S. Evan Townsend

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?
I have a thing for old science fiction, pre-1980s.  I love the way they wrote the adventure and I love reading the speculations before we knew as much about science and space as we do now.  Also, if you remember the context of the times they are written in, they were very socially advanced.  For example, Skylark of Space by E.E. "Doc" Smith was written in the 1910s but has a strong woman character back when women were seen, not heard.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Both.  I start out with a basic plot and story line in mind but I don't let bursts of creativity or strange ideas I have while writing go to waste.  If I deviate from my original plot, that's okay.  It often leads to fun and unexpected plot ideas or twists.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?
I hope they had a good time with the adventure, but learned something along the way about history or other places in the world.  I'm a born teacher and if I can sneak a lesson into the candy-wrapping of a fun read, I will. 

How long have you been a writer? 
Almost 40 years.  I've been writing since I was 12 when I taught myself how to type (on a typewriter).  That early stuff was probably pretty jejune but as I kept writing (and reading) my skill improved and my writing got much better. 

Are any of your characters based on real people or events?
Agent of Artifice is full of real people and events.  Since it involves the CIA in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it has the actually officials at the CIA at the time as characters.  It also has a brief appearance by Bobby Kennedy.  The story revolves around the Cuban Revolution, and includes the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis and Operation Mongoose (the CIA operation to assassinate Catro).

What song would best describe your life?
"Paperback Writer" by the Beatles.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?
It would have to be something that flies.  Can I be a were-eagle?  I've always wanted to be a bird.  I watch them ride the thermals and am so jealous. 

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
WARNING: Will talk your ear off about history, driving and his writing.  Side effects may include nausea, vertigo, and being asked to buy his book.

What’s your favorite curse word?

"Jim Caviezel" It has all the right mouth feel of a good curse word yet will offend no one (unless they get the joke).

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential for you?

My idea of "roughing it" is a hotel without 24-hour room service.  If I were stranded on a desert island I'd need a fully-stocked and staffed 5-star resort, someone to talk to, and a pile of good books to read.

*Please share with us your future projects and upcoming releases.

Agent of Artifice is releasing 11/1/11. A science fiction novel, Rock Killer, is going to be coming out early in '12.

Please share any links you would like listed in the Interview. Website, Myspace, blog, facebook, yahoo group etc.

www.sevantownsend.com  Twitter: @SEvanTownsend  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Agent-of-Artifice/226539177397391

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hammer-of-Thor/167924196613007

Agent of Artifice

They live among us.  We know they are there.  No government can control them; no authority can stop them.  Some are evil.  Some are good.  All are powerful.  They inhabit our myths and fairy tales.  But what if they were real, the witches, wizards, and fairy godmothers?  What if they were called "adepts" and were organized into guilds for mutual protection and benefit?  And what if they started mucking around with the affairs of "lessers" (that is, those humans not able to match their powers)? 

During the height of the Cold War, Michael Vaughan is a rogue without a guild.  He survives by working for the CIA as NOC (Non-Official Cover).  Shortly after the funeral of President Joe Kennedy, Jr., he is sent to Cuba to assassinate Castro.  There he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with adepts working for Fidel. 

S. Evan Townsend is a writer living in central Washington State. After spending four years in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence branch, he returned to civilian life and college to earn a B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Washington. In his spare time he enjoys reading, driving (sometimes on a racetrack), meeting people, and talking with friends. He is in a 12-step program for Starbucks addiction. Evan lives with his wife and two sons, aged 17 and 20, and has a 22-year old son attending the University of Washington in biology. He enjoys science fiction, fantasy, history, politics, cars, and travel.