Hieronymus Hawkes

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm a retired Air Force pilot with four grown children. I still instruct younger pilots in the ways of the KC-135 as a simulator instructor pilot. Music is a big part of my life, pretty much all sorts, but I prefer seventies light rock or alt rock from the 80s through to today. I have multiple guitars which I am trying to find time to learn to play. I love art and have acquired a little and along with that I draw in pastel chalk and pencil. I love to read, especially science fiction, but I also enjoy historical fiction, paranormal romance, and fantasy. I used to play a lot of poker, but don't have much time for it these days.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing in earnest in 2008, simply because I was spending way too much time playing video games and not really creating anything of value. I decided I wanted to, at the very least, have something to show for my time and energy. I had done a little writing when I was younger and decided to give novel writing a try.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

When I was almost finished with my first novel, I sent my work to another writer friend, and she told me it was far from ready to publish. I realized I was lacking a lot of knowledge, so I enrolled in an MFA program to broaden my knowledge base. I found that I enjoyed writing and decided at that point that I would become a novelist as my follow on career after thirty years in the Air Force.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Books are a lot like children, and there are things about all of them that you love as a writer. I have several characters that I really dig. The main character in my next book is a vampire that loves a lot of the same things that I do, almost an alter ego. He is an exaggeration of many attributes, but I can relate to him.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

I think maybe it's always the novel I am working on right now. This one is the second book of a trilogy, which is basically a romance story dressed up in science fiction garb. Trying to get the romantic elements right is a challenge.

Who is your favourite author and book?

It's hard to pick only one, but I would have to say William Gibson is my favorite author, as I will jump at anything new by him, but I have many favorites, including CJ Cherryh , Sara Donati, and Max Berry, to name a few. My favorite book is probably Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati, which is a continuation series of the Longstalking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper.

What book are you reading right now?

I'm reading Alastair Reynolds newest book, Inhibitor Phase, book 5 in his Revelation Space saga.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I read a lot, and find interesting stories in science magazines or blogs.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with my life accomplice. We enjoy live music and travelling together to discover new things.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I'm in the middle of a new Vampires in Space trilogy, a space opera chock full of scifi goodness and a touch of romance.