Interview: Vincent Hobbes, Co-Author of The Endlands

Even though I am busy with my own writing and promotion of my books, I seldom turn down an opportunity to interview an author. Please join me in welcoming Vincent Hobbes.

Can you tell the readers about your background?

I’ve been writing over half my life. As a teenager, I knew I wanted to be a writer. Thing was, I wasn’t as serious as I am now. I call it practice. I had a high school English teacher who was very encouraging, and motivated me to continue writing. Now, many years later, I’m a professional writer. It’s been a hell of a ride.

How long have you been writing and do you write in only one genre?

As I said earlier, most of my life. I write in multiple genres. I prefer horror, but also love to write dystopian, sci-fi, and fantasy.

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always been a creative person. At an early age, my parents encouraged my creativity. My mother always says I did things backwards—against the grain. My inspiration to write comes from being drawn to creativity, and over the years, I’ve learned to capture it and put it on paper.

Unique people also inspire me. I like to put someone I know or have met into a made up situation and guess how they would react.

Lastly, and probably by biggest inspiration to write, is because I have to. It is my form of therapy, my addiction. When I don’t write, I go a little mad. I must write because it keeps me sane.

How many books have you written?

I wrote a handful of novels at a young age, and into my twenties a handful more. But they will never see the light of day, for they were merely practice — a learning of the craft.

I’ve co-authored three books with fellow writers Nathan Palmer and Jordan Benoit. I’ve also written five short stories in the anthology, The Endlands. I’m currently working on more stories for the second volume, as well. I also have two new novels I’m almost finished with, so needless to say, I’ve been busy.

How do you come up with the names of characters for your books?

Different ways. I wrote a short story called ‘The Hour of the Time’. The main character’s name is Charlie, named after my cat. I actually hate cats, but Charlie is different. The name seemed to fit the character in the story, kinda like my cat, actually. Charlie has an obsessive type personality, and his quirks were something that I needed to write about. Other times my characters are named after someone I know or run across, and often a name just pops in my head and I go for it.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on two novels. A horror novel set in the wild west and a futuristic dystopian novel.

Can you explain where one can purchase your books and find more information about you?

My books are available at all major online retailers. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony, etc. They are available in both trade paperback and ebook. For more information about me visit: www.VincentHobbes.com