Meet the Authors: Philip Allen Loring

We have reached the half-way point of this feature! This is exciting! It means that Stories for Sendai is nearing release! Keep your eyes peeled for blog tours on both J.C.'s and Michelle's blogs!

And now, without further ado, our featured author...

Philip Allen Loring

Brief Bio:

Dr. Philip Allen Loring is an anthropologist and writer at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he works on issues of sustainability, local food systems, and environmental justice. In addition to his academic writing, he also enjoys writing short fiction and a monthly op-ed column for The Ester Republic, a local independently published (and minded) periodical. His short story, Population 1, will be published in the Stories for Sendai anthology.

What genres do you write?

I write both fiction (for fun) and non-fiction (for work, but for fun too). My fiction has been all over the place as far as genres. My favourite to read is utopian/dystopian fiction, so I imagine that I will return to this genre often. I also have a soft spot for thrillers and locked-room mysteries, but I need to improve as a writer before I work on the latter. my non-fiction varies less in content, and is primarily concerned with the food system, sustainability and environmental justice.

What are you currently writing? Sum it up in 10 words or less.

A black-balled anthropologist, two mysterious deaths, and an owl's feather.

What do you do when you're not writing?

Not writing? I don't know that I can remember back that far! My day job as a research professor involves a tremendous amount of writing as well, so it seems like I am always working on something. When I do have free time, I like to make dinner for my wife and play frisbee with my two border collies.

What is your ultimate goal as a writer?

To have the guts to take on the story that I really want to tell. It is a premise that I had visions of many years ago, and I went back to college and got my degree(s) because I knew that I didn't know enough to write it. I still don't think that I do, but wonder if I ever will *feel* ready.

How close are you to achieving this goal?

Closer than ten years ago!

What is the single most important piece of advice you can give a fellow writer?

Don't try to be smarter than your reader. And don't be afraid to hang a lantern now and then.