Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background as a writer.
Christopher D. Schmitz. I write sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and humor. My first fantasy series came out in 2006, and I've been writing every since.

What are the most prominent influences on your writing? How do you incorporate those influences without being derivative?
I grew up reading a ton of different things from modern stories to classics. I was a kid and teen in the ‘80s/’90s when there were a lot of great television shows, too. Probably my biggest written influence and inspiration has been Tolkien.

I don't really fear the idea of being derivative. I think we are all constantly consuming content and being inspired by it... stealing content is definitely derivative, but being inspired by something? I think that's a high water mark and I hope to be an inspiration some day.

With self-publishing easier than ever, there are tons of books being released every day. What makes your work stand out from the crowd? What can readers get out of your work that they can’t from anyone else?
I have a pretty unique point of view on many things. I try to marry high quality writing (plus editing and design) with genre fantasy.

Many of my stories also have lots of pieces of me in them. For example, some of the creepier things in my horror are inspired by experiences from my childhood.

Many authors say marketing is one of their biggest challenges. What tactics have you found to be most effective for getting your name out there?
Marketing IS hard... but it can be taught. I have hired mentors and read lots of books on the topic in order to find my stride, and I'll keep reading more every year.

How much do your audience’s expectations factor in to what you write? Does this ever cause you to hold back from experimenting?
Sometimes. My most recent comedy had some jokes that were not landing the way I intended and my advance readers let me know. I'd hate to alienate my readers... most of my experimentation happens with short stories as a way to test the waters.

Have you had any new stories published recently? Are you currently working on any?
I write 6-7 novels every year, plus short stories. I've got a couple new ones launching this year and I just rolled out my new Curse of the Fey Duelist series. It went +600% funded on Kickstarter.

Name one newer and one older book you have read and enjoyed recently. (“Newer” meaning from the past year or so, and “older” meaning written before 1980.)
I'm working through a few series right now. On the older side I am reading some classic fantasy tales and also the Dune books. On the newer end I'm working through the Dresden Files and the Hell Diver books.

Any final words?
The importance of networking with other authors can't be overstated!