Giveaway and Interview: I, Walter by Mike Hartner

I, Walter by Mike Hartner

I, Walter is a 1600s historical adventure and romance that follows the life of Walter Crofter as he tries to make his way in the world.

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Walter Crofter runs away from home, and ends up a Merchant Marine

--How did you get the idea for the story?

This story was the result of following a single aspect of a much larger story to its origin, and picking one of the first characters.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

            \As the author, I love all my characters, and they all seem to have interesting personalities. If I was to pick one for a meal though, I think it would have to be Juan

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

 The next book in the series (I, Angus) is in the initial stages of edit, and the third book is already on the drawing board.  I expect the release date of I, Angus to be close to the end of the year

--What book(s) is your book’s “cousin”? (Similar kind of read, set-up or style)

I don’t know that it has a cousin.  If anything, I think there’s a touch of influence from Chaucer’s Cantebury Tales (the clean version); and a little bit of Count of MonteCristo, and a little bit of RLS... but mostly it’s my own.

--What are some of your favorite books?

Do you still have much time to read?  I always find time to read. Chaucer, and RLS, Mark Twain, and many other classic writers have been great influeces, and I continue to return to them and read.

--If a fairy godmother told you could be put into the world of your favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

As cheesy as this sounds, I’d like Him to put me in the midst of books like Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, or on Les Miserable’s streets, to be able to get authentic feel for that time period, and be able to write it with confidence.  Research can only take a writer so far.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I always put my headphones on and use music when I’m writing.  I never listen to songs though, as they tend to interrupt the conversation that I’m having with the main characters in my books.  During I,Walter, he was preferential to Mendelssohn’s Scottish tunes, and Angus also, though I find Rossini’s William Tell overture helps the scenes where the horses are running.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

The power to heal. Not just the physical diseases (like cancer or cataracts) but the emotional scars that come from things that are done to our younger selves.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time? Fee time? What is that?

 I spend most of my waking time cheerleading my son, and being an adequate father and spouse, and son-in-law.  Writing is my free time, and I enjoy it very much.

--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?

 Hang in there, kid.  Things will get a lot better.   [At 15, I had epilepsy and a lot of challenges. At 25 I got married, at 26 I had the operation to rid me of epilepsy.  Today, I’ve been married 23 years, seizure free over ten, and we have come to live comfortably from two people with $200 and a pair of maxed out credit cards]

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

To each and every one of the readers, I wish to say Thank You.  Thank You for having the interest to read this blog.  Thank you for having the interest to read I, Walter.  And to those special people who take the time to review the book on Goodreads, Amazon, or where ever else, thank you.   All of the feedback that I receive is very gratifying, and I assure you I read it all and listen to your opinions.  I’m very grateful you’ve allowed me to entertain you for a short time.

Lightning round: this or that?This

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla

Edward or Jacob? Edward

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? paper

Salty or sweet? sweet

Beach or mountains? Beach

Phone call or email? Phone call

Early bird or night owl? Night owl

Dog or cat? Dog

Messy or neat? messy

Ninjas or pirates? Pirates

Mike Hartner is the author of I, Walter.  He lives in Vancouver, BC and juggles many different job hats as a husband, father, chef, chauffeur, and friend.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/mhartner1

web: www.accidentalauthor.ca

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/I-Walter-ebook/dp/B00C7FJ7B4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370918389&sr=1-1&keywords=%22I%2C+Walter%22

- I, Walter by Mike Hartner ebook, open internationally, or signed paperback US only
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