Nate Littlefield

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

I was born and raised in Florida, within a half-hour drive to the Gulf of Mexico. That's probably why I began an early love affair with the ocean that continues throughout my life. I am an avid scuba diver and enjoy most any activity that is on, under, or around the water. Not surprisingly, I have a passion for protecting the marine environment. I also enjoy reading, of course, as well as cycling and going for nature walks with my wife.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing early, in school, with short stories that were usually about sea monsters. Writing, for me, is a natural extension of reading. Reading stimulates my imagination. Writing is the creative outlet that lets me explore the landscapes and interact with the people that I create in my mind. Short stories allowed me to practice my craft and I gradually began creating longer, more complex story ideas and characters. Novels seemed the logical progression.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Though I have always been a dreamer, I grew up surrounded by many practical people who viewed art as a casual distraction, at best. To pursue writing as a career was viewed as nonsense by most of these well-intentioned folk. But I also had access to successful creative individuals who encouraged me to focus on developing as a writer. For a time, I struggled between these two viewpoints with an either/or mentality. I finally got out of my own way and found a balance, giving myself permission to take writing as a career seriously.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

All of the characters are fun to write, each with their own personality and motivation. But my favorite is definitely Alex Nolen, my protagonist in Endangered Species. Alex is an everyman. He's honest, well-intentioned, and not afraid to stand up for what he believes in, which is the perfect recipe for getting himself into all kinds of trouble.

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

Endangered Species, my first novel, was a real learning experience. It challenged all of my preconceptions about writing a novel. But it was a labor of love and reaffirmed my desire to be a storyteller. The lessons I learned will stay with me as I move forward.

Who is your favourite author and book?

When it comes to fiction, I don't have one favorite. I can't. Among my favorites, for a variety of reasons, are Patrick O'Brian, Clive Cussler, Dawn Lee McKenna, Patrick D. Smith, Nicholas Harvey, Robert Louis Stevenson, Don Rich, John Steinbeck, and Nick Sullivan. I could go on, but I better stop there.

What book are you reading right now?

Held Hostage: Search for the Juncal by Eric Douglas, and A Land Remembered by Patrick D. Smith.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Little things in life spark the beginnings of an idea for a story or scene. It could be an overheard conversation, a location that evokes an emotion, or an unexpected turn of events.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Diving and snorkeling. Spending a day at the beach. Reading the non-fiction exploits of divers and explorers.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I'm currently hard at work on Book #2 in the Southern Waters Adventure series, furthering the adventures of Alex Nolen and his friends. I'm also working on a small compilation of selected short stories.