Kevin Mansoor

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

"I am obsessed... and let's be crystal clear here, not possessed (though, I wouldn't mind a jury deliberation on that exciting possibility). My obsession? It's with honing my craft to such a pinnacle of perfection that my readers are catapulted straight into the emotional whirlwind of my characters. They'll laugh, they'll cry, they'll gasp in astonishment—all from the safety of their reading nook. But it's not all about the angst and agony of the written word. No, my friends, I have a lighter side to my obsessions—Swedish Gnomes. Yes, you heard that right. These little fellas, with their cheeky grins and pointy hats, bring a smile to my face, balancing out the intense pressure I place upon my shoulders. They remind me that joy can be found in the smallest of things. So, here's a thought: everyone should have a set of obsessions that complement each other. One to push you to your limits, to make you strive for excellence in your passion. And the other? Well, to remind you to breathe, to smile, and to enjoy the journey. After all, what's life without a little obsession...or two?"

When and why did you start writing books?

The genesis of my journey into the world of book writing is as whimsical as it is profound. It all began with the innocent bedtime stories I spun from the ether of imagination for my children. These tales, initially meant to ferry my little ones into dreamland, soon took on a life of their own. As if by magic, the characters from these stories began to whisper in my ear, urging me to bring their adventures to life on the page. And so, one day, driven by a newfound purpose, I put pen to paper, embarking on a quest to immortalize their tales. This endeavor quickly transformed from a mere hobby into a fervent passion. The act of writing became as essential to me as breathing, with the voices of my characters guiding me through each word, sentence, and chapter. They were no longer figments of my imagination but had become my constant companions, their stories itching to be told. Now, writing is not just a choice; it's a necessity. The cacophony of voices in my head, each clamoring for attention, never ceases. If I do not heed their call, they only grow louder, compelling me to return to my desk and write. Through writing, I've discovered a boundless world where reality and fantasy intertwine, and I've found my true calling. I write not just to silence the voices but to share the profound joy, sorrow, and adventure they bring into my life with my readers.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Embarking on a career in writing? Oh, the choice was never really mine to begin with. Picture this: my mind, a bustling café where my characters convene, plotting their next moves, demanding to be heard. It’s as if they held a council and unanimously voted me—their humble scribe—to narrate their epic sagas. Resisting their will? Futile. Our partnership, if you could call it that, is peculiar yet harmonious. They guide the pen, and I merely provide the ink. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. There are days we engage in heated debates, their actions clashing with my sense of direction. I argue, plead, and yes, sometimes even shout into the void, begging them to reconsider their choices. Alas, I'm always the one to capitulate. Reflecting on their decisions later, I find wisdom in their whimsy, a method to their madness. So, you see, writing chose me as much as I chose it—a curious case of destiny playing matchmaker. Together, we navigate the tumultuous seas of storytelling, my characters and I, in a ship built from dreams and paper. And despite the occasional mutiny, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Ah, if I must choose a favorite from the kaleidoscope of characters I've brought to life, it would undoubtedly be Duke, the Saint Bernard with a heart as vast as his frame. He leaps from the pages of *Avenging Love*, the inaugural adventure in my trilogy, carrying the weight of a profound guilt complex. Yet, it's his unwavering code of honor, a standard so lofty that it leaves mere mortals in the dust, that truly defines him. Duke is on a quest for redemption, a journey he shares with the main protagonist. Together, they're an unstoppable force, navigating the turbulent waters of their pasts to set things right. But what endears Duke to me the most isn't just his bravery or the burdens he bears; it's the flickers of humor that shine through the cracks of his stoic facade. His wit is as dry as the finest champagne, adding a layer of richness to our tale that I simply adore. Duke, in all his complex, canine glory, has indeed stolen my heart.

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

Ah, the saga of my literary journey truly began with a tumultuous love affair titled *Through the Gates of Hell*. Picture this: my debut novel, akin to a first pancake—somewhat lumpy, slightly burnt, yet imbued with an undeniable charm. I bravely launched it into the world, only to reel it back like a bashful fisherman, realizing the catch wasn't quite ready for the market. Rewriting it was like herding cats in a thunderstorm—chaotic, near-impossible, but oddly exhilarating. That first foray into the world of words was an epic battle against the twin dragons of self-doubt and naysayers whispering, "Pssst, you can't make a living writing!" Oh, how those voices became the background music of my existential crisis! Each subsequent book did indeed stretch my abilities, but nothing compares to the Herculean effort of penning that initial "The End." It was less about reaching the finish line and more about proving to myself (and those pesky dragons) that my pen could indeed wield magic. So, while every book has been a journey, none have quite matched the rollercoaster ride of birthing my first literary child into the world.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Ah, the question of my favorite author is akin to asking a chameleon its favorite color—it changes with the landscape of my emotions! For days when the mundane world feels too constricting, and I yearn for an escape into the vast expanses of fantasy, Brandon Sanderson is my portal master. His worlds are so vast, so intricately crafted, that I can easily slip into them, leaving my earthly concerns behind like old shoes at the door. Then there are moments of quiet introspection, when the whispers of existential curiosity beckon. Richard Bach becomes my philosophical guide, nudging me to question the fabric of reality and the loom of my beliefs with the gentle touch of his words. And when the craft of writing calls to me, demanding I sharpen my tools and refine my skills, Derek Murphy is the blacksmith to my arsenal. His insights and strategies are the whetstones against which I hone the edge of my pen. Indeed, books are the emotional symphony of life, and these authors are my maestros, each conducting a different movement to resonate with the ever-changing moods of my soul. In the grand library of existence, it's essential to have a favorite author for each season of the heart—after all, variety is the spice of life, and in the case of literature, it's the flavor of our souls.

What book are you reading right now?

At this very moment, I'm diving headfirst into the electrifying world of *Steelheart* by Brandon Sanderson. It's not just a thrilling escape; it's a masterclass in storytelling that both captivates and educates. On the flip side, my quest for self-improvement has led me to *The Heart of the Story* by CS Lakin and *BookCraft* by Derek Murphy. These gems are my guiding lights, sharpening my skills and deepening my understanding of the intricate dance of words. It's a delicate balancing act, oscillating between the boundless realms of fiction for sheer pleasure and the grounded, wisdom-laden pages of non-fiction to hone my craft. This literary juggling act is not just about enjoyment versus education; it's a journey of growth, inspiration, and endless discovery.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Ah, the mysterious wellspring of inspiration, you ask? It's like finding a needle in a haystack—except the needle is whispering plot twists, and the haystack is the entirety of the universe. Take, for instance, the enigmatic cow I encountered, lounging (or conducting a very convincing impression of sleep) by the roadside. I've affectionately dubbed her Moo, and she's been a constant murmur in the back of my mind ever since. She's tight-lipped about her adventures for now, but I'm on pins and needles, waiting for her to spill the beans. Then there's this other character, a whirlwind of chaos with hair that defies gravity (and decency, but let's not spoil the surprise). This character is chattering away, weaving an epic fantasy that's growing more intricate by the minute. It's like my brain has turned into a bustling marketplace of ideas, where characters pop up uninvited, peddling their stories. In short, inspiration for me is like an uninvited houseguest: it shows up unannounced, makes itself at home, and starts telling me what to do. And I, ever the obliging host, simply grab my pen and start taking notes.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In the rare moments when I'm not wrestling with words on a page, you can find my wife and me diving into the world of jigsaw puzzles. It's our zen garden—minus the sand and with a 1000-piece skyline. This sacred ritual is more than just fitting pieces together; it's where we unwind and exchange tales of the day, all while deciphering where that pesky corner piece vanished to. Now, DIY projects? Ah, they're my kind of adventure—except for plumbing. There's something about pipes and wrenches that conjures a vocabulary I didn't know I had. It's like a linguistic transformation spell—bam!—from family-friendly to "earmuffs, kids." But give me an old piece of furniture and a power sander, and I'm in paradise. The hum of the sander, the dance of sawdust—it's where tranquility meets creativity. It's during these moments that my characters decide to chime in, plotting their next moves or whispering secrets, proving that inspiration lurks in the most unexpected of places. Oh, and my writing desk? It's a phoenix reborn from the ashes of an old bed frame, dismantled and lovingly repurposed by yours truly. It's a testament to the idea that with a little imagination (and a lot of sanding), anything is possible.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Ah, the literary cauldron is bubbling over with a concoction of tales yet to be told! Fresh off the high of completing my trilogy, I'm now plunging headfirst into the fantastical realms of an epic fantasy series. The first installment is so close to completion, I can almost hear the battle cries. But wait, there's more! A quirky interdimensional love story has been doing cartwheels in my mind, demanding its spot in the limelight. Meanwhile, a couple of audacious characters from my trilogy are tugging at my sleeves, pleading for a time-traveling escapade to unveil their ancient origins. And those pesky loose ends from the trilogy? They're like that one drawer that won't close because it's overstuffed - absolutely refusing to be ignored. Oh, the list goes on... like a never-ending buffet of narrative delights. It seems my destiny is to be eternally surrounded by a merry band of unfinished stories, each clamoring for attention. I've resigned myself to the fact that I'll likely shuffle off this mortal coil with a pen in hand and a stack of half-told tales. But hey, what's life without a little literary chaos?