Why did you choose to write?
Writing is something I’ve always loved. As with a ton of writers, it started when I was young and I never stopped.
Where do you get your ideas?
From writing everyday. The truth is that the longer you do something, the quicker you become at recognizing what can become a story. You walk to the store and overhear the tiniest fraction of a conversation and it inspires something. You read the news and get the same thing. Once your brain is trained to look for the patterns of storytelling, the ideas just start to come.
Are you a gardener (Pantser) or an architect (Planner)?
It depends on the project. When I start shorts, I like to have at least a one-page outline, but can start without one. If I’m working on a longer piece, I need more background information, and get more in-depth with my outline. I still tend to find myself colouring outside the lines from time to time.
Do you listen to music while you write?
Sometimes. I can write with or without, but prefer with music. When I first started writing, it had to be instrumental—either classical, film scores, or prog-rock jams—but now a days I’ll listen to anything. Fleetwood Mac, Supertramp, and Toto are some of my favourites.
Where can I read what you’ve written?
Right here on this website!
What should I start with?
At the moment I only have the one story published. Take a look at that!
Who are your influences?
A short sampling of authors who’ve inspired me;
Louise Penny
J.K. Rowling
George R.R. Martin
K.J. Parker (Tom Holt)
Kurt Vonnegut
Brandon Sanderson
Christopher Moore
Stephen King
Fonda Lee
John Green
What are you reading?
You can find what I’m currently reading on my goodreads page. I don’t leave reviews unless they for friend’s or peer’s books that I have personally read.
What are some of your favourite books/genres?
While speculative fiction has always held my heart, I read in a wide variety of genres. From mystery (Louise Penny, Alan Bradley, Lee Child), History/Biography (Erik Larson), to cookbooks or sports biographies.
Do you read/watch manga or anime?
I don’t read manga—I could never get used to reading backwards. While I watched a lot of anime growing up, I haven’t kept up with it in the last 15 years. I’m an uncultured swine where this is concerned.
Are you related to Terri Windling?
I don’t know—But how cool would that be. She is probably a distant cousin in some way, but I can only trace my family back to New York until it devolves into Windles, Wendles, and Wendlings.
Tim Windling 