Giveaway and Author Interview: When the Lights Go Out

Welcome to Writing for Christ Max Anderson, it is great to have you here! Do you have an interesting fact about yourself the average reader probably doesn’t know?

Most people are shocked to find out that I grew up hating to read. Then their mouths drop open when I tell them that my father was the author of over 70 books and I didn’t read any of them. My life took a direction toward visual communication through film and video production. Today, I bring that same visual excitement, and heart-pounding action, mystery, and adventure into my writing. Kids say that reading one of my books is like being in an exciting movie.

Do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

Reading for enjoyment or recreation is still a bit of a struggle for me. I’d rather see it than read about it. But when I write, my books are intended for readers 8 – 13, especially boys. Girls seem to enjoy reading them just as much, and so do adults.

Do you have a nugget of writing advice that has completely changed how you view writing?

I bring the film world into my writing world. By that I mean that I keep props and pictures around the computer that relate to the project I’m writing. In the background, I play mood appropriate music for the scene that’s being written. I always burn a candle next to my computer screen but only while writing. I don’t write to an outline. For me, writing a book is a lot like watching a feature motion picture and I write as the story unfolds before me. However, before I begin to write, I do extensive research and have those notes nearby. I have also taken the time to tell the story to myself into a recorder. Those notes are typed and then set aside, in a file, until after the first draft has been completed. By doing this, I at least know the beginning, middle, and end, but not much else. But using this process has helped me to avoid writer’s block for thirty-six manuscripts so far.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author?

The best part about it is when I hear from a young reader, a teacher, or a parent who tells me how one of my books touched them. And the very best are the ones where they say that my book turned a reluctant reader into an avid reader. Nothin’ better than that!

Places for readers to learn more about you?

When the Lights Go Out blog  http://max-whenlightsgoout.blogspot.com 

Video When the Lights Go Out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfSEkGN5q0U&feature

Books for Boys Blog http://booksandboys.blogspot.com
Author Web Site http://www.maxbooks.9k.com
Video for Captain Jack's Treasure http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOJMw-faws&feature
Video - Barney and the Runaway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0l7ZU94Ieo&feature=mfu
Video - North Woods Poachers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrJF8x9gqBw&feature
Video - Guys...Read A Book  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgzkiTCeTEU&feature 

Thank you for being with us today! 

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Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged items for said prize.

Thanks for coming by to enter! Contest ends on September 9th