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 One reason is because my mind is always
running a million miles an hour. To release everything I’m thinking
about I find it necessary to write it down. My imagination just goes
wild; it’s my release from reality. The other reason is because I
find it fun and fulfilling. 
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- I learned a lot about writing
fiction. Of course, I want readers to enjoy it. I hope they have as
much fun reading it as I did writing it. I would really like it to
hook young kids into reading like "The Wishsong of Shannara" did for
me.
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James Todd Cochrane
James Todd Cochrane
was born in Fremont, California
on February 16, 1969. He grew up in the western United
States and now resides with his wife in Juneau, Alaska.
He received a degree in Business Information Systems
from Utah State University and has worked as a computer
programmer for several years.
If you are interested in having the author, James Todd
Cochrane, visit your local bookstore, school, library,
etc. Please send your request to the following email
address tcochrane@darkmoonpublishing.com.
http://www.authorsden.com/jamestoddcochrane
Books-and-Authors.net: Where did you grow
up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your
earliest influences and why?
James Todd Cochrane: I grew up in the towns of Helper, Utah; Hanna,
Wyoming and Flagstaff, Arizona. Although I really didn't enjoy
reading until I was 16. When I was 16 my mother convinced me to read
“The Wishsong of Shannara”. This book was filled with action and
excitement which happened to be the book I needed to make me a
lifelong reader.
I actually started writing before I really got into reading.
I would have to say that my earliest influences were J.R.R. Tolken
and Terry Brooks.
Books-and-Authors.net: Why do you write?
James Todd Cochrane: One reason is because my mind is always running
a million miles an hour. To release everything I’m thinking about I
find it necessary to write it down. My imagination just goes wild;
it’s my release from reality. The other reason is because I find it
fun and fulfilling.
Books-and-Authors.net: Briefly discuss your new book MAX AND
THE GATEKEEPER - Who is 12 year old Max Rigdon?
James Todd Cochrane: Max is a young boy who is sent to live with his
estranged grandfather for the summer. As soon as he arrives he
discovers that things are not as they should be. He finds himself
traveling to other worlds, learning magic and scrambling to save the
lives of Grandpa, his friends and himself.
Books-and-Authors.net: Max's grandfather is "Keeper of a
gateway" - Explain.
James Todd Cochrane: One of the things Max discovers about his
grandfather is that he is the keeper of a gateway. The gateway is a
machine that makes travel into other worlds possible. The gateway is
the most important weapon in a war between good and evil. There are
hundreds of thousands of worlds. This gateway not only allows Max to
travel to different worlds but allows creatures from other worlds to
travel freely as well. Grandpa informs Max that travel to other
worlds is possible with the use of magic but it has limitations. The
downside is, when using magic to travel you are limited to the time
you are able to stay. Those using magic to travel must go back to
their original world. Only through the gateway can people or objects
be moved permanently. For some, taking over the gateway is their
main purpose. Grandpa's job is to keep the gateway from falling into
enemy hands.
Books-and-Authors.net: How is MAX AND THE GATEKEEPER different
from other young adult books?
James Todd Cochrane: I think the combining of both the Science
Fiction and Fantasy genres into one book help make it different from
other young adult books. With the ability to travel to other worlds,
I think the different scenarios for Max, Cindy and Grandpa are
endless.
Books-and-Authors.net: Although MAX AND THE GATEKEEPER is a
young adult story it is written so parents and grandparents will
enjoy it as well - Was this a story you wanted to be enjoyed by the
entire family or did it just turn out this way?
James Todd Cochrane: I actually wanted to write something that would
appeal to kids of all ages, whether they be 9 or 99. I consider
myself a large kid.
Books-and-Authors.net: MAX AND THE GATEKEEPER would make a
great film -- ALA the Harry Potter franchise -- If you were asked to
cast the film who would you select and why?
James Todd Cochrane: Although I want to see the book made into a
film, I haven't really thought about who I would like to cast. I
think I would like to see talented unknown actors and actresses
portray the roles of Max and Cindy.
PageOneLit.com: What did you learn from writing MAX AND THE
GATEKEEPER? What do you hope readers will take with them after
reading MAX AND THE GATEKEEPER?
James Todd Cochrane: I learned a lot about writing fiction. Of
course, I want readers to enjoy it. I hope they have as much fun
reading it as I did writing it. I would really like it to hook young
kids into reading like "The Wishsong of Shannara" did for me.
Books-and-Authors.net: What's next?
James Todd Cochrane: I'm about halfway through the rough draft of
the sequel to "Max and the Gatekeeper". I hope to reveal the title
on my publisher's website in the next month. I am also working on
some ideas for a different novel, for which I already have the
title, main character, and the main plot developed.
Books-and-Authors.net: What was the last book you read?
James Todd Cochrane: I recently just finished "Pride and Prejudice"
by Jane Austen and "The Children of Hurin" by J.R.R. Tolken
Books-and-Authors.net: Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How
do they enhance your writing?
James Todd Cochrane: I have a lot of hobbies. I enjoy spending time
with family and friends, reading, biking, hiking, golfing, watching
sports, going to museums, movies, and traveling.
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