Exclusive Interview with
Sean Michael Paquet
When did you start writing?
I have been writing in some form or fashion since I was about ten years old. I have always written poetry and short stories just for my own creativity. However, I started writing professionally as a n author back in 2017.
What makes writing your passion?
I would say it is directly linked to my spirituality. Writing allows me to creatively express pain, anger, love, and a host of other emotion instead of letting them overwhelm me. I have always been a deeply emotional person and writing helps me balance Emotional Overload with Spiritual Balance.
How long have you been writing?
Since I was ten. However, my first book was started back in 2017.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
That there was still more to the story. So I started writing a sequel.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
The main character Jon Raynecksson is a 17 year old Viking who is part of a colony that was removed from Earth before a catastrophe struck. He is what is called a Warden. He has second sight, can talk to spirits and animals, and uses a very Eastern Indian influenced form of magic.
Splar is a Sabertooth (Smilodon) who was removed from Earth due to his uncanny level of intelligence. He is Jon's sworn protector.
Isbjorna is a Polar bear cub whom Jon rescues during the early part of the story. She is an integral part of the adventure.
Captain Kensai Baltazr is an Air Force Special Operations science advisor in the year 2059. She was removed from Earth just before her helicopter crashed into the desert. She is an Archaeologist, Anthropologist, and Biologist with advanced degrees in Physiscs, and Psychology. She becomes Jon's constant companion and is deeply engaged in the story from about the middle forward.
Rafi is an exiled Nephilim giant. He was a soldir in a war between giants and humans that began to wage across other worlds besides Earth. He is a deeply troubled soul.
Schrock is a Raven who acts as a spy and messenger for Jon and also for Myrnran Gaia.
Myrnran Gaia, is an advanced machine construct infused with a human consciousness. She is responsible for the proliferation and survival of humanity on a new world.
Halal is a severely mentally damaged lunatic with a god complex. He is also a brilliant if emotionless scientist.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I have found that the marketing and advertising that follows publishing to be the most annoying part.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I don't. If I do not feel inspired to write, then i do not write. I do something else creatively until I feel inspired to write.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Just keep writing. Even if it sounds like gibberish. Keep writing. No idea is worth anything until it is written down or typed. It's just formless energy until you do something with it.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would go back to 1990 and tell myself to invest in Microsoft and never get married.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I have never had a bad book review. I had one average one, but i took it in stride because the reader as not a fluent English speaker, and I think some of my message was lost in translation. I read my book reviews all the time and I respond to those you submit reviews. I always appreciate collaborating with my readers.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I think its awesome. Often it is what inspires me to keep writing.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Everything in my stories is based on real life experiences. I only write in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genre because people would never believe my experiences are true. They won't read truth. They will read fantasy and want to be believe its possible.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I would say that part of me is in every character I write. You know like different facets of my personality. No one character is wholly me.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
I absolutely think the cover should tell a synopsis of the story . I am a firm believer in eye-catching book covers that tell the story before you even open the book.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I talk to my readers all of the time. Many of them communicate with me through social media. Some of them have great ideas and insights that help me to formulate new material.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It is very humbling for me. I appreciate the praise, and I cherish my readers and followers.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Probably R.A. Salvatore. I think he has dome more to realize the Forgotten Realms Universe than any other author who writes using that world.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I don't really have big dreams like that. I am content to write and send a message to my readers. I live a simple, quiet life, and my dream is only to be able to provide for my loved ones.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Nope. The story I wrote stays as is. I wrote it from a standpoint that is outside of the box from popular genre because I feel Science Fiction and fantasy can become repetitive in approach, plot, and characters.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
I would say Stephen King. i would like to get inside his head and see what makes him tick.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Their opinion is their opinion. I know I wrote a good story. My fans know I wrote a good story. I do not let peoples negative energy affect me or my direction.
What would you say to your readers?
I have a new book coming out sometime around May of 2021. If possible, it will publish right around the same time as my first book. This book titled "The Jarl's Shadow, is a sequel in some ways to my first book "A GAME OF GODS. It will chronicle the adventures of Amra Raynecksdotter, and will also continue the story line from A GAME OF GODS.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in the Philippines as an Expatriate. Yes, I am married and I have two kids.
What is your day job if you have one?
I retired from the world back in May of 2018. Writing is my job now.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I like to do graphic arts which is helpful for my marketing and advertising. I also practice, yoga, meditation, go to the gym, and I love to read.
Did you have a happy childhood?
My childhood was...interesting. I would not say it was happy.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I started going through a Spiritual Awakening back in 2017. That is the primary reason I started writing professionally.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have a Work In Progress call the Jarl's Shadow. it explores metaphysical concepts along with personality disorders while maintaining a science fiction/fantasy related backstory of unimaginable alien forces, lost civilizations, and conspiracy theories.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I think education should be more tailored to individual strengths and affinities. I feel that a more direct and personal approach is needed and that parents should take a more active role in their children's education.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
I wish I had started writing professionally sooner.
I wish i had not made some of the mistakes I had made over the last two years in my personal life.
I wish I had stayed single instead of jumping from relationship to relationship my whole life.
What is your favorite music?
Progressive and Alternative. I am a big fan of Linkin Park.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I am a revovering alcoholic.