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Tell our readers briefly about yourself.
I write under the name Mack Little which is partially my legal name. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was twelve years old. Between then and forty-six years since, everything I have done has been in service to that goal. All of my experiences, the people I’ve met, and the skills I have picked up along the way go into my writing, particularly all the things I have learned about myself. I served in the Army and worked as a medical librarian. My day job is IT analyst. I am currently writing the 4th book in my historical romance collection, Love and Peace. I hope to get that to my publisher by the end of the year.
Can you tell us about your most recent release? Album? Song? Art piece? Etc.
Daughter of Hades is an award-winning Historical Romance set in the 17th century. It depicts two sets of siblings as they escape their homes in search of a new life. Both end up on the seas of the Caribbean, as slavery and its effects loom around them and as pirates challenge their way of living. Their escapes lead to great adventure, danger, romance, and a huge fight to survive in harrowing times. Daughter of Hades has recently won the Chanticleer International Book Award Grand Prize in Chaucer Category for early historical fiction.
What inspires you?
Other stories that are well-developed and have an emotional impact inspire me. I study these and try to incorporate what I consider effective techniques. My curiosity leads me to the content and shape of my stories and also my desire to normalize the stories of black characters in escapist genres such as historical romance, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror in a way that does not base their existence on racial struggles or black pain.
What is your creative work routine like? Do you balance it with another job?
I pay the bills with my job as an IT Analyst. At the end of my workday, I set up on my patio with a notebook, a fountain pen, printed-out notes/research, a good cigar, and sometimes a glass of bourbon. I write all my stories long hand. I spend my weekends typing up what I have written and filling in the research.
Do you plan out your creations? What is your process before you create?
I have a general idea for the story. I create extensive character sheets. I have an idea of what I want to happen when I begin a scene but usually, I let my characters decide where to go.
Do you have a self-care routine or want to have one? What do you do or wish that you did to take care of your mental health?
I walk every day for an hour. I do get a massage once a month. I really need to get back into yoga though.
What is your favorite creation thus far?
Daughter of Hades
Do you have a character that is your favorite over others you've written into creation?
I love all my characters even the villains. My favorites change as I am writing them. Right now I'm enchanted by Captain Gregory Duff from Daughter of Hades.
Are there any recurring themes in your work?
Women as warriors and subverting the natural order.
What does success look like to you considering your creative passion?
I'd like to spark and play a part in the presence of diverse representation in escapist literature, tv, and film.
What is something your fans/readers/followers don’t know about you or something unique about yourself?
I share ownership of a castle.
What advice would you share with new or aspiring authors/singers/artists/etc?
Create a habit of creating and prioritizing it.
Where do you get your ideas for world-building?
Little-known facts of history play a big role in my role-building.
What genre do you prefer to read?
Historical thrillers.
What hobbies do you have?
Can writing be considered a hobby? I really don't do anything else with my free time.
Do you have any outside experiences that influenced your work?
I do like to travel. I look for ways to incorporate places I have visited in my work. Sometimes my work inspires me to travel to places I might not have gone otherwise.
Where can our viewers/readers/listeners find you and your work?
Daughters of Hades: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FCQC8YZ/