Scott Kimak is a history teacher and Kung Fu master. He came up with the story “I call him – HIM” when he was a teenager but failed miserably to put pen to paper. It took nearly forty years for him to make a second attempt. This time the words flowed unrestrained. Mr. Kimak lives in Harlingen Texas with the love of his life Diana.

Welcome to the Hive, Scott Kimak. Let’s start small: tell us about a great book you’ve read recently! 

I’m currently reading the fourth book of the Game of Thrones series.  I love the books but I wish I wouldn’t have watched the television show first.  Normally I read a book first before I see the movie.  It’s difficult to get excited when I already know what is going to happen. However, there are some small differences, so that’s entertaining.

Okay, time to escalate things: reality warps and you suddenly find yourself leading a D&D-style party through a monster-infested dungeon. What character class are you, and what’s your weapon of choice? 

I love D&D. My kids and I play every Saturday night.  I always play a human fighter that is very similar to the main character in my book.  My weapons of choice are two Chinese straight swords.

When you’re not trawling through dungeons, how do you like to work? (For example, in silence, with music, or serenaded by the damned souls of a thousand dead shrimps? Do you prefer to type or to hand-write? Intense planner or is your system more organic?) Tell us a little bit about your writing method! 

I need absolute silence when I’m writing, which can be difficult with four children, four dogs, and a cat.  I usually lock myself in a room and let my mind take me into a different world.  I have to type.  My handwriting is so atrocious that I wouldn’t be able to read my own notes.  When I write I have an overall main idea of where I’m going, but that can change.  Sometimes new ideas pop in my head.  This usually happens when I’m trying to sleep or practicing Kung Fu.

What (or who) are your most significant fantasy influences? Are there any creators whom you dream of working with someday?

R.A. Salvatore is my favorite author.  I love the way he writes his battle scenes.   As a martial artist, I can really appreciate how detailed they are.

What was the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it? Alternatively, what games have you enjoyed recently?  

The last thing I watched was The Witcher.  Again, I loved the fight choreography.  I think it’s some of the best I’ve ever seen.

The world shifts, and you find yourself with an extra day on your hands during which you’re not allowed to write. How do you choose to spend the day?  

With my family and my granddaughter. During the day I’m a history teacher.  At night I teach martial arts.  The rest of the time I’m writing, so unfortunately, I don’t spend enough time with my family.

Can you tell us a little something about your current work(s) in progress? 

I already finished the second book in the “I call him HIM” trilogy, but it still needs to be edited.  It’s called the “Angel of Death.”  I’m currently working on the final book “The Sword of God.”  I’m about a third of the way done and it’s moving along quite well.  Tons of action and sword fighting just like the first two novels.

What’s the most (and/or least) helpful piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?  

If you’re going to self-publish then learn how to market.  I know my book is a great book and everyone that has read it says the same thing, but that doesn’t matter.  If you don’t create a following your book will never be successful.

Every writer encounters stumbling blocks, be it a difficult chapter, challenging subject matter or just starting a new project. How do you motivate yourself on days when you don’t want to write? 

It’s simple, I don’t write.  I know some authors force themselves to write a certain amount of words every day. I can’t do that.  If it comes to me then I write it.

If you could visit any country at any point in history, where/when would you go, and why?  

That’s easy.  I would love to visit China around the year 500 A.D.  I would like to visit the Shaolin Temple and compare the Kung Fu forms to today.  Everything changes over time and I would like to see if the skills and techniques have changed at all.

Tell us about a book that’s excellent, but underappreciated or obscure. 

I’m not sure about that one.  Most of the authors that I’ve read are famous.  If you’re not a big D&D fan then you might not know who R.A. Salvatore is so I would definitely recommend him.  I’ve read all of the “Drizzt” series, and I’ve never been disappointed.

Finally, would you be so kind as to dazzle us with an elevator pitch? Why should readers check out your work?

I believe I’ve written a very unique novel that crosses several genres.  First off, it’s Dystopian, but it is also Fantasy with plenty of demons, zombies, and action-packed swordplay.  However, it is very graphic with plenty of gore and violence which will appeal to horror fans.  What really makes it different is the religious side to it.  This may appeal to Christian fans who want to see a realistic version of the “End Times.”  Finally, I didn’t forget the love story.  But it’s not what you expect.  My main character has lost his wife, but there are flashbacks scenes that will tear at your heart when you know how much he truly loved her and his daughter.

Thank you so much Scott!