Ian Kirkpatrick

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

Heyo! I'm Ian, Author, Idiot, and Loinstreamer.

When and why did you start writing books?

It was for a school assignment. First creative writing assignment I ever had. We were required to pick words from a list to make a title and then write a story that would fit that title... Mine was Sapphire the Blue Pony. After that, I couldn't stop myself from writing. It became a compulsion and I spent all of my spare time writing just for fun. It wasn't until I was maybe 20 or 21 that I realized, "Wait... I can do this for more than fun. I can write novels and try to make something of all this stuff I see." So here we are. Still compulsively creating characters and discovering their stories.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I just like writing, I love my characters, and I wanted to share what I see, the characters I have, and the stories they have to tell with the world. That is the most exciting them. Looking forward to introducing others to my characters.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Ralph and KC from the Bodymore series are among my favorite characters, both for who they are and the dynamic they have together. Secondarily, Katsuo and Michi from a story not yet formally written are also so wonderful. Katsuo is spunky, playful, and so full of heart. A strong man who loves stronger, and isn't afraid to do what he has to in order to protect the people he loves. Michi is just a ray of sunshine and positivity in the world. She's the sweetest character I've ever made and she's just so refreshing to write. I can't wait to share the story these two are a part of in the future just because of the family, love, and hope that happens to also be built into a story about yakuza, lol.

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

Bro, I don't know if I'm just getting worse or what, but Bodymore 3 and 0 have been a trip lmao.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Bret Easton Ellis is one of my favorite authors, even if I don't love all of his books the same. His style and voice in writing is top-notch. I'm also a fan of Chuck Palahniuk's writing. Dan Simmons is also up there for fiction. Then, Brian Masters is my favorite nonfiction author.

What book are you reading right now?

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein. Very interesting stuff.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

So many places. Mostly vibes. It can be a song. It can be a character. It can be a video game or just a love for an environment or style. Bodymore developed over time from first hearing the phrase "Caedis Silvis" and months if not years later connecting it with Baltimore/Leakin Park as I learned more about Baltimore. One of my books was inspired by a board game. Boom, Boom, Boom was inspired just by the eccentricity of Jack Parsons in Strange Angel and I heard Jan's voice in my head and had to find his story. It comes from a lot of places, but it's always about hearing a character voice and learning to tell their story.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy going to the Saturday market specifically to get some and fresh air when the rest of my day job (and writing) are sitting in a dark room alone. I enjoy reading, video games, and research on special interest topics. Mainly people and psychology. The internet has made it so easy to watch human behavior in so many different ways, lol.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Currently, I'm finishing Bodymore 3 with any final edits and I'm working on the first draft for Bodymore 0, which will stare a side character from books 2 and 3 who was very important to Joey's journey.