Dragon Soul Press had the chance to interview Christopher Muscato, an author featured in the Soul Ink: Volume One anthology.

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1. Introduce yourself.
   • My name is Christopher Muscato. I am a writer from Greeley, Colorado. I am a former writer-in-residence of the High Plains Library District and a graduate of the Terra.do climate activism fellowship. I’m also a dad to twins!
2. What prompted you to begin writing?
   • I’ve always enjoyed writing, ever since I was a child. I felt it was more of a personal hobby than something to share for a very long time, but eventually I decided to try and publish a few stories, and then poems. I’m glad I took that step- it’s opened a lot of opportunities for me to grow as a writer.
3. Do you have a favorite story or poem you’ve written? What’s it about?
   • Space witches. I’ll leave it at that.
4. How many projects do you have planned over the next few years? Tell us about one.
   • I’m currently working on compiling a short story collection (with a few selected poems) that focuses on nomadic solarpunk, or nomadpunk.
5. What is your writing process like?
   • Unfortunately, it’s very inconsistent. I write when I can, which is largely dependent on my kids. I enjoy very much my time with them, but it can be difficult to find time (not to mention energy) around their daily routines and activities. When I do get a chance to writer, however, I like to have a nice cup of tea at the ready, and I have my favorite writing spot in a chair that’s comfy, but also kind of uncomfortable. Gotta have a little bit of discomfort to keep me focused!
6. Where do you draw inspiration from?
   • I draw much of my inspiration from the natural world, and the feelings that are elicited by engaging with nature. I’m also trained as a historian, so I look to the past for inspiration on human experiences, forms of cultural and social organization, etc. I think this gives my sci-fi work a fun, almost anachronistic blend of past and future.
7. Who is your favorite author / what is your favorite book?
   • I absolutely love Isabel Allende. Basically everything she writes draws me in. Also a big fan of Becky Chambers, Erin Morgenstern, and Richard Powers. Selecting a favorite book is far to herculean a task for me to even attempt it.
8. What is one goal you have for your writing future?
   • To write more consistently, as well as experimenting with different forms of writing. I think it would be fun to do some experimental stuff, and try my hand at writing for different age groups.
9. What do you hope readers enjoy most from your work?
   • I hope readers can simply enjoy the imagery of my work, and maybe lose themselves for a moment in the worlds and characters. I feel forever indebted to the authors who have done that for me.
10. Where can readers learn more about you?
    • I’m really only ever on Twitter. Please feel free to reach out and say hi!