- Tell me about yourself, and what got you into writing?
My name is Cully and I’m from England. I love dogs, wildlife photography, and long walks.
I write epic fantasy with romance! Think epic battles with Immortals and beasts of all kinds, throw in some elemental magic, huge plot twists, portals and unique worlds and an ever-growing amount of characters trying to save their world. If you like character-driven fantasy, you’ll love my books. I warn you now; I don’t go easy on them…I began writing because my mother joined a creative writing class and I asked if I could go with her. I loved it so much, I quit my job and went back to university to study English Literature and Creative Writing. I haven’t looked back, and what I’ve learned most in my life is to follow your dreams.
- What inspired you to write?
I’ve always loved the fantasy genre, and I have a keen interest in mythology. I decided to merge the two.
I’m very interested in the oldest mythological texts (think pre Greek & Roman). My Voice that Thunders series is filled with ancient myth, the kind that is buried in soul waiting to be reawakened.My writing is motivated by creating new worlds and in depth characters to live in them. I love how characters grow and overcome the challenges they face. I love plot twists! Being a discovery writer, my characters often surprise me and lead me into territory I wasn’t expecting to go.
- Are you a reader? What are some of your favorites?
My earliest childhood memories involve reading. I don’t think I’ve lived a day without diving into a book. My favourite genres are epic & high fantasy (although I read many others). I often like a good romantic subplot, but not always. Some of my favourite authors are Robert Jordan, Raymond Feist, Brent Weeks, Brandon Sanderson, Jay Kristof and Patrick Rothfuss.
More recently I have been reading YA/NA and I like Sarah J Maas, Raye Wagner and Jennifer Armentrout.
- What is your newest work, and what is going to happen in the future?
My latest work is book three in my Voice that Thunders series. It’s called, A Fire That Whispers.
Mirah is an elemental wielder whose extraordinary magic has proved too powerful for the Immortal Watchers to ignore. Captured, they demand she destroys their portals. If she yields, it will trap her friends in the immortal realm forever.
Book two, A Scream that Shatters, ended on a such a huge cliff hanger, I was keen to release this book quite soon after. So much is going on! No one knows what is real. I love how the reader can decipher the truth along with the characters. And boy, what a shocker the truth reveals! I really enjoyed writing this book.
I have just release a free prequel called, Sojin. It is about Ammo and Sojin and is set before A Voice That Thunders begins. You can find it here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/biu92oaavb
In the near future, book four, A Vow That Clashes is due for release around Sept/Oct 2020. It runs parallel to A fire Whispers but focuses on other exciting characters.
Next year, I plan to finish the final book in this series. I also plan to publish a collection of fairytale and myth retellings. I’m already considering my next series, which will be about Fae.
- Do you have advice or tips for Indie Authors?
Don’t quit! It’s really hard sometimes. Writing can be isolating, and sometimes you wonder if anyone even reads/enjoys your work. Reviews help a lot. A well-timed review has saved my sanity more than once when I’ve been second guessing myself.
Hold on to your dreams! Believe in yourself and stay true to your vision. So much will come your way and try to shake you, hold on. Quitters never make it.
If I was to start over, I’d start with a shorter book, a stand-a-lone or a prequel and get myself known a little before plunging right into everything.
- What influenced you as a writer?
I’ve been influenced by many things and it changes depending on what I’m writing. I’m a discovery writer, so I don’t always know until the words form themselves on the page.
I tend to know certain plot points, for example, I knew Mirah needed to reach Hermonial because I wanted a character close to the antagonist.
My start point was her on the ship, so I just started to write her journey and added in conflict. I love how characters grow and overcome challenges. I love plot twists!
- Do you prefer a normal book or ebook?
I always preferred a normal book, but now I find it easier to see text in a larger print. I still prefer the feel of a book and to know how many pages I have left in that world, but due to my eyesight, I read more ebooks. If I like them enough, I buy the print copies.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19033629.Cully_Mack
https://www.facebook.com/CullyMack/
Samantha Evans--Author 