FAQ

Writing FAQ

When did you start writing?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. One of my first full stories (a short sci-fi tale about Martian slugs) was written in the third grade. It’s still in a box of my childhood memories in a basement somewhere.

Did you always want to become a writer?

I did, but I was often distracted from the path of becoming one. I spent far too many years believing people when they said that it was impossible to become a writer/author/artist. And while the passion to pursue a career in writing was always there, I kept turning away from it to follow more ‘practical’ pursuits. Eventually, however, I got ahold of my senses and realized that this was what I was supposed to be doing.

Where did you get the inspiration for Where Ravens Roost?

The idea of the story came to me shortly after I moved to the Netherlands in 2014. I’d recently lost a few family members to Alzheimer’s Disease and those losses had been weighing on me at the time. While I started the novel many times I didn’t find the strength to finish it until the final year of my creative writing master’s program where it became my graduating dissertation.

How did you decide to write crime thrillers?

Despite having always read crime thrillers and doing a master’s thesis on series television crime thrillers, I never really considered writing one until I came up with the idea for Where Ravens Roost. Before that most of my stories (and unfinished novels) were in the horror, speculative fiction, and western genres. What I like about thrillers, however, is how they have the ability to cross multiple genres and can still have elements of those other genres that I enjoy. While I have ideas for numerous crime thrillers planned for the future, there are a few stories in unrelated genres I’d like to explore!

What does your writing schedule look like?

Despite not being a morning person I force myself to do the bulk of my writing in the morning. (Much like how I force myself to eat breakfast despite not liking it.) My goal is to always hit my word count (usually 1500-2000 words) before lunch time. After lunch I plan what chapter/scenes I will work on the next day so the ideas can begin percolating in my mind. If I sit down with a blank slate I’m less likely to reach my goals for the day.

Do you listen to music when you write?

Not usually. Only if I’m really trying to get myself into a particular mood or mindset will I listen to music while I write. But if I do listen to music it has to either have no lyrics or it has to be a single song on repeat that I’ve heard so many times in succession that my brain doesn’t notice it anymore.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Stephen King, Jo Nesbø, Anne Rice, Grady Hendrix, Josh Malerman, Stephen Graham Jones, Henning Mankell, Dan Brown, Jane Austen, Michael Crichton, Trang Thanh Tran, Caz Frear, George R.R. Martin, BP Walter, CJ Tudor, SA Cosby, Alex North, Suzanne Collins, John Ajvide Lindqvist, and Søren Sveistrup.

Are there plans for more Kjeld Nygaard books?

I have outlines for two more sequels and a prequel, but I haven’t started writing them yet.

Why did you start writing psychological thrillers?

My publisher asked me if I was willing to try my hand at them and I said, “Why not!”

Will you be writing in any other genres?

My first horror novel will be out in Autumn 2026!

Is it true your first two novels were picked up by a publisher without an agent?

Yes! I was discovered through an open submissions window that was open to unrepresented authors.

Who is your agent?

What are the names of your cats and why are they always mentioned in your novels?

Watson and Dagger — Because they’re a big part of my writing process! I find it much easier to focus when they’re sleeping in my office while I work.

What sports do you do?

Dressage horse riding, weight training, swimming, and running. I also have a black belt in Shotokan karate.