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Check out the questions below for some fun facts about this author that weren't mentioned during the interview above.
Creative Spotlight on Author S.A. Schneider
Tell our readers briefly about yourself.
I'm a computer developer consultant by day. Besides writing, I'm a huge nerd, so all the nerd stuff I like, especially Star Wars. I also have a podcast with a friend called Relentless Geekery. I love games - board and card games along with video games. Recently, I've been working with kids to teach them storytelling in video games.
Can you tell us about your most recent release? Album? Song? Art piece? Etc.?
Book 1 of the Town Magician series: Embracing the Magic. It's a middle-grade fantasy. The protagonist, Samual, wants magic like others in his world, but he possesses no magic. Worse, he discovers that their Town Magician, Rory, is a fake and can't channel magic, but Samual isn't believed by anyone. Then, a wizard challenges Rory to a duel, and Samual wants to prove Rory is a fake and see if he has magic himself.
What inspires you?
My kids and my wolf, Hunter.
What is your creative work routine like? Do you balance it with another job?
I write in the morning before work and sometimes evenings and weekends. I also have been working on video game and board game development.
Do you plan out your creations? What is your creative process like?
Yes, very much so. Usually, I get an idea for a story. I may let it percolate in my brain for a while before starting to write. I'm still working on improving my outlining, but I can see the difference between now and when I first started writing.
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 try. I walk 3 or 4 days a week and use Kinect on Xbox still when it's not nice outside. Writing and working on games keeps me sane. I also take my boxer for a walk and we'll play with Hunter, the wolf. I try to do various activities with friends and family on weekends.
What is your favorite creation thus far?
Since Town Magician 1 is the only book I've published so far, we'll go with that one. Though some of the stories I used to write for my kids as Christmas presents were pretty great. And I like my Elf card game.
Do you have a character that is your favorite over others you've written into creation?
I like my Oddish Questor group. Fun stories and the kids are different and interesting to write. A lot of it writes itself. though I have come to love Samual and Rory more than I thought I would.
Are there any recurring themes in your work?
There is magic around us. I think too many people grow up and forget about the wonder of things like they did when a kid. Worse, parents aren't helping build their kids' imaginations, and the kids are losing their fascination with the world.
What does success look like to you considering your creative passion?
I feel I'm already successful, though I'd like to be able to do the creative more full-time.
What has been one of the biggest lessons you've learned since starting this journey?
I always have several answers for this, but some seem self-aggrandizing and some take too long to explain. How about - when I was 14, I told the Army Corps of Engineers what to do for a year-long project OR I once had a burro bash my head into a fencepost, but it was too long of a walk to get to a chopper to take me somewhere that an ambulance could get me, so I never went to the hospital about it.
What advice would you share with new or aspiring authors/singers/artists/etc?
For new writers - stop worrying about publishing or perfecting your book. If you haven't written a dozen short stories and 2 novels in your first couple of years, you're making it harder and taking longer. I didn't say they had to be published.
Where do you get your ideas for world-building?
I've read a ton of fantasy and comic books during my life. I also have played many RPGs and been the GM for many of those. Worldbuilding is the easy part.
What genre do you prefer to read?
Just one? I mostly read fantasy. I also read sci-fi, mystery, thriller, and a mix of some other stuff. I read some MG books, especially to keep up with what is happening in the MG culture at any given time.
What hobbies do you have?
Besides writing, and playing/making games, I am also a musician. I played piano when young, percussion in school, and then bass guitar for a rock band and in college. I've gotten to play a big pipe organ, which was WAY cool.
Do you have any outside experiences that influenced your work?
Just about everything. The Star Wars franchise and the EU are my biggest influences. But I try to throw easter eggs from Bugs Bunny, Dragonlance, Matrix, and just about everything I've ever seen or heard.
Where can our viewers/readers/listeners find you and your work?
Thanks for checking out this post, Creative Spotlight on Author S.A. Schneider. Don't forget to like and share. If you have a question or comment for any author in the future let me know! I'm always looking to add more reader-focused questions to my toolbox.