What was the inspiration for The Hero Chronicles series?
My inspiration for the book is the men, women and children that have either stood up for someone or risked everything for someone, no matter what the consequences were.
Did you learn anything from writing the book, if so what?
I learned a lot while writing the book. The most important thing I learned is patience. I have been working on the story for years now. At first I wanted to rush to get it into some format that I could share with others, but thanks to the encouragement I received from my wife and friends, I took the necessary time to get the first book of the series ready for publishing. And I am so glad I did.
Do you have a favorite scene from the book that you can share with us?
I have several favorite scenes in the book, but one scene that sticks out is when Nicholas goes to Krohn Conservatory. This scene is when many aspects of the plot start to come together. Nicholas realizes that everything around him may fall apart, and he is desperate to cling to the people that make him feel safe. The Krohn Conservatory is located in Eden Park in Cincinnati Ohio. As I child I used to go there with my family. It resembles an old-world church, but is completely made out of glass, making it an incredibly beautiful greenhouse. It houses a variety of lush, vibrant plants, and down the center of it is a river full of colorful fish. In the back of the conservatory is a two-story waterfall with a cave behind it. I have very fond memories of this place growing up, and I was excited to include it my book at such a pivotal point in the story.
Can you describe Nicholas to readers?
Nicholas is a typical teenager in many ways. He struggles to find his identity and his place in the world. Just like most teenagers, Nicholas has qualities that make him extraordinary and unique, but he has to go through a long journey of self-discovery. Nicholas is forced into circumstances that make him stand out from everyone else around him, and these circumstances will transform his life and the lives of those he loves.
While you were writing the book did you ever feel like you were one of the characters?
Yes, I definitely felt like I was Nicholas, because a lot of the feelings and things that happened to him in the book were pulled from my past as a reference. The personal connections I have with Nicholas helped to develop his character and to make the story more dynamic.
Which character was the hardest to write?
I would say Elle was the hardest to write because of her complex emotions. It was difficult to write because the book is from Nicholas’s perspective and often he doesn’t understand Elle’s emotions.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
I would tell writers to just do it. Don’t worry about what others think or the criticism you may face, but write what you like and what makes you happy.
Did you have to research anything for the book, if so what was the most interesting thing you learned?
While responding to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 as Matthew 25: Ministries’ Disaster Relief Coordinator, I got to experience first-hand the fury of a disaster and its devastating impact on people’s lives. I had experienced some disasters in my past, but during this trip it was more intense. I spent a lot more time traveling from site to site. The idea for the book came to me and slowly developed on those long drives back and forth. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was unintentionally learning and doing research for my book by responding to disasters, starting with Hurricane Katrina and continuing through the many other disasters I have responded to since then. The most interesting observation that I took away from these experiences was the profound impact that each individual played in the recovery.
In addition to writing, you work with Matthew 25:Ministries. Can you tell us a little more about this organization?
Simply put, Matthew 25: Ministries helps people in need. It is an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization, serving all over the United States and more than 35 countries around the world. We rescue, recycle and reuse excess product from corporations and individuals and ship these supplies to the poorest of the poor throughout the world. We also respond to any natural disaster to meet the immediate and long-term needs of those affected. If you are interested in more information on Matthew 25: Ministries, please check out our website, www.m25m.org.
Favorite author and why?
My favorite author is J.K. Rowling, times 10! She is able to draw the reader into her stories so that they really relate to and feel the emotions of the characters. She transports her readers into her world. My second favorite author is Stephen King because he also is able to grab his readers and really pull them into his stories.
You live in Cincinnati. If you can live in any other country where do you like to live?
I would like to live in Nicaragua because I have spent a lot of time there through my work with Matthew 25: Ministries.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is definitely chocolate. I eat a lot of candy.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
I would have to choose invisibility but flying would also be awesome.
About Secrets, the Hero Chronicles:
The Midwest lies in complete ruins after a catastrophic disaster kills tens of thousands and leaves hundreds of thousands injured. Nicholas Keller emerges out of the devastation as a shining light of hope for all. But his newfound fame comes with a price that his aunt will not let him pay. They flee into the shadows in order to protect his secret. However, as Nicholas begins his sophomore year at his fifth school in five years, strange and unexpected things begin to happen. He soon tumbles into a web of doomed love, extraordinary talents and a secret past, which threatens the lives of everyone he cares about. It’s up to Nicholas to confront the truth, even if it means his own death.
All proceeds from the sale of Secrets, the Hero Chronicles Book 1 will go towards the ongoing work and programs of Matthew 25: Ministries, serving disaster victims and the poorest of the poor throughout the United States and around the world. Please visit www.m25m.org for more information on Matthew 25: Ministries.
About Tim Mettey:
Tim Mettey learned to value and lead a lifestyle of service from an early age. As the son of prominent local pastor Reverend Wendell E. Mettey, he had frequent opportunities to travel to Nicaragua, immersing himself in the culture and the environment to aid the less fortunate. As part of those early trips, Tim offloaded and delivered humanitarian and disaster relief as well as rebuilt and upgraded schools and hospitals. In many ways, this work inspired the foundation of his writing style and the content of his stories.
Tim attended the University of Cincinnati and spent his early 20s developing his marketing and promotional business skills through a number of entrepreneurial businesses. Tim then began working at Matthew 25: Ministries. He advanced through various roles within the organization to his current position of CEO and Disaster Relief Coordinator. His experiences and expertise in responding to disasters around the world set the background for Tim’s first book.
Tim is happily married to his wife, Chanin, and is the father of four beautiful daughters: Olivia, Cora, Noel and Ashlyn.
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