Mind Wings Audio Author Bios-Interviews: Troy Lee Henderson

Troy Lee Henderson was born and raised in Warsaw, Indiana. After earning a degree in fisheries biology from Ball State University in 1986, he moved to Miami, Florida where he has worked on a tropical fish farm since 1987. He has had an interest in writing since grade school, pursuing it mainly as a hobby. He has published several articles along the way and made contributions to various club newsletters. His other interests include gardening, sailing, hiking, and a host of other outdoor activities. He currently resides in Palmetto Bay, Florida with his wife Roxanne, cat Squeaky and leopard tortoise, Willy.

Was there anything in particular that inspired you to write Eathed?
Years ago I watched some program or movie on television in which the premise was all the old fairy tale characters were being forgotten and fading away. This gave me the idea of the last dragon and the last dragon slayer meeting up in their dotage and trying to fight but instead just falling about because of their frailty. The idea stuck with me and the rest of the story grew around it over time.

The story is in a British setting, anywhere specific?
This falls under the category of “write about what you know.” This story is rooted in European folklore and could be set almost anywhere in Europe, but because I’m most familiar with British language and culture, I chose to set it there. Beyond that, I had nowhere specific in mind.

Do you consider young adult or children stories your preference?
Young adults, definitely. With older kids you can write with greater depth and more complexity than with pre-teens.

What is your preferred type of writing?
Folklore based fiction. It’s such an enormous palette. It can run the spectrum from real life on the one hand to magic and mythological beasts on the other. And such stories can span thousands of years of human history.

What is the most challenging part of the writing process for you?
Constructing that first draft. Revisions often take longer, but it’s that first draft that makes you sweat.

What does audio production bring to your story?
I think most stories are best when heard. It harkens back to the days when all stories were heard, not read or even written down, for that matter. When orated well, a good story is mesmerizing, like staring into a cozy campfire.

Are you planning to write any novels in the future?
I have ideas for three novels, none of which are directly based in folklore, by the way. One of these days I hope to crank one out. It took breaking my foot to slow me down enough to get “Eathed” ready for publication.

What are you currently working on?
Since finishing “Eathed,” I’ve gone back to some earlier stories and started retooling them.

PUBLISHED WORKS
“Shelburn Watershed Lake 1985 Fish Management Report”
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
“A Tankfull of Teeth: Gars in the Home Aquarium”
Freshwater and Marine Aquarium Magazine
Various articles for gardening, kayaking and sailing club newsletters.

AUDIO BOOKS