Get to know Christopher…

Christopher Healy is the author of The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (2012, Walden Pond Press), the first volume in a comedic fantasy adventure series. Book 2: The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle will be published in May 2013. For more information, visit his website.

Let the conversation begin!

Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? Why?

Without doubt, my wife, Noelle Howey. I wanted to be a writer from pretty much the moment I could read, but by the time I hit college, I’d given up on it. And then I met Noelle, who is not only one of the best writers I’ve ever read, but an incredible role model when it comes to being a professional in the business — hard-working, dedicated, and endlessly creative. 

What was the first live concert you ever attended?

Cyndi Lauper! She forgot the words to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” and Captain Lou Albano made an appearance. It was amazing. 

What cartoon character best represents your personal philosophy?

Winnie-the-Pooh says a lot about the way I try to live (not that I succeed, mind you): Take it slow and easy, but be ready to take on an adventure should one come your way. Also, enjoy your meals and do your best to avoid woozles.   

What is your favorite way to waste time without getting caught?

Having lengthy email conversations with friends about whatever TV show I’m obsessed with at the moment. Right now, at the start of summer, none of my obsession-worthy shows are on right now. Though soon it will be Breaking Bad time. 

If you couldn’t write books, what career would you pursue?

Is it cheating to say I would write something other than books? Probably. So I’ll say illustration. Although I’d have to put in a lot of time improving my art skills. 

Is it possible to lie without saying a word?

Certainly. You can type your lies. 

Biggest pet peeve? What do you do that annoys your friends and family?

Oh, there are so many pet peeves to choose from. I can’t pick just one. How about three? Drivers who won’t pull out into the intersection when waiting to make a left turn. Those times when you sharpen a pencil and the wood sticks out farther than the point. And impossible-to-open plastic clamshell packaging. The annoying thing that I do to drive my family crazy is crack my toe knuckles. 

Name a turning point in your life that makes you smile/cry.

The birth of my children. It’s a cheesy cliché, but it’s true. And I probably wouldn’t have the career I do today if I wasn’t a dad. 

If you had to lose one of your five senses, which one of them would you prefer to lose and why?

Taste — which would be absolutely awful. I thought about saying Smell, but if I lost Smell, I’d pretty much lose Taste with it, since they’re so connected. But if I kept my sense of smell, at least I could avoid drinking sour milk. 

Is there a story behind your name? What is it?

The story is that my parents weren’t very imaginative. Christopher was just about the most popular boy’s name in the country the year I was born. 

What was one of the most fun things you and your college roommate did together?

Road trip! We drove from New York down to Asheville, North Carolina and paddled down the French Broad River in funyaks (inflatable kayaks). We also pet some goats and ate a lot of fudge.

Is the glass half empty or half full? What is in the glass?

It’s a glass of ice coffee, so the half that looks empty is really just full of ice; and without the ice, the coffee would be lukewarm and wouldn’t taste half as good. 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Sitting at my hover-desk, thought-typing my latest novel onto a holoscreen, happy to know that it will still be published in classic bound-paper format.