R. M. Krogman

My writing is thematically dark, emotionally raw, and sometimes gritty. I use limited third point of view, getting deep inside the character(s), and have been complimented on my unique characterizations and voices. My world is broad in diversity/complexity and deep in history, providing a perfect canvas for painting epic stories. I tend toward longer storytelling with generous world-building, perfect for readers to get lost in and lose plenty of sleep. Intermixed with the oftentimes-serious narrative, I sprinkle moments of high emotion and glimmers of light and hope.

I grew up in rural Iowa, USA, but have traveled around the world. I'd say that travel influenced my writing more than anything, as it expanded my understanding of the incredible ecological, physical, and cultural diversity of the earth. Realizing how different everything can be, and how beautiful those differences are, is eye-opening. Seeing some of the natural wonders of the world, experiencing new landscapes and architecture and music, tasting some of the incredible food...All of it feeds into my world-building.

Obsessive. I did not have television, nor did I live near town or participate in extracurricular activities. All I did for fun was read (and occasionally roll down the hill in a garbage barrel, or play with the dogs).

I'd like to pass on this question.

Oof, it's hard to pick just five. I suppose Anne McCaffrey, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Michael Crichton are at the top. I adore the science integrated into McCaffrey's and Crichton's works. I both love and hate Stephen King for reasons, and I totally respect George R.R. Martin for what he's brought to the fantasy genre, but for ability to explore the depths and depravity and brokenness of humankind, both of those might be superseded by Koushun Takami and William Golding.

I often gift "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss to the kids in my life.

Probably Taiuki. I'm nowhere close to as badass as she, but her basic issues of inability to connect with others, recognition of her inherent and unchangeable deviation from "normal," and a continuous need to prove herself are all me. Also rage.

So far, "Sundering" is my favorite. I tend to re-read it frequently. It ramps everything from "Liberation" up. Emotions heighten, stakes rise, violence grows. Everything is more intriguing and faster-moving, and you really get to see characters coming into their power.

My writing space is a toasty-warm office with a view of the timber out the window, a soft heater blanket and a cat on my lap, a dual monitor setup, and a coffee cup with six shots of espresso.

Either lounging in a hammock on a slightly overcast summer day, or early morning on a quiet beach, no one around, with a light blanket and a mimosa.