1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I have always told stories, even before I can remember. My Mom would write my stories I told her. At 13, I watched my cousin play Final Fantasy 7 in its entirety, and understood the importance of character building. During my teen years I designed characters and wrote short stories. I owe my desire to learn about the formats of writing to my Freshman English teacher Mrs. Porras-Wiley. Her challenges to tell the same short story as a poem, dialogue/no dialogue only, and a research essay, broadened my ability in a significant way.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
Distant Fanstasy has been in development from my age of 13, and become a planned series after my service in the U.S. Army. Psychological warfare became the central plot during the acceptance of my own PTS from injuries, physical and mental, from deployment.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I want readers to form their own message.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Attending college, I studied many writing genres and formats. Screen writing was the most difficult for me to grasp, but also was the most rewarding experience. After the course I knew how I wanted to bridge the gap between book and film.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
This is very tough as I draw inspiration from real people very close to me for the characters in my book. Also, every character resembles a portion of myself. Perhaps this will be a question once the series is complete.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
In honesty I am not much for social media. Every written sentence is scrutinized and there is an abundance of people that will present negative thoughts when not in person. Everything I put on social media I would say in person to whom ever or what ever I am writing about. I prefer in person communication.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Study and learn. You grow as a person with knowledge, and your writing grows with you.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
There are several new books in the horizon. This series will have 4 books. However, the world of Lunia is just beginning.
About the Author
Anthony Wray’s writing began with stories about other worlds, but a high school writing exercise challenged him to tap into his emotions. He began writing emotional narratives that became psychological thrillers. He now dives into speculative fiction, combining it with psychological thrillers to blend reality and imagination into tales that balance the two worlds.
After military service, Anthony reintegrated into society using imagination to process deep emotion and believes it may present opportunities for those suffering from PTSD. Anthony has a BFA in Creative Writing and lives in Texas where he writes the Distant Fantasy series.
Stay up to date with Anthony at www.anthonycwray.net and on Facebook @AnthonyC.Wray and Twitter @Anthony_C_Wray.
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