale, Pyre, I was lucky enough to meet James in person at the 2010 Book Expo in NYC when he interviewed the Class of 2k10 for his podcast show, Authors Like Us. James had a wicked, dry sense of humour which I loved and I've been stalking his blog/Twitter/Facebook posts ever since and finally convinced him to answer a few questions.

Welcome, James! As an avid comic fan, what's your take on graphic novels? Any current favs? Any plans to write in that medium?

I credit reading graphic novels with what made me a reader – and subsequently a writer. I'll admit that, as a preteen and even as a teen, my taste was a bit more tame than it is now. In my younger years it was all Archie and Jughead – still very popular today – but now I prefer writers such as 300, Batman, or the Watchmen. It annoys me when people tell me that graphic novels are not "really reading," because part of the story is told in pictures. My first thought is, "Wasn't our earliest writings told in pictures? Does that mean stories didn't really exist until we created text?"

I would love to write a graphic novel, but I just haven't come up with that story that would be better told in pictures yet. I have taken classes to learn how to write one, and I often script out parts of my novels in progress as a graphic novel. It's a great way to get unstuck when the ideas are not flowing as easily as they do on other days.

I hear ya on the graphic novel front – many of the students at my school simply DEVOUR GNs. I'm thankful they've found a reading niche. Off topic, but still fun…your dog's name is Conan (dog people rule!). How do classic fantasy characters like Conan, created by Robert E Howard in the 1930s influence your work today and did you see the recent film remake?

I actually named my dog Conan as a joke while working in a rescue shelter. He was a "drop off," as his previous owners were not able to care for him, and his name was "Barky." I knew no one would adopt a shih tzu named "Barky," so I renamed him "Conan" and then he followed me around the entire day. By the time my shift was over, he more or less had adopted me.

Classic characters such as Conan, Robin Hood and even Aragorn from LOTRs were huge influences on me as a writer. These were the characters that I could live vicariously through as a teenager, and if you read the character Rancour closely you can probably see hints of each one in him. Often people ask if I base my characters on me, but truth be told I base my characters on the people who most inspired me.

Brave of you to work in a shelter. I think I'd end up bringing far too many critters home. Speaking of critiques…you facilitate writing classes, as well as present workshops and at writing camps for youth – what are some of the key messages you wish to share with aspiring writers?

My biggest message to youth would be that while it's great to have a dream, a dream is useless without work. If you want to succeed in anything education, be it school or being out in the world, is the most important key to success.

Nice! Okay, now for the fun question, as a fellow writer of paranormal stories, how do you tackle the Twilight question…you know the one….do your vamps sparkle?

First, I always answer it with my opinion of Stephanie Meyer. The books were not written for me, so it should be no surprise to anyone that I did not enjoy them. However, that she could inspire so many kids to read who may have never otherwise picked up a book is fantastic.

Secondly, I point out that Rancour came out eight months before Twilight.

lol…ahead of the trend is the best place to be. Any events, appearances, new titles you'd like to share/announce?

I have the third book in the Rancour Chronicles finally coming out for May 2012. The whole series is being rereleased, with new covers and better editing. Rancour was rereleased this year, and Pyre will be combined into RENEGADE as a "part one" with "part two," Kane, as an entirely new story.

Can't wait to read the new editions and see how things have changed. THANKS so much for taking time to share your sage words!

Thank you for the interview.

Get more info on James via his website: and follow him on Twitter: @McCannJames