Interview with McKinley Aspen, Author of Cogitatio

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Cogitatio?

Life in general inspired me to start writing this series. I find it interesting that people don’t see the magic of life when it’s all around us at every moment. With that in mind, I decided to write about the HOPE that is always around us, even when we cannot see it, feel it, or touch it.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Cogitatio, what would they be?

Kate: Build Me Up, Buttercup; Michael: I Ain’t Worried (One Republic); Greg: The Impossible Dream (Man Of LaMancha Soundtrack); Ashley: Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life); Raphael: If God Will Send His Angels (U2); and of course Jacqueline Paolucci – our “antagonist” – Killer Queen (by Queen).

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Fiction – all subgenres … and poetry as well as classic literature. I write action adventure and also spy/mystery and while I like to read that, I enjoy reading a variety of other styles as it keeps my imagination alive.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Nicholas Eternal (Kim Conrey); A Thread So Fine (Susan Welch); A re-read of I Wrote This For You (Iain S. Thomas); Also eagerly looking forward to April 2024 when Brian Panowich will release Nothing but the Bones

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The prologue – although I wrote it last and then in collaboration with my editor we realized it was actually the prologue.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

My dog, Otis, sits next to me when I write. When I have a question, or get stuck with a character, we take a walk and discuss it (well, I discuss it, Otis listens).

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I’d rather be 9 people’s favorite things then 100 people’s 9th favorite thing (from one of my favorite off broadway shows entitled Title of Show)

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

HOPE is alive even when you think things are “hopeless”. Remember, just because you cannot see it, feel it or touch it doesn’t mean it’s not real.

McKinley Aspen is the author of the new book Cogitatio (Shadows In The Wind Book Two)

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