Author Interview: Timothy King

Here we are again. A new week, and a new interview with another amazing indie author. This week, I step into the ring with Timothy King as we sit down and discuss his amazing work.

So, Mr. King. Actually don’t want to confuse everyone.. So, Tim, why don’t we start off with a little background. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

King: Well, my name is Timothy and I write scary things. I live in Tampa, Florida with my wife, three daughters and dog. I’m a die hard Bucs fan and can be hard to reach during football season!

Ugh, the Bucs… You had to go there. At least you’re not a Packer’s fan, then we may have some issues… (Go Bears). I know I’m kinda the same way, though being a long time Bears fan, I usually only am unavailable the first half of the season.

So, football aside, what inspired you to start writing?

King: I’ve been writing since before I was even able to write. I used to sit with my grandmother and she would type up stories as I told them to her. So, I guess I never really started, it’s just always been a part of me. What finally convinced me to publish was the midlife crisis I had at 30.

Being a little older, I hear you. Well, so glad you took that plunge. I just finished one of your books and I must say I was impressed, especially for it being a debut. Way to hit it out of the park right off. Hats off to you.

So just how many books have you released?

2 novels & 1 Short Story Collection. I plan to have another novel and 2 more novellas published by the end of 2025.

Nice! Great way to make a splash into the horror community. Now, do you go through an indie publisher or do you do it yourself?

King: Indie all the way!!!!

Hoorah! H- Heck yeah! So, which is your favorite?

I understand and as I said, it is a great debut novel. I plan to write a review of it next week for BFM in a new series for the site. There was just something very satisfying with this book. Little disappointed about one of the characters, but it needed it. It served the story well.

So, you obviously love horror, who are some of your favorite authors?

King: Would it be cocky to say myself? Kidding…. Kind of. I’ve been really into the more modern authors. I’m a big fan of Ronald Malfi, and even though we tease each other relentlessly, I think James Kaine might be one of the better writers of our generation.

The King and Kaine connection huh? That does sound like a powerhouse of two modern day horror writers. I know I need to get him in for one of these interviews soon as I need to pick his brain as well.

So, that said, what one book would you say is your favorite of all time? What is your go to?

King: I have an unexpected answer for this. My favorite is Robin Crusoe. It’s the first adult novel I can remember as a kid. My dad read it to me, and it has stuck with me for years.

Now would you say that it had a big influence on your or would you something or someone else?

King: I would say some of my biggest influences are authors from the early splatterpunk movement. I like to make a statement with my writing.

I definitely got that when I read Seven Rabbits. I think that is what drew me into the book and made me appreciate it so much. It’s great that you can bring that into your writing.

So, let’s talk a little about your writing. You have published six works now. Do you find that you prefer to write longer or shorter fiction?

King: Shorter!!! I struggle to connect with anything that gets over about 400 pages.

Yeah, longer projects can take their toll. So then, let me ask you this, and I know this can sometimes lead to some interesting answers.

Are you a Pantser or Planner? (Now, for those of you that are not familiar, when it comes to writing you are usually either a Panster, Planner, or a hybrid of the two. A pantser is normally someone who rights without anything other than a vague plan of where the story is going to go. A planner on the other hand, outlines the story before they begin writing.)

King: Planner!!! I type out bullet points for each chapter before I ever begin writing. I’ve tried winging it and NEVER finish a story.

I think you are the first planner I’ve interviewed. I applaud having the ability to plan things out like that and keep it together. So, how do you come up with your characters?

King: I usually write my characters pretty flat throughout the first draft and go back and add more to them after. I get the ideas from real people, people I see on TV or characters from other books!

Do you prefer them to be likable?

King: I like flawed MCs… I can’t stand when a character is perfect because it’s just not realistic. Sometimes the story needs a likable MC (Port Luck) or a bunch of jerks (Seven Rabbits)

So, you just brought up Seven Rabbits. Now, when I read the book, it was through the audiobook, and I noticed that you narrated it. It was under a different name, but that was definitely your voice. Did you have a reason for doing that? Do you care if people realize that it is you?

King: There was a point where I also wanted to be an audiobook narrator. I actually narrated “Mine” by LM Kaplin as well. I was using the name TC King as my narrator pen name. It was actually harder to narrate my own book than other people’s work.

I’ve ultimately decided to give up narrating for the time being. It’s very time consuming. One day I was complaining about how little time I had to write, and my wife asked me if I wanted to be an author or an audiobook narrator and the choice was an easy one!

Smart wife. I think you are making the right call. Don’t get me wrong, the narration was great, but I want to read more of your books. Speaking of which, do you have any upcoming releases?

King: Not officially announced so this is kind of an inside scoop…. I’m going to be publishing a Novella towards the end of Summer!!

Exclusive, you’ve read it here first, we are getting more King, Timothy King that is by the end of summer. I can’t wait.

Now where can people find you?

King: I can be reached on all social media platforms (except X, I don’t do that) at Timothy King Author.

Thank you, Tim, for taking the time with me, and for everyone out there, make sure to check out Tim’s latest book, Port Luck as I know I have added it to my own TBR.

And to everyone out there, remember – stay spooky everyone!