1) What inspired you to write?
I have always read, but never considered writing until after attending a beginner’s
writing course in 2012. My mind exploded with ideas. I had created a character called
Ammo. He never left my head. You could say I’d got the buzz. Not knowing how to write or structure a story, I returned to University to study English Literature and Creative Writing. As a mature student, I had a blast. I stayed on and completed my Master’s in Creative Writing.Ammo is now a character in my books. Maybe you have heard of him? If you have, keep quiet or it will go to his head. Regardless, he will always have a special place in my heart. Even though he is a rogue!
2) Are you a reader? What are some of your favorites?
My favourite genres are epic and high fantasy (although I read many others). A few of my
favourite fantasy authors are Robert Jordan, Raymond Feist, Brent Weeks, Brandon
Sanderson, John Gwynne, Jay Kristof and Patrick Rothfuss.
More recently I have been reading YA/NA and I like Sarah J Maas, Raye Wagner and Jennifer
Armentrout.
I also love reading classics. Everything from Virginia Woolf to the Iliad.
3) What is your newest work, and what is going to happen in the future?
My latest book is the fourth in the Voice that Thunders series and is called A Vow That
Clashes.The series follows Mirah and Gabe (siblings) who are at the centre of the conflict between
conquering immortals who rule as terrifying gods. It’s epic fantasy. Think epic battles with
Immortals and beasts of all kinds, throw in some elemental magic, huge plot twists, portals
and unique worlds, intense romance 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 have just published the fourth book in the series, entitled A Vow That Clashes. Gabe . As vows and destiny collide, he faces a devastating choice: abandon the people
and his allies or forsake his beloved sister. The choice he makes will either bring salvation or
destruction.I’m currently writing book five in my series, which is due out later this year.
4) Do you have advice or tips for Indie Authors?
Don’t quit! 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.
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. If you are writing your first book, don’t wait until it’s finished before building your profile.Create a short story, prequel or novella, and start getting yourself out there.
5) What influenced you as a writer?
I have a fascination for mythology. The older the better. My primary sources are from myths
from Mesopotamia. Most people have never heard of them. This is because, until around
150 years ago, the cuneiform tablets detailing their accounts was undecipherable.
Mesopotamia is otherwise known as the birthplace of civilization and its historical setting is
in the ancient near east. Differing cultures lived in proximity, so there is a blending of myths
and traditions. I mainly draw from the Sumerians, the Akkadians, the Semites and the
Babylonians.YA readers may have heard the term Nephilim from Cassandra Clare’s series or watching
Supernatural among other popular sources. Most modern Nephilim depictions are drawn
from Semite sources such as the Book of Enoch, where they are portrayed in an urban
setting and regarded as fallen angel/human hybrids. As interesting as this is, the Semite
account is only one version of the mythos. Mesopotamian texts differ on many topics. For example, creation epics, deity names and culture heroes. But they agree on one thing… the gods came, slept with human women, and created giant hybrid offspring. Yes, those Titans, gods and beastly monsters from
Greek, Roman and biblical myths were known to older civilizations! Some saw these gods
in a positive light, others as negative. It makes for great conflict. I wanted to create a work
more aligned with the earliest accounts of this mythos.
Links:
Book Amazon link for 1 st book http://viewbook.at/AVoiceThatThunders
Amazon series link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089B1NGCH
Amazon author link: https://www.amazon.com/Cully-Mack/e/B07QBLXZLT
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19033629.Cully_Mack
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CullyMack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CullyMack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cullymackauthor/
Samantha Evans--Author 