My next interview is with Kristofor Hellmeister!
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?
Kristofor Hellmeister: I'm an alien--a legal alien. I was born in Canada but have since moved all the way to a small town near Atlanta, GA. I live with my beautiful wife, Kristie, and my son, Maddox. We are actually expecting our second child—a baby boy—who will arrive in August. I enjoy reading science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, military fiction, and nonfiction--especially history or leadership focused. When I'm not writing or reading, I am outside taming my backyard, or golfing with my brothers, or going for a run. I am a teacher, but can honestly say that teaching never feels like a job. I hope you enjoy my writing!
Alexis Lantgen: One of my friends, Sarah Mensinga, is also from Canada, and I’m a teacher too!
What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?
Kristofor Hellmeister: My writing has been influenced by a number of great authors including C.S. Lewis, Bradbury, George Orwell, Brian Jacques and many others!
What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?
Kristofor Hellmeister: I once wrote a short story that was science fiction and the editor returned it to me and told me to stop “using nautical terms,” to describe space flight. I don’t necessarily hate the trope of using nautical terms, but I certainly understand why I needed to put my own spin on it!
Another trope I don’t agree with is making your characters impervious. I think a realistic character carries emotional, physical, or psychological struggles.
Alexis Lantgen: I also fid the impervious trope incredibly annoying. It makes characters feel too safe, as though they’re never really in danger. It sort of robs the story of its drama.
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)
Kristofor Hellmeister: My favorite character is Damien. He’s fiery and doesn’t take no for an answer. It’s always fun to develop his chapters and to see how he interacts with other characters.
My least favorite character? I’d say Rais, who is purely evil. I don’t like to write purely evil characters because this is usually not realistic and feels like a disservice to his character development.
Alexis Lantgen: Yes, I generally think it’s better to write complex characters. People are complicated, and very few are wholly good or completely evil. Most of us are just trying to do the best we can to get through the day.
Cover of Axiom by Kristofor Hellmeister
What are you doing to de-stress during the pandemic? Is there any coping mechanism you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?
Kristofor Hellmeister: To be honest, I pray a lot, spend time outside with my son, hang out with my wife, journal my emotions, enjoy the small moments like a beautiful day or a walk in the sunshine. In the midst of stress, I do not look for an escape because that doesn’t lead to a solution for the pressures. I try to learn from my situations and trust God through them.
Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).
Kristofor Hellmeister: Hmm. That’s a good question. I don’t know one specifically for my hometown, but I do know that when my eldest sister was younger—around three years old—she was visited by “the Fog,” which tormented her for almost a year.
What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?
Kristofor Hellmeister: I love military thrillers, spy thrillers, science fiction movies like Star Wars or Avengers, but I’m game for political dramas and sports shows like Friday Night Lights.
What’s your favorite animal?
Kristofor Hellmeister: I love dogs because they are friendly, though I enjoy going outside and experiencing nature however it comes. My favorite bird is the whippoorwill, though.
Alexis Lantgen: I love whippoorwills! I had a friend who had one in their backyard when I was a kid, and I remember watching it pretend to be injured whenever we got too close to its nest. They’re amazing animals!
Do you like playing board games or role playing games like D&D? If so, which games do you like best?
Kristofor Hellmeister: My favorite board games are Killer Bunnies, Smallworld, Monopoly, and Life.
Cover of Citadel by Kristofor Hellmeister
What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?
Kristofor Hellmeister: Network. Network. Network. Don’t give up when your first, second, or third book doesn’t sell. Write from your struggles, your failures, your fears and you will never run out of material. Pour everything you have into each story as if it were the only story you had the chance to write.
How do you choose what books you want to read?
Kristofor Hellmeister: I try to be a disciplined reader, which means I read a nonfiction in the morning and a fiction in the evening. Right now, I’m on a classics kick so I’m reading books like Gone with the Wind and The Brothers Karamazov.
Alexis Lantgen: Interesting! I also love reading classics.
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?
Kristofor Hellmeister: I do! Pandora’s Box is pretty interesting. I like the idea that man has opened a door that carries with it dire consequences. This theme is prevalent in my work.
If you write scifi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?
Kristofor Hellmeister: I’d say that the technology that has inspired my innovations has to be the Apple Watch. I like the idea of having an interface that you can have literally on hand. In my Axiom Chronicles, the technology is also inspired by Scripture in that the citizens of Axiom are meant to shape their world.
Find out more about Kristofor Hellmeister!
Twitter: @KrisHellmeister
Website: kristoforhellmeister.simplesite.com
Goodreads: @Kristofor Hellmeister
Instagram: @hellmeisterkristofor