I was lucky to get an interview with M. V. Prindle, the author of Bob the Wizard, and a semifinalist in this year’s #SPFBO9.

Please, tell us a bit about yourself…
I’m a 38-year-old father of two in Austin, Texas. I lived in Seattle Washington for two years in my early twenties. I’ve visited about 30 states and traveled outside the US, however briefly, to Toronto, London, and Paris. I’m a delivery driver by day and a crime fighter by night. Okay, I made up that last part.

I’m also a huge nerd that belongs to too many fandoms, including but not limited to A Song of Ice and Fire, Doctor Who, First Law, Lord of the Rings, Malazan, Marvel, Star Trek, Star Wars, and Warhammer. I am also a veteran of several collectible card games and tabletop wargames.

Why should I buy your SPFBO9 entry?
Do you care about a strong author voice? Do you like stories that are difficult to categorize? Do you like some science fiction with your fantasy? Do you like some humor with your violence, some zig with your zag? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Bob the Wizard might be for you.

If you are looking for a more concrete answer to the question, “what is this book about?” then I’ll just let you know it’s about a guy chasing the strange being that murdered his family through otherworldly realms. But its not really about revenge. Bob thinks it is, but it isn’t. What is it really about? I’ll channel River Song from Doctor Who for a moment and give a warning: “Spoilers!”

What got you into writing? And how long have you been doing it?
It’s not the only thing I’m good at, but it’s the thing I’m best at. Despite this, I didn’t write with any consistency for most of my life. I spent too much time trying to decide who I was and what I should be doing. I finally figured it out. I’m a writer. And now that I know that, I’ll always be one.

Have you participated in the SPFBO before and where did you hear about the competition?
I have not. This is my first time entering the contest. I heard about it through Booktube, which I watch, perhaps, a little too much.

Why did you choose to write fantasy?
Aside from the fact that I simply love fantasy stories, its appealing to me to be the ultimate authority on all matters within the text. Sure, there must be some real-world reference points for the audience, but for the most part, all of the lore, history, governments, and religions are entirely up to me. Makes it more difficult to get facts wrong and look like a doofus.

Which other author has had the biggest influence on your writing?
Without a doubt its Stephen King, if for no other reason than I’ve read so many of his books. King fans, while reading Bob the Wizard, may notice some direct influence from The Dark Tower. As honorable mentions, I’d like to acknowledge that, more recently, Joe Abercrombie, Steven Erikson, and George Martin have all significantly changed my brain with their writing.

If you were to win the SPFBO, what impact do you think this would have on your writing career?
Well, I’d hope it would give me the platform I need to continue being successful as an author. The goal is for people to actually read the things I write.

What challenges did you face during the writing or publishing process, and how did you overcome them?
The first challenge I faced was learning to write a coherent novel. I spent several years writing a book, and finished it, before I wrote Bob the Wizard. Had to get the kinks out, and teach myself how to play to my strengths, to support my weaknesses. They second challenge was getting published. I was shopping Bob to agents all through 2020 and 2021. That may have been a poor time to be looking for an agent as a completely new author, but whatever the reasons, Bob was rejected by over one hundred agents. So I published it myself. Problem solved. Traditional publishing wasn’t ready for Bob, anyway.

Do you have any tips or an author app, tool, or resource that you can really recommend we try?
Listen, I still use Microsoft Word. I was recently turned onto Atticus, a formatting app, by some fellow authors. It is very helpful but not cheap. In terms of help with learning structure, I recommend looking up Joseph Campbell’s Heroes Journey, Dan Harmon’s Story Circle, and Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat! Writes a Novel.

And now it's time to yank out your Palantir! Let’s talk about the future. What new projects are you working on?
I am closing in on a completed draft of my next novel, a grimdark epic fantasy with demons entitled The Outer Darkness. I also have part of a manuscript for Bob 2, though I expect we won’t see Bob return until 2025 at the earliest.

Apps that are based on artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGTP and Midjourney, along with apps aimed specifically at authors, have caused quite a stir. Do you expect these new technologies will make your life as a self-published author easier or harder, and do you expect that they’ll mean you’ll earn more or less?
AI-generation technology has already made my life more difficult. If you know, you know.

Yes, I almost decided not to include the AI question. You probably guessed that this question is why I stressed the “you don’t have to answer any question you don’t want to” last night in our DMs.

By the way, this is always the case in my interviews. It should be interesting to the readers but fun and definitely not a grueling task for the author to be a part of.

The reason I kept the question is because I feel that your perspective…after what happened…is relevant input for us authors when we talk about this issue.

In general, I think AI is a tool that should be closely regulated. It not only endangers livelihoods, but our very humanity. At least, that’s what my AI girlfriend says. (…that’s a joke.)

I think regulations will come. Perhaps when a number of lawsuits are won. Legal stuff of any kind always takes very long to get right. And now for something completely different…

Do you have any dreams you’d like to share?
When I was a teenager, I thought I was a musician. In my twenties, I thought I was a visual artist. Turns out I was a writer all along. In some ways, I am already living a dream. But what good are dreams if they don’t stay out of reach? I fantasize about selling a million books. Sure, what writer doesn’t? Right now I’m concentrating on putting one foot in front of another. Every step I take is a step closer to being who I want to be.

Anything else you would like to say before we close?
I suppose I just want to say thanks for the questions. And whoever is reading this, remember: Fear is the mind killer. Journey before destination. You’ve got to be realistic about these things. May the odds be ever in your favor. There are four lights. And of course, may the force be with you.

Right back at you, Joe!

I wish you the very best in the SPFBO. I hope a lot of readers discover your writing.
Thanks for doing the interview.