About Mr. M:
Mr. M graduated from Chapman University with a BFA in Film and Television Production. He received his MFA in screenwriting from the American Film Institute. As a television executive at CBS, UPN, and ABC he worked with writers and producers supervising comedies and dramas for the networks. Some of the shows Mr. M worked on were Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Girlfriends, Alias, George Lopez, and the short lived Invasion. Mr. M was always interested in teaching and decided to make a career change. He attended Pacific Oaks College where he earned a Masters of Human Development and a multi-subject teaching credential. He currently teaches in Los Angeles, California and lives with his wife, son, and daughter.
What inspires you to write?
Music truly helps inspire my writing. For example, last night I was at a Bruce Springsteen concert. The E Street band was rocking the Sports Arena. Immediately, I locked on to the leather wristband that Bruce wears. I kept thinking about the characters in my story. It was such a unique fashion feature. I went home that night and wrote it down in my writing file. It is like a writer’s notebook. I don’t know if I will use it, but I definitely thought it was cool.
Tell us about your writing process.
I love storytelling. Last summer I attended a writing institute. I remember listening to some of the presenters talk about their process. There really is no “one way” to write. However, I enjoy the prewriting stage. Often times I have a character in mind, but no story. Recently, I have been writing about a girl that is running from zombies. The story is incredibly boring. I really have only done character work for this. I have started to analyze the gestures that she makes. Each time I work on this character I just focus on one thing. As a result, the character becomes more engaging.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I can’t say that I talk to my characters, but as I go through drafts I certainly become more obsessed about the things they do. I start thinking about their backstory even more. I want to develop their flaws even further. In my first book, titled The Magical Adventures of Brian Leonard, I really became a student of Brian’s sidekick Johnny. At that same time I was binge watching The West Wing on Netlix. Aaron Sorkin (creator) writes amazing dialogue. Fans have said that they like the quirky tone in my book. I think that may have something to do with my television viewing habits at the time.
What advice would you give other writers?
I feel like I am still learning as well. However, I am glad I took a risk. I love seeing my work on Amazon. My best advice? Hmmm. I would have to say that taking a risk is the most important advice I could offer. Share your work with others. I have been writing for a long time. However, taking the leap into publishing was a massive step for me.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
At the time I had just finished reading a self published author named Hugh Howey. I loved reading the Wool series. As a result I wanted to take the leap and try it. Since self publishing on Amazon, the book blog community has been my biggest supporter. I am amazed by the support The Magical Adventures of Brian Leonard has received. Don’t underestimate this group of people.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Obviously, nobody has a crystal ball. However, I do hope that the future rewards new voices.
What do you use?: Professional Editor
What genres do you write?: Young Adult, Paranormal, Action
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Link To Mr. M Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
