Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.
Michael Thompson is an award-winning author and illustrator from Northern Virginia. His debut novel, World of the Orb, earned national acclaim in the Feathered Quill Book Awards, and his latest publication, Winslow Hoffner’s Incredible Encounters, brings his trademark humor, adventure, and dynamic character ensembles into a folkloric fantasy setting. For more information, visit: MichaelThompsonBooks.com
Wolf: I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at RavenCon this past April. So, Michael, what is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?
Michael: I had something called anticuchos once at my friend’s cookout: ribbons of beef heart laced onto wooden skewers. Really good actually. I remember it being smoky and tasting intensely of iron. I really liked it.
Wolf: I’ve had that. It’s delicious. If you had to pick a weapon, what would it be and why?
Michael: In World of the Orb, one of my main characters has an awesome fighting tool called a “multiweapon.” It extends from a compact handle, to a staff, to a three-sectioned staff or a two-sided spear. The spearheads are linked by chains, and those can be launched and reeled. Pretty handy!
Wolf: Sweet! Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?
Michael: I love dogs. I’ve had two dogs, both of whom have influenced the personalities of some of the animal companions in my books.
Wolf: Dog lovers of the world, UNITE! If you could have a super power, (besides talking to dogs) what would it be?
Michael: In World of the Orb some of the characters can tap into an energy called Ka, which affords them certain telepathic, telekinetic, and other mystic abilities. It’d be great to reach the TV remote too.
Wolf: Your characters should get together with the characters in Star Touched. They seem to have some things in common. Speaking of characters, which of your characters is your favorite?
Michael: I love them all, but right now I’d say my favorite is the titular character from my latest book, Winslow Hoffner’s Incredible Encounters. He’s a gallant, eccentric fisherman who’s witnessed some of the sea’s most astounding beasts of legend. He happens to be a great storyteller with a sharp sense of humor too.
Wolf: Describe a meal you would be served while visiting another world.
Michael: There’s some great food in World of the Orb I’d like to try. Schu-faun would probably be at the top of my list. It’s a creamy, whipped dessert with an exotic, tangy berry syrup shelled in a lattice nest of crisp, sweet pastry.
Wolf: Yummy. Let me know when you’ve worked out the recipe. What is your favorite body of water and why? (river, ocean, waterfall, puddle, bottle…)
Michael: The ocean is remarkable to me. The smell’s refreshing, the sounds are relaxing, and there’s something powerful, hypnotic, and humbling about the vastness. Its mysteriousness inspires a lot of my stories too. There’s a significant seafaring element to World of the Orb and my new Winslow Hoffner book especially delves into what wonders may lay hidden out there.
Wolf: What story are you working on now?
Michael: It’s sequel time! My main focus right now is World of the Orb 2, the official title of which is a secret for now. I’m really excited to return to that world.
Wolf: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Michael: I love film—whether I’m going to the movies, talking about new releases, or making short films with my friends. Film was my minor in college, so that’s another avenue of storytelling I’m passionate about.
Wolf: Film is one of the arts I do best as an observer. Thanks for stopping by.
Connect with Michael through these links:
Website: https://www.MichaelThompsonBooks.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDSiGQGocjTGEHbgagmd5WA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MThompsonBooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mthompson_books/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelThompsonBooks/
And don’t forget to pick up a copy of Star Touched
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