Tell us about yourself.:
Here's my formal bio. I'll get more informal in other questions, but thought I'd start here.

Brian Ming started writing songs and poems at age sixteen. His love for writing music led to authoring fiction, often times coupling songs with story telling. His first novel and public debut, Snow Sometimes Falls, received rave reviews and quickly became an Amazon Bestseller. He is also the author of several short stories, the Future Kingdom Series, as well as a series on Christian living: the Secret Heart Series.

Brian is a sought after speaker whose passion to teach others how to develop their God-given creativity to the fullest has inspired millions. He currently resides with his wife Kristen and their three children in Colorado Springs, CO.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in Selma… not Selma, Alabama, but rather in Selma, California. Our only claim to fame is that Selma is the raisin capital of the world.

As far as writing influences, believe it or not, I absolutely love a good Sci-fi thriller. My favorite book of all time in that genre is a book by Orson Scott Card entitled Ender's Game. Ender's Shadow is nearly as good. The series became pretty far out and weird over time, but those two books are amazing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I was a musician first before becoming an author. With that said, it feels like a natural progression to write fiction after creating music for so many years. My first book Snow Sometimes Falls was built around a song I wrote and, when released, became an amazon bestseller. The book is unique in that it is built around the song.

What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in Selma… not Selma, Alabama, but rather in Selma, California. Our only claim to fame is that Selma is the raisin capital of the world.

As far as writing influences, believe it or not, I absolutely love a good Sci-fi thriller. My favorite book of all time in that genre is a book by Orson Scott Card entitled Ender's Game. Ender's Shadow is nearly as good. The series became pretty far out and weird over time, but those two books are amazing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read the previous question and my answer. One other thing I'd add is: just start writing. Don't wait until you have the full plot and structure in place. I find keeping the writing process fluid is a great way to spur on creativity and take you to fun and unexpected places.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Show don't tell. I wrote out a small exercise of the difference to share whenever I speak. Here's what I wrote:

Tell:
Jon stopped off at the store he’d been going to for over twenty years. Everyone knew him on a first name basis including the manager, Terry, who he also saw at church. Although he only had to pick up a few items, he left the store with twenty. He’d broken his rule again, never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry. Jon grimaced as he looked at the receipt on his way out. He needed to hurry as Maria had been waiting to cook lunch until he arrived.
On his way home, he passed Union Pacific Bank and noticed several cop cars had set up a blockade. Had there been a break in? As chief of police, he should have received the call. Grabbing his phone, he saw it now—a missed call from dispatch. The officers seemed to have it under control and, being his day off, he opted not to stop. Besides, his firearm and badge were at home in his safe.

Show:
It was a brisk day outside. Jon tightened his scarf around his neck and snugged the hat over his bald head. He’d been shopping at this Krogers for over twenty years and knew everyone by name including Terry, who attended his church. It must have been Terry’s day-off because he hadn’t seen him. When the double doors opened on their own, a gust of wind hit him in the face. It was oddly cold for August in Jackson. He stepped to the left to avoid a group of pigeons fighting over a piece of bread.
On his way to the car, a ford Mustang filled with teens pulled up and put on their blinker. Tom hurried to get in, placed the groceries in the passenger seat beside him, and started the car. He glanced over at the groceries and grimaced. Although Maria had sent him for a few items, at least twenty sat in the bag next to him. He’d broken the cardinal rule of grocery shopping, never shop when you’re hungry.
He backed up and then put on the brakes. He hadn’t seen the pedestrian who jumped aside to avoid him. Jon waved and mouthed the word “sorry.” Although agitated, the middle-aged woman acknowledged his apology and moved along.
Jon took a right turn out onto the boulevard. About a mile down he saw the flashing police lights on the left. The group of cop cars set up a blockade in front of Union Pacific Bank. As chief of police, he should have received a call. Grabbing his phone, he saw it now—a missed call from dispatch. The reception had always been sketchy in Krogers.
Jon slowed down to pass the scene and saw Jeb, his second in command in charge. Larry, Mike, and Tom were with him. A few of them had their pistols unholstered and kept an eye on the front door. Should he stop? He knew Maria would be waiting for the groceries to prepare lunch. Being his day off and, realizing he didn’t have his badge or side arm with him, Jon decided to drive on.
Jeb and the other officers didn’t notice him as he drove by, too busy with their jobs. Jon listened to the voicemail from dispatch and heard Jeb’s raspy voice describe the incident. Sure enough, he and his deputies were able to handle the situation.

I'm still learning, but I'm getting better at showing and not telling.

What are you reading now?
I'm currently reading a book entitled Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I try and read it about every few years. It helps me stay focused and sharp.

What’s your biggest weakness?
Procrastination is a weakness. I tend to put off writing some times while other things clamor for my attention. As a Christian worker in ministry, there are always people to help. Sometimes that grabs too much of my attention and I put off writing.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Ender's Game and the Bible, of course (I know, I know…but it never gets old).

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Movies. Spending time with my wife and kids. I love going to museums and art galleries. I'm also a foodie and love to go out to eat, especially when visiting new places.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Sadly, no. I grew up on the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, but don't remember a specific book that impacted me.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
I've picked up a lot of tricks of the trade from various authors. I'm always watching how authors craft their characters and try and mimic. Stephen King is a very strange individual, but an absolute brilliant writer. I've gleamed from him quite a bit.

What are you working on now?
A Christian Non-fiction book entitled "Turning Points." Or it might be "Unexpected Turning Points." As well, I'm working on the second book in The Future Kingdom Series.

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Organic word of mouth is always the best. I do book promotions though frequently. When Snow Sometimes Falls began to take off, I had done several book promotions and giveaways to help gain traction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I enjoy writing and, unless I really get burned out, plan to write for the rest of my life. A great story is absolutely fascinating to me. I hope my stories inspire people as I've been captivated by great story telling through the years.

How well do you work under pressure?
It's touch and go for me. I thrive for awhile on pressure, but eventually it gets to me. If I'm up against a deadline, I can keep the fire burning for a few months. Past that, writing every day to finish something feels tedious and I don't find as much joy in the process.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I feel like I'm a bit one dimensional in this regard. Because I'm musically inclined, I tend to tap into the tone and tambre I would write and perform music. Thus, I'd say my tone comes out passionate rather that, let's say, sarcastic, or condescending (if that is what needs to be used). I don't know if that makes sense, but I struggle with the aggressive and smug bad guy or irritant, because I tend be be pretty optimistic and upbeat.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Please keep reading and give new authors a chance. I had many years of obscurity. And to have someone give you a chance (even now) on a book, means a great deal.

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