What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The First Descent?
I wanted to write a holiday story that was not only fun but exciting! The book is a bit unusual in several ways. First, it falls into the contemporary fantasy genre, which intertwines the “real” world with a fantasy world. Second, the ‘real’ world elements are written as a thriller-adventure, my usual writing genre. Third, the Christmas elements in the story are not of the singing-elves, dancing-candy-cane variety. Rather, the story acts as a major reveal about the origin of many of the Christmas symbols and characters we’ve all come to accept over the years.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The First Descent, what would they be?
John Williams’ Star Wars theme.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Thriller-mystery-adventure.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
David Baldocci’s Strangers in Time.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The Coke Formula Heist.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Jelly Beans. I have a jar on my desk. I award myself a jelly bean for every two pages I write.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
If you’re learning, by definition you’re growing, and if you’re growing, by definition you’re living. So: “Learn to live.”
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That an average blue-collar guy or gal can save the world.
Mike Pace is the author of the new book The First Descent
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