Terrance (T.J.) and Marsha (M.L.) Wolf Author Bio:
T.J. & M.L. Wolf joined forces in the field of Healthcare, exploring mutual interest in the work of UFO researchers like Budd Hopkins and movie directors like Steven Spielberg. The History Channel’s “Ancient Aliens” became a focal point of their quest to uncover the truth regarding humanity’s purpose and how it pertains to our future. Married over twenty years, they write Speculative Fiction and live in Boardman, Ohio with their six-pound Yorkie, who keeps the family in line.
What inspires you to write?
We found inspiration in Hopi mythology and prophecy for our first book, A GLEAM OF LIGHT … and were fascinated with the concept of the Great Spirit giving specific forms of Guardianship to each of four human races based on skin color: red, yellow, black, and white. It seemed like a great foundation for a Science Fiction Trilogy. We explored Asian mythology in Book 2 (THE DRAGON'S GLARE) and African mythology in Book 3 (BEYOND THE WORLD).
Tell us about your writing process.
We start with a basic story idea, then research the details, looking for examples of real events (even those considered fantastic but reported by reliable eyewitnesses) which have already happened — including the responses of real people. This makes the storyline more plausible. No whiteboard or software. Every chapter begins with a single page, expanded into about 5-7 pages, which become about 10-12 pages when formatted for the paperback. The story and characters (often based on favorite actors) unfold in the writing — with plenty of surprises. Each chapter is designed to end with a dramatic impact. As a writing team, I draft the chapter, then read it aloud to my partner (M.L.) — this step is critical to determine if revisions are needed. The chapter must "sound right" dramatically — as if we are listening to a radio show. Character sketches come later.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
YES. Every character has its own unique personal history and point of view, including their way of thinking and manner of speech (all based on research — modeled after examples from real life). We try to imagine each scene as it would play out in a movie — then write everything down. T.J.: While writing, I try to imagine myself as the character, to come up with specific thoughts or words that might come out of their mouth. This includes their accent and how to modify the spelling (based on research) to reflect their speech pattern.
Who are your favorite authors?
Ray Bradbury, Michael Crichton, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K Rowling, Suzanne Collins
What genres do you write?
Young Adult Science Fiction
How did you choose the genre(s) you write?
We love epic movie trilogies, like Star Wars or Lord of the Rings — and wanted to create our own three-part storyline, inspired by Hopi mythology — based on real-world discoveries and knowledge about Extraterrestrials from researchers like Budd Hopkins, David M. Jacobs and filmmakers, like Steven Spielberg. The most successful movie franchises, like Harry Potter and Hunger Games, feature Young Adult characters.
What three things are on your writing desk at any given moment?
A cup of tea (Earl Gray, hot), a jar of unsalted dry roasted peanuts, lots of post-it notes.
What hobbies do you have when you need a break from writing?
TJ: Sci-Fi and Fantasy Art, a favorite activity long before we began writing, but always tied to storytelling. ML: handcrafts of all kinds, including crochet and knitting.
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Home Page Link
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Author’s Social Media Links
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All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
