The idea was inspired by a passage from the book Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.
Ros Hill – 3 July 2026
The Back Flap
What happens when the world’s newest superhero is also its last hope?
On a study trip to Egypt, art student Charles meets Heba, a street peddler guarding an ancient secret: magic ink that can transform imagination into reality. When Charles returns home and sketches his own superhero, he doesn’t just finish a drawing. He brings it to life.
Too bad Sketch’s first day on the job is a disaster. His grand attempt at flight ends in a four-foot face-plant, his strength sputters in and out, and even the cops chasing him are more annoyed than afraid. As Sketch fumbles his way through powers he can’t fully control and emotions he’s never felt before, he starts to learn what it really means to be human…and a hero.
Then the Finger Gunman appears, a ruthless villain determined to steal the magic ink and use it to unleash an army of superpowered criminals. To stop him, Sketch must travel to Egypt, find Heba, and reclaim his abilities—before the Finger Gunman becomes his final mistake.
About the book
What is the book about?
The book is about a superhero named Sketch who is brought to life by means of an artist who draws him with ancient, Egyptian magic ink. Because the artist possesses an innate gift, called imaginative energy, he is able to draw his character to life.
When did you start writing the book?
2021
How long did it take you to write it?
3 years
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea was inspired by a passage from the book Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Creating the origin of the supervillain, and developing a specific plot twist.
What came easily?
Writing the dialogue, inserting humor, ending the chapters with effective teasers, and making sure the supervillain is a person who readers despise.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters are entirely fictitious. However, some of their characteristics, including their first names, have come from people I’ve met or people in my extended family.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Christopher Moore—His style of humor has influenced mine as well.
Carl Hiaasen—Like Christopher Moore, I love his humor.
Jose Saramago—His magical realism writing style produces original and creative storylines.
Emily St. John Mandel—Her ability to write non-linear time lines.
Do you have a target reader?
Young adult and adult. Anyone interested in magical realism and superheroes.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I approach each chapter with bullet points that act as guide posts to the flow of the chapter. I lay out the key chapter points on a long train of copy paper that is taped end-to-end. For Sketch, this train was nearly fifteen feet long. The reason I do this is so I can, literally, see the flow of the book all at once.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I typically outline by writing the chapter title, the year of the setting, and a few sentences describing the chapter’s key points and objectives.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I write. And edit and edit and edit and edit and…
Did you hire a professional editor?
I had several people with extensive editing history edit the book.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I do a lot of my writing while listening to the alternative rock group, TOOL.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes. I received responses from agents who appreciated my story. However, Sketch was not the genre they were looking for.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I went Indie because I wanted to get my book out sooner than later. I wanted complete control over the direction of my book, including hiring a publicist. Books Forward has done an amazing job marketing Sketch.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I had it professionally done by Glen Edelstein.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan which is created by Books Forward.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Stay true to your unique writing style. Don’t try to be someone else. Don’t worry if you can’t find a publisher. If your writing is good, Indie authors are not overlooked.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Normal, Illinois
Where do you live now?
San Marcos, Texas
What would you like readers to know about you?
I have written and illustrated two published children’s books: Unexpected Tails and Shamoo: A Whale of a Cow. I’ve also had a book of short stories published, titled Taking Out the Trash. I’m also a personal trainer, and I think dogs are the greatest creatures on the planet!
What are you working on now?
I’m twenty-two chapters into the sequel of Sketch. It’s is a completely different story, and I’m loving its progress!
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Sketch from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
