Author Interview: Clint Baker

Hello, everyone! Welcome back to Friday Night Writes! As always, our goal is to shine a spotlight on members of the book community and introduce readers to awesome authors, narrators, event hosts, influencers, and more.

This week, we'd like to introduce our featured guest, author Clint Baker!

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you?

I am a ranch manager in central Colorado. With every moment I get, I write. Most of my work is mythology based and fantasy. I also write sci-fi on the occasion. It is a nice break from my daily.

What are a few of your favorite things/least favorite things?

I love animals and the practices related to their health and development.

Did you always want to be an author?

Pretty much

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Third grade. I wrote a short story about my favorite show when it was canceled and I wanted to keep it going.

Besides writing, do you have any hobbies? Do any of your characters share the same interests as you?

I dabble in horse training and mead brewing. My love of bees shows up on the occasion and my animals all have accurate personalities.

Do you have anything that you’re truly passionate about outside of writing? (Could be a cause, a project, etc.)

I care about people. Does that count? When I notice someone needs help, even if its just an ear, I do my best to listen and show care when responding. I think that is where making the world better starts.

How long have you been writing?

Since the 3rd grade. Professionally since 2020.

Which genres do you write in?

Sci-fi/fantasy but mostly fantasy blends.

Are you independently published or traditionally published? Why did you choose this route? What are the benefits/drawbacks?

Independent. I wanted to have my creative freedom while I figure out my writing style. The benefit is that I have full control over my journey and the drawback is that I have full control over my journey. Every decision is up to me and my own success is determined by how well I make those decisions.

What do you enjoy most and least about being an author?

I love the expression of the craft. I also love hearing people enjoying my books and those moments I get live updates.

Are you a plotter, a plantser, or a pantser?

Plantser. I make a rough outline of the story and then fill in the details. My stories often change in the process.

Do you have any writing routines (things you do that help you write)?

First thing in the morning and then whenever I can. I am super busy between work and grad school so I get a few paragraphs here and there.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

That doesn’t exist. I write the bad words and make them good words later.

How many WIPs do you have going right now? Can you tell us anything about them?

I have several. Book 3 for the Worshipped Around Reality’s Bend. Book 2 is in the planning phase for Mr. Candle’s Book. Crush the Knight, and Bequest.

How many books do you currently have published? Tell us about them.

3 books.

Books 1 and 2 of the Worshipped Around Reality’s Bend are a retelling of the history of Earth through the eyes of gods.

Mr. Candle’s Book is about a competition during a world burring snow storm.

Where do you get the inspiration for your books? Do you insert pieces of yourself and people you know into your books?

All over. I try to write on subjects I am passionate about. Mr. Candle’s book came from a dream. My up coming works are passion projects. Crush the Knight is what I wish I could do to help my fiancé but what I have to do. Bequest is about a journey.

Are there any other authors who have inspired you?

Rick Riordan was the big one for me during middle school. I think that is why I write so much about mythology. I love Shae Smith and Mike Minicky. Their styles show so much passion and thought that I cant ignore them.

Do you prefer standalone books or book series?

I like to write both. I read mostly standalones though. I’m constantly trying to better my craft and a single book is easier for me to move onto the next author than a series.

Do you have a favorite and least favorite of your characters? Why?

Don’t you do this to me. My favorite duo is Ida Lanta and Nathanial Wallace. They are so sweet and kind to each other. My least favorite is Tommy Lecture because F that guy.

What is your most popular book?

Mr. Candle’s Book

Which of your books do you wish received more love than it does?

The Worshipped Around Reality’s Bend audio drama. Some people struggle with the book and the audio drama makes it more palatable.

How do you handle the author/life balance? (i.e. writing/editing/graphic design/home life/etc.)

Balance?! I scoff in that face. I just make time and if I don’t, oops.

What do you do for your mental health and to recharge your creativity?

I like to go for rides. I trained up my horse to near perfection so seeing him do well out in the wilderness is gratifying.

Do you have any advice for unpublished writers or people who hope to become authors?

Just write, bud. Don’t worry about if it is good or bad. That and look for a community. There is so much support out there.

What was your most recent five-star read?

The West Passage

What’s your favorite Dinosaur?

Pyroraptors are cool

What is the best gift you have been given?

A folding pocket knife. I had been wanting a specific one and was gifted it randomly.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

6

Are you a clean or messy person?

Im organized but a little dirty.

Do you collect anything besides books?

Art and bits

Do you believe in aliens? Ghosts?

There has to be aliens. Here though, most likely not. Ghosts, maybe?

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Butter pecan

If you could be a shifter what would your alternate form be?

Something really silly like an aardvark.

Which inanimate object would be the most annoying if it played loud upbeat music while being used?

Probably a shirt. You HAVE to wear those in public so imagine everyone’s collective shirts playing different songs.

What are you interested in that most people aren’t?

Probably tack. I think different styles of riding gear are interesting.

As a child, what did you think would be awesome about being an adult but isn’t as awesome as you thought it would be? Why?

Rent. Landlords be landlording.

What food have you never eaten but would really like to try?

I love to travel and would want to try any sort of Asian seafood

What would you use to survive the zombie apocalypse? Why?

The power of friendship. Everyone thinks they are a badass until they have to do everything themselves. Community is where it is at.

Where can we find you online?

https://linktr.ee/clintbakerstories

Do you have any planned events?

I have a book signing soonish. I have classes so that eat up a lot of my writing life.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Join me every Thursday at 7 pm central on TikTok for impromptu interview where we interview indie creators.

Are you hosting a giveaway?

I am doing a giveaway at the first 100 followers on the audio drama. I will do a drawing and pull a name randomly to receive a book box with lots of goodies.

Are there any rules or exclusions?

Cant have already one and must comment on the relevant posts. I will be making an announcement soon.

How can readers expect to hear from you?

Tiktok and instagram. I am very silly on threads.

Thank you so much for joining us, Clint! It's been a pleasure chatting with you!

To all of our readers, thanks for spending some time with our guest author this week! We hope you've enjoyed this interview! In the meantime, be sure to check out Clint Baker's links so you can keep up to date with his journey. Building a better, stronger community is what Friday Night Writes is all about!

Be sure to join us next week when we talk to author Ivy Young!

See you soon!

The Friday Night Writes Crew

Evie Black & Samantha Moran

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