What inspires you to write?

I started out writing after I came back from deployment overseas. I would write short stories and change certain characteristics or certain decisions so the outcome would be something different than what really happened. It was a coping mechanism. Only a few very close friends were ever allowed to read them, and one of those friends challenged me to “quit being a ***** and write a book.” So that’s what I did. It’s all his fault.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It still feels odd to call myself an author or writer. I have friends that introduce me as a writer or talk about my books and it feels like we are talking about someone else. I guess that’s part of the blessing of not being able to do it full-time, that during the day I’m one thing and when I sit at my desk I’m another.

Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

I’ve always enjoyed the dystopian genre, but I feel like it’s full of tropes and easy ways out. The veteran who knows how to shoot, the prepper with all the knowledge and supplies, the government coming in and allowing someone to stay in charge regardless of their ideals… I wanted to change all of that. I wanted to introduce characters that screwed up. Characters that made mistakes that cost them or the ones they care most about. To make it real.

What is the biggest thing that people THINK they know about your subject/genre that isn’t so?

That it’s all about conspiracy and EMPs. It’s really not. The genre is about self-sufficiency and community building. Nobody (realistically) makes it through one of these worlds alone. You have to eat, work, and sleep, and those things take you away from standard survivability, so you need others around you. That is the heart and soul of the genre.

Are you a full-time or part-time writer and how does that affect your writing?

I am a part-time writer and I think it makes my writing stronger. I’m not under a deadline, I don’t have editors breathing down my neck to churn something out. I have fans (which is incredibly odd to say) who are dying for the next book, but that’s it. I can take time for myself, and for my family, and it’s okay. My bills are paid whether I write 50 pages this month or not.

What are some day jobs you have held?

Unlike my main character, Clint, I was a soldier in the US Army. I’ve done construction work, demo, drove light trucks, been a teacher…I’ve been all over the board.

Do you have a special time to write, or how is your day structured to accommodate your writing?

My best writing has always come over a glass of bourbon after a long day. Sitting at my desk and letting the characters tell me what is going on in their lives.

What have you written so far?

So far I have 3 books out: Frost Rising and Frost Settles follow Clint Frost and his family, friends, and neighbors in the early stages after a massive event wipes out the technology. It takes place in San Antonio, TX, but the event affects the entire nation (or maybe further…). My third book is called Rebel’s Redemption, which takes place in the same world after the same event but builds out the stories of what is going on elsewhere in the country at the time. It has different characters but continues the overall storyline with some fun Easter eggs for the reader.

Tell us more about your main character. What inspired you to develop this character?

Clint Frost isn’t a prepper or a military man in any way. He’s a white-collar, tech guy who survives in the boardroom for his livelihood. When everything goes sideways he’s lucky to have some knowledgeable friends and reliable neighbors who assist him, but he makes mistakes too. He’s fumbling around in this new world, trying to figure out how to survive and keep his family safe, but he’s not cut out for it early on. He has to learn, quickly, what it will take. His best friend Les and a few neighbors are the driving force behind his new understanding, and they all survive together.

Who is your favorite character in your book and why?

That’s a tough one. Some of my favorite characters are based on people who have touched my life and guided me through the things I’ve experienced. They each have a special place in my heart, but some are more fun to write than others. The relationship between Arnie and Les is one of my favorites to develop, although Arnie riles up easily enough for anyone to have fun at his expense.

Do you listen to or talk to your characters?

All the time. I know it sounds cliche, but I do just sit back and let them tell me what is happening in their world, what they think about it, what they feel, etc. It’s their story, I’m just recording it.

Want to learn more about Calen?

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