Q&A with Chris Cole – Author Interview

Chris Cole is an author who combines imagination, adventure and compelling storytelling to create books that capture readers’ attention from the very first page. In this Q&A interview, we sit down with Cole to discuss the inspiration behind The Sword’s Secret, the creative process that shaped the story and the journey of bringing its characters and world to life. Honest, engaging and full of enthusiasm for storytelling, Chris offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the mind behind the novel.

During our conversation, Chris shares insights into world-building, character development and the challenges of crafting an adventure that keeps readers invested from beginning to end. From the origins of the story to the themes woven throughout the book, this interview provides an authentic look at the dedication and creativity involved in writing fantasy fiction. Whether you’re already a fan of The Sword’s Secret or are searching for your next exciting read, this conversation offers plenty of inspiration and behind-the-scenes insight.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

My pronouns are xe/xim (like ‘z’) and I’m writing like I’m running out of time.

Born and raised in Southeast Idaho, I’ve always loved stories: reading, watching, or telling them. Throughout school, I found time to write and be creative in multiple endeavors. From yearbook to choir to English assignments, I consistently found joy in creating.

Fun fact: I used to be a TV news reporter!

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

A book, A comfy folding chair, and a fancy yacht to be able to come and go as I please!

Who is your biggest role model?

Honestly, I’d have to say Sara Bareilles. Her music has had a profound impact on my life, and I thoroughly enjoy watching her grow and develop as an artist, a human, and as a creative.

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

My favorite book frequently changes, but right now it’s How to Overthrow the Government by Arianna Huffington. A steady favorite series of mine is the Animorphs series by KA Applegate.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

Yes. It depends always on what I’m doing and where I’m going to be taking in the book. If I’m at home I’ll read a physical book, I’ll take one or two when I travel, but I take my e-book reader with me for that as well, and if I’m driving and traveling, I’ll do audiobooks.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

Writing is currently my side-hustle. I take it very seriously even though I’m not able to make a sustainable living off it (yet!). Currently, I work as a licensed counselor in Idaho.

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

Links to my socials:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I usually have an idea, and write what I’d imagine the blurb on the back. From there, I open a new document and start at chapter one. Depending on what kind of story it is, I’ll do a rough outline or a synopsis of things I’m thinking of having in the book, and then use that as a sort of roadmap.

With other, more in-depth series, I create a ‘bible’ and start adding lore, characters, and backgrounds. Usually that’s a hard balance for me to manage, as I can get so caught up in world building and details there, I don’t actually write the book I initially wanted to write!

Where do you like to write?

It varies for me, but I usually like to write at home, at a local coffee shop, or even sometimes when I’m driving, I’ll make voice notes to myself and try to flesh out scenes more. I’ll also take my computer or tablet with keyboard with me usually wherever I go, so even at my sister’s house or if I’m traveling, I’ll have a place where I can write. I’ll even write on my phone as well. My devices are all synced.

What do you like most about writing?

I enjoy being able to tell stories of queer normalcy. Yeah, I write fantasy and science fiction, but I also enjoy my romances, where they’re just two normal men navigating life’s roller coaster together. I’m equally grateful for the progress we’ve made that I’m able to write these stories, and I equally think they’re vital to tell now more than ever.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Time, work, and getting in my own way. If I didn’t work a full time job, I would definitely want to be writing full time, doing more marketing and outreach, things like that. It’s just a matter of time and not having enough. I really relate to Alexander Hamilton in the musical where they say he writes like he’s running out of time. And then when I do have a lot of time, I’m usually exhausted and want to relax and not do anything, which is when I get in the way of my own self.

What genres do you like to write and why?

I like romance, science fiction, and fantasy. I’ve also written some children’s picture books that I hope will become a series one day. My romances are all contemporary, so I really enjoy being able to insert these characters into the real world and make them feel real to the reader, and myself. As for science fiction and fantasy, I love the idea that there’s more out there than we can see, and imagining what it looks like and what would happen to the people who discover it is always interesting to me.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Know your ‘why.’ Why are you writing? Why does this story need to be told? Why are you the one to tell it? Answering those questions for yourself can absolutely affirm for you that you need to write that book, and only you can tell that story the way it needs to be told.

Showcase Your Book!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

Picking a favorite out of my books is like picking a favorite loved one—I love them all, and for equally similar and different reasons. I am currently working on a sequel to the first book of my urban romantasy series, Ancient Wonders: The Sword’s Secret, so I’m currently very invested in that world and enjoying being with those characters.

How long did The Sword’s Secret take you to write?

It took me about a year to finally get everything down that I wanted, and that included a lot of worldbuilding, character development, and finding each character’s ‘why’ as well as my own. I also try to let my creativity flow, so I did hop between projects, and started future books in the series as well.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

I love when people tell me they can relate to a character, or enjoy a story. I love finding out what people love about a specific book or character, because that tells me that, in the end, we’re all much more alike than we are different in some very pivotal ways, and I wish more people would see that as they try and oppress diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the United States.

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