A Profile of Sci-Fi Author C. J. McKivvik
Today I'm introducing Sci-Fi author CJ McKivvik.
C.J. writes action/thrillers that I find intriguing, a Dan Brown meets Indian Jones mashup. He lives in a small village in southwest Ontario, Canada with his partner, their three children and some cats and chickens. When he is not writing he is thinking about writing, and/or running, and/or swimming and/or walking in the fields and forests.
Like many Canadians, he is passionate about hockey and has a love-hate relationship with winter. If given the opportunity, he would live full-time on a tropical island, and would weave numerous visits to Canada and traveling the world into the island life. He likes coconuts, the ocean, tigers, the color blue, the number 10, science and Indie music.
Good morning CJ:
Q: What prompted you to start writing?
A: Good question! I think I’ve always been a writer and wanted to be a sports journalist when I left high school. I did get a job offer, but I was in my first year of university and decided to stick that out instead. Years passed … and the writing that I did was more and more research kind of writing. I wrote several non-fiction books but my first novel was The Secret of Immortality, last year. When I look back, I think what prompted me at various times, was the enjoyment I get creating something from nothing. What I really enjoyed about my novel was I simply ‘made it up’. Sounds kind of dull, but I love the challenge of making something seem realistic – something plausible – that is entertaining and can make people think, and wonder, even just a little bit.
Q: Describe the genre of your books.
A: The Secret of Immortality is the first of four books in that series, and I had always struggled to think of ‘The Genre’ as I was writing it, and soon after when I was asked exactly that question. Fortunately, the reviewers have done that job for me, and I’ve seen comments that the book reminds people of the adventure fiction of Clive Cussler, the adventures of Indiana Jones, and the mysteries of a Dan Brown novel, and it’s been labelled as ‘an incredibly paced action/ adventure tale’ and ‘reminiscent of ‘National Treasure,’ and the ‘The Mummy’ franchise. I wasn’t trying to write within any specific genre, however, and the story was simply ‘the story’ without any genre to call its home.
I’m also writing another novel outside of the Immortality series, and I can’t think of the genre for that either. It’s quite different from anything I’ve read or seen, and I can’t even think of a comparable book.
Q: Most readers have an all-time favorite book and author. What are your all-time favorite book and author?
A: That is a really tough question! I don’t actually read much fiction and tend to read more science-type books. So many great books. Right now, I’m into my third book of Frans de Waal’s, a researcher (zoologist and ethologist) who writes about primates and human behavior (e.g., Are We Smart Enough ot know How Smart Animals are?’). Fascinating subject and one of the best writers around. I enjoy reading Steven Pinker’s books, and if you want to laugh a lot it’s hard to do better than the late Pete McCarthy’s ‘McCarthy’s Bar.
Q: What words of wisdom do you have for our readers?
A: Read widely, and experience as much in life as you can. [Good words]
Q: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? How do you handle it?
A: I’ve been fortunate as I’ve not known a writer’s block per se. But I find my best ideas happen when I’m walking, or swimming or running … basically when I’m getting exercise. So I always have a small notebook with me to scribble down the idea, because ideas ‘happen’ when you least expect them.
Q: Every writer I know is also, an avid reader. I know I am. What new author have you discovered lately that you’re reading? Tell us about him or her.
A: As above, Frans de Waal! A great writer and someone who has clearly given some great and extensive thought to animals and the human species. I enjoy books that make you think and provide new perspectives on life, the universe and everything. Which reminds me, Douglas Adams is one of my all-time favourite authors too, and I’ll read his books over and over again.
Q: If readers can read only one book this month, why should it be yours?
A: Ah … hmmmm … well, because you will not have read a book like it. I would like to say it is not predictable, the writing is somewhat different and I don’t think you’ll see the ending coming. It’s longer than your standard book but that’s because I’m setting the story up for the remaining 3 books – all of which will move along really quickly now the foundation has been set.
Q: What are you working on for your next release?
A: My next book is the second in the series – its titled “The Search.” Plenty of intrigue and action and is a fast-paced romp through approx. 250-280 pages.
Meantime, there is another book in the works – titled “Enough”. It is very different to the series and ‘out there’ – but a fun book all the same. Well, at least I’m thinking & hoping it is.
For more information on CJ McKivvik, go to his website or follow him on GoodReads.com.
For more on Jeff Bailey, go to his website or follow him on GoodReads.com or on his LinkedIn blog.
Today's Book Selection:
Tumble, The Andaman Event was a surprising find for me. Bob Triggs takes a fictional, global disaster, The Andaman Event and takes it epic. After reading the first in the series, I know its going to take at least six books to cover the story. Triggs delves into the lives of the people who are directly involved in the event, not just the event itself. Reminds me a bit of James Mitchener's development of a story. The geology, the history, the people's lives all blended into a uniquely readable story. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Try it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.