Dragon Soul Press had the opportunity to interview Christopher Pate, an author featured in Rogue Waves and Trickster.

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First, thanks much for the interview and publishing two of my stories
in your anthologies. I’m Christopher Pate, retired military and just months away from retiring from civil service. I’m a speculative fiction writer of horror, science fiction, weird fiction and dark fantasy stories. I was born in rural Ohio, but have lived in South Dakota,
Nevada and Virginia and have deployed to around the world. I currently live with my wife, daughter, and dog in coastal Virginia.

1. What prompted you to begin writing?
   • Good question. I think I first got the itch many moons ago while crafting dungeons for friends and family. It took a long time to go from endlessly gathering ideas and snippets of stories in scattered notebooks to writing my first story. I think the pandemic was the final impetus that pushed me over the top.
2. Do you have a favorite story or poem you’ve written?
   • Toughy as I’ve several I’m very proud of so far, but probably the one that tops the list for now is “Shades of Samhain.” What’s it about? Its a poignant and lyrical flash fiction piece about Halloween and change very much inspired by Ray Bradbury. If interested, it’s free to read here.
3. How many projects do you have planned over the next few years?
   • Oh, lots. I’ve got about twenty stories out for consideration and at least that in work, including two novellas. One of the novellas is about a medieval french knight who is forced to confront an evil that is not what it appears and has to learn to use his wits rather than brutal application of sword strokes in order to get to the terrible truth.
4. What is your writing process like?
   • Probably a bit chaotic compared to most straightforward approaches taken by writers. I’m a bit of a dreamer and quite literally wake in the middle of the night and make notes of my dreams or wander thoughts as I drift off. Random things inspire throughout the day as well. They all get written down and then when a few pieces begin to fall together, I dig in and finish the story that was waiting to be told.
5. Where do you draw inspiration from?
   • I’m a voracious reader and its the talented writers that inspire me with their wonderful storycraft.
6. Who is your favorite author?
   • That’s a big-time split between J. R. R. Tolkien and Lord of the Rings, and H. P. Lovecraft and The Call of Cthulhu.
7. What is one goal you have for your writing future?
   • Easy. Write good stories that people want to read.
8. What do you hope readers enjoy most from your work?
   • A sense of wonder, a little creepiness, a thrill — a bit of an enjoyable diversion from the daily grind.
9. Where can readers learn more about you?
   • I maintain a blog of my works along with links to all my current social media.