Swords, sorcery, other worlds and plenty of action are staples of the fantasy book genre. Craig Halloran, from Charleston, West Virginia, has written 70 books in 10 years, taking his readers to far-off lands.
He grew up reading books like Conan the Barbarian and playing Dungeons and Dragons. When he decided to start writing books, the choice for what to write was simple.
Still, he said, he has learned several lessons along the way. Like learning that his favorite genre is actually difficult to write.
“I’ve been doing it for a while not thinking about it, but it is complicated, because you’re having to describe a lot of things people haven’t seen before,” Halloran said.
Halloran also said he makes a clear choice to avoid foul language in his books, or at least only when it is appropriate.
“I don’t want to use any modern vernacular,” he explained. “Now, I do have some books that are in a modern setting, but I just don’t want to use that language. I’m kind of like Louis L’Amour. He never used it. And people don’t really miss it, unless you’re getting into a real gritty character, and you want to go that direction. You could do it that way. But it’s not me. I’m not the kind of guy who wants to do that.”
Next up, Halloran said he is planning a dragon-based series aimed at middle grade students and up. In the beginning of 2020, he plans to release the series all at once, so readers can read them without waiting.
Halloran said he never had the discipline growing up to create like he does today, but credits being in the military with helping him develop the focus.
“Every day I write, maybe in the morning, but mostly in the evening, and most of it on the weekends. That’s my process. People are amazed by that, but even if you did just 1000 words a day, and you did it for 10 years, you’re going to have a lot, lot, lot, lot lot, of books. It’s just the way it is. I just do it,” he said.
Even after writing so many books, Halloran said he loves to hear from his readers. He has some that tell him they have read all of them.
“People say I’m their favorite author. And, you know, it’s just great honor. It keeps me going. It really gives me that push I need to keep going,” he said.
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