Today, I’d like to introduce the author of Wind Wielder, TC Marti

Tell me about yourself. What inspired you to write?

I’m a proud West Virginian and a die-hard fan of Arizona sports. Both of which I make references to in some of my books. Writing became a good way for me to escape into other worlds and pass the time. Where I live, there isn’t much to do other than to workout and go hiking, unless you’re willing to venture 45 minutes east into Pittsburgh. And since I’m a homebody, writing became a way to both relax and to be productive.

Describe your desk / writing space.

I actually write from a recliner chair, with my left elbow always resting on the chair arm – This is important because it tends to ache if I don’t keep it planted. Beside me is an end table, consisting of a Kindle in case I need to take a break and look for some inspiration, a copy of Blackpink: The Unofficial Biography, and a Ravenclaw House-inspired shaker bottle full of my favorite caffeinated beverages.

Do you have a writing routine or do you write when inspired?

Definitely a writing routine. I’m a creature of habit, so every morning, seven days a week, no days off, I like to edit what I had written the day before then, write 2,000 words before I kick off the day’s activities. I also freelance write for a living, so between assignments, I’ll engage in more creative writing and edits throughout the day. 

What was the hardest scene for you to write? Which scene was your favorite to write?

In Wind Wielder, there are two chapters that comprise entire scenes and I knew they would make or break the plot not just in it, but for the entire series. I couldn’t tell you how many revisions I made just to ensure there were no plot errors for both the book and subsequent books affected by those chapters. My favorite scenes were the thrashball scenes, which served as Wind Wielder’s subplot. The sport walked into my mind back when I was in high school during the late-2000s and it’s a mixture between American football, rugby, and Australian football, to name a few.

What are you working on next?

I actually have at least two more series set in the same universe that feature the same magical systems at work. In fact, they will even cross over with characters found in Wind Wielder and the Elementals of Nordica Series at some point – that’s the Marvel Cinematics inspiration at work there! 

What authors or books have influenced your writing?

E.E. Holmes, author of World of the Gateway is one I can name off the top of my head. J.K. Rowling is perhaps the most well-known. Carissa Andrews is another one that I’ve drawn inspiration from, and Tracy Lawson’s Resistance Series, is perhaps the biggest influence theme-wise.

Coffee or tea? Wine or beer?

None of the above. I often sip on a pre-workout (Beyond Raw Lit is my favorite) during my morning and evening writing sessions, and fruit-flavored caffeinated energy sticks throughout the day. 

What inspired your book/series?

Wind Wielder and the entire Elementals of Nordica Series is a crossover of my favorite books, television shows, movies, and even video games I’d come across since grade school. Some of its biggest inspirations include books like Harry Potter, TV shows like Lost and Avatar: The Last Airbender, and even movies like Star Wars and the shared Marvel Cinematic Universe. If you cross them into one, you get Wind Wielder.

Who is your favorite character from your book and would you get along?

My main character, Sion Zona, is my favorite in Wind Wielder. I based him on myself from when I was in my early 20s, so he was easy to create. However, my 30-year-old self would grow annoyed with Sion’s character flaws, which mirror my own back when I was his age. Brash, overconfident, and thinking he’s a cut above the world are just a few ways to describe Sion in Wind Wielder. There were times that while designing his character, I’d ask myself, “Was I really that bad?” The answer was always an unfortunate yes, just ask anyone who knew me between 2011 and 2019. That said, given the magnitude of the series, Sion has a lot of growing up to do, just as I did at one time. 

If you could live anywhere, in this world or fantasy, where would you live?

I’m actually a huge fan of the hills, valleys, and backwoods of West Virginia. Especially in the fall. However, I’ve always fantasized about living in Prescott, Arizona, or even western North Carolina. But if there’s one place I’d love to live, internationally, it’d be a tiny nation called Estonia.

How do you come up with the title to your books?

I like to make a list of prospective titles, then ask myself would I read a book if I saw it with those prospective titles on Amazon. If the answer is no, then I eliminate it. I continue to repeat this process, even adding more prospective titles until one jumps out at me. Sometimes, I’ll even have a title picked out until something better walks into my mind. For example, my debut novel, Wind Wielder, was going to be called Declaration until well into 2021, when I felt the former would appeal more to my target audience. 

What is your favorite meal?

There is a Greek Restaurant right across the highway from where I live and they serve the best Greek salads. I order from there at least twice a week to the point every host/hostess knows exactly what I’m getting. I actually mention it in passing in a prequel novella of a different series. 

Describe yourself in three words.

Hardworking, inspiring, disciplined.