Welcome to RKB Writes Author Interviews!
This month’s interview is with Christopher Paniccia.
Author Bio
Christopher R. Paniccia was born and raised in Southern New England.After serving as active duty Para-Rescue in the United States Air Force during Desert Storm he finished his teaching and art degrees. He has been teaching both Elementary as well as College students for over twenty years.
As an indie author, Christopher writes and publishes his own books. He hopes to inspire others to put their ideas into print as his students inspired him to do.
His newest book, Dark Kingdom, book three of the Haven Series came out last month. It introduces the realm of Dark Elves into this epic fantasy.
You can follow Christopher through his social links:
- Tell me about yourself. What inspired you to write?
I have always been a writer. As a young man I would often write comic stories in journals and follow that by putting the story into a complete comic book. Over the years I saved the journals and have an unlimited amount of stories from which to choose to turn them into novels. What really inspired me to take the leap into novel writing can be summed up easily, my students. I have taught both college and elementary students for the past 25 years. My elementary students would comment on my various stories over the years and one group in particular really motivated me to put the stories into words. The floodgates opened.
- Describe your desk / writing space.
My writing space can be described as controlled chaos. Is it possible to be neat but yet cluttered, well that is me. A mixture of writing materials, illustrations, and cups fill my desk.
- Do you have a writing routine, or do you write when inspired?
My writing routine changes based on the seasons. While school is in session my writing takes place in the evening. During the summer month’s I write full-time during the day. I have my notes and outline in front of me and a large glass of water. Ear pods have a special place in my routine as the rock and roll is cranked up and keeps the ideas flowing.
- How do you come up with the title to your books?
Many times, the title of the books comes after the story has begun to be written and as it takes shape the title comes to mind.
- What was the hardest scene for you to write?
Which scene was your favorite to write? The hardest scene for me to write would have to be in Book One of the Haven Series, Heaven’s Gate where Peter Sullivan finally makes it to the gate of the ancient alien realm where he unlocks the gate only to have that moment of extreme high become one of devastation as he and his friends immediately become prisoners.
My favorite scene would have to be in the Gridiron Conspiracy where Dr. Henry Chase introduces Chris Strong and company to his long dead brother at an off the grid cabin in the woods. The doctor leaves a digital trail of breadcrumbs for the companions to follow and has a lot of explaining to do.
- What inspired your book/series?
My current series, The Haven Series, is inspired by true events. My grandfather was a naval officer during WWII and left me his footlocker when he passed. In the footlocker were various military items including an old leather journal. The journal was written in German and upon translation I discovered the journal contained Nazi details about an expedition to Antarctica in search of Rainbow City, an ancient alien civilization. It seemed the perfect way to begin a fantasy story with magic, aliens, and long-lost realms.
- What are you working on next?
I am in the process of working on a spin off Gridiron Conspiracy series focusing on Dr. Henry Chase, the enigma in the trilogy. He has become a beloved character and is definitely worthy of his own legacy.
- What authors or books have influenced your writing?
I have been influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien’s world building, Terry Brooks’ characters, and Terry Goodkind’s storylines.
- If you could live anywhere, in this world or fantasy, where would you live?
I would love to live near the ocean and be able to hear the sound of wind, sea, and animal life.
- What is your favorite meal?
A favorite meal of mine would be the next one! In all seriousness though a great lasagna and cheesecake would hit the spot.
- Coffee or tea? Wine or beer?
Having spent a good amount of time in England I would have to say Tea.
- Describe yourself in three words.
Steadfast, Loyal, and Relentless.
