First of all, if you’d like to send me an email, you can do that from my handy-dandy contact page. If you want to follow me on Twitter, I am @kentishdavis. If you write to me, I will do my absolute best to get back to you as quickly as possible, though sometimes, it might take a while because I am 1) traveling for work 2) running for my life from feral ball-tailed cats or 3) horribly behind on my writing because 1 or 2.
However, before you write, you might want to check out the frequently asked questions below. The answer you’re looking for might already be there!
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Minot, ND but moved to a small town in Missouri when I was two. My mom and I moved to Kansas City in sixth grade. I graduated high school in suburban Kansas City, KS, where I learned of the magical sustenance that is barbecue.
Where do you live now?
Bozeman, MT, which is like a cross between Rivendell and, well, Rivendell. Except colder.
How long have you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve wanted to tell stories since elementary school. I started out as an actor and game designer. From there I moved on to writing plays, and then to books, because the stories I wanted to tell just kept getting bigger!
Where did you go to college?
The University of Pennsylvania for undergrad and then University of California, San Diego for theater school, both of which I couldn’t recommend more highly. I had a fantastic time, got a wonderful education, and made friends I’ve kept for the rest of my life.
What was your inspiration for writing ‘A Riddle in Ruby’?
A girl with a tricorne hat, in a barrel with metal ostrich legs. That image that popped into my head, and then the world of The Chemystral Age came tumbling after. Interestingly enough, that girl in that barrel? She isn’t Ruby. Her story’s still out there.
Do you do the covers for your books?
No. I draw stick figures. Bad ones. The cover for ‘A Riddle in Ruby’ was done by Petur Atli Antonsson, who is incredibly talented. I absolutely love the design of my books!
What did you do before you wrote novels?
I acted, mostly in plays, but I also did a couple of small parts on TV. Then I moved from Los Angeles to Bozeman, MT to help run the Equinox Theatre Company as its Artistic Director (it’s now called Verge Theater). I still make paper-and-pencil role playing games. Playing tabletop games is awesome. You get to hang out with friends and make up adventures, all face-to-face. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the world. I also teach in the Honors College at Montana State University.
Are any of your books going to become movies?
Maybe. Movies are strange, tricksy beasts. The best way to get one’s interest is a combination of daring, wit, and selling a gajillion copies of your book. We’ve got the first two covered, but are still working on the third.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love to hike in the mountains near my house, especially with my dog, Dobby Davisscher. also like to read, hike some more, play pencil-and-paper rpgs, hike again, cook (especially Mexican food), do a little hiking, play video games, do some yoga, and, oh yeah, go hiking.
Who are your favorite authors?
T. Kingfisher, Neil Gaiman, N.K. Jemisin, Philip Pullman, Tamsyn Muir, Terry Pratchett, and Ursula LeGuin. I had to stop at seven, because there are maybe a jillion more.
Can you come visit my school?
I’d love to, if I can make that work. For details on how to make that happen, check out the handy-dandy school visits page.
So what are you writing next?
A brand new SECRET PROJECT
What’s that going to be called?
See above. Do you think ‘SECRET PROJECT’ is too literal?