Interview with Christopher Hopper

Welcome to Inkbound's second interview! This time I asked the successful sci-fi and fantasy author Christopher Hopper questions relevant to writing and reading, and he has some amazing answers.

For Writers

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

To put it simply: have fun writing. If you’re genuinely excited about what’s happening on the page, chances are readers with similar tastes will love it too. 

On a more practical note, the best advice I ever got was: “Keep your butt in the seat and write!” It’s not always glamorous, but it’s true. We can dream about writing all day, but ultimately writers are the people who actually write (novel idea, right?). That discipline to show up—especially when motivation dips—is what separates a writer from someone who only imagines they could write a book.

How do you overcome creative blocks?

I’m a little skeptical about “writer’s block.” If truck drivers don’t get “driver’s block,” or nurses get “nursing block,” why should writers get a mystical pass not to work? In my experience, what we often call writer’s block is actually burnout or a sign that we need fresh inspiration. The cure? Curiosity and rest. I’m a naturally curious person, always eager to learn new things. That constant intake of fresh ideas—from science articles to local folklore—helps me keep my creativity fueled. I also schedule breaks between big writing pushes to recharge. If you take care of your mind and feed it with wonder, the ideas will keep flowing.

What’s one common mistake you see new writers make, and how can it be avoided?

Inaccurate dialogue. 

Often, new writers try to make every sentence crisp and perfect. But people don’t talk in perfect sentences. We stutter, pause, change topics abruptly, or speak in half-finished thoughts. Sometimes we never even finish our—

See what I did there? 

It’s messy, and that’s part of its charm. I once recorded a casual conversation among friends just to observe how true-to-life dialogue really works. The key is trusting your readers to fill in the gaps. Don’t spoon-feed them every detail. Respect your audience’s intelligence, and they’ll become immersed in your characters’ voices.

Are there any books or resources that have significantly influenced your journey?

Absolutely! For dialogue, I highly recommend Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage, and Screen by Robert McKee. For story structure, Story Engineering by Larry Brooks is a great starting point. 

Beyond reading “how-to” books, though, one of my greatest learning experiences has been working with talented editors. I can’t emphasize enough how much I’ve grown by listening to their feedback. I approach edits with a “say yes first” mindset—assuming they know exactly how to refine my work. Their job is to make your story better, so let them. If you find a good editor and stay open to constructive criticism, you’ll level up fast.

What is your favorite aspect of writing?

Concept creation and world-building. This is where I feel pure creative freedom—anything is possible. Dreaming up new planets, bizarre creatures, or intricate magic systems is exhilarating. It feels like boundless exploration, and that initial spark of imagining what could be is what makes me want to sit down and write it all out.

For Readers

What do you hope readers take away from your stories?

First, that I look even more dashing without hair. (Kidding… mostly). Honestly, I hope my stories encourage readers to be fully present in life. Whether it’s a fictional character learning to be there for someone in need or a reader losing themselves in a book for an afternoon, presence is powerful. We all matter simply because we exist, and if my stories can reinforce that truth or inspire someone to reach out to a friend they care about, I’ll have done my job.

Do you have any favorite books or authors that have inspired your work?

The Song of Albion trilogy by Stephen R. Lawhead was a turning point for me. I wasn’t much of a reader growing up (a disappointing second-grade report card labeled me a “slow reader,” and I believed it for years). But when my best friend dared me to read Lawhead after high school (who reads after high school?), it opened my eyes to the wonder of books. 

After that, there was no turning back. I also admire authors like Iain Banks, Ursula K. Le Guin, C.S. Lewis, Andy Weir, Frank Herbert, Rebecca Yarros, Timothy Zahn, and Jim Butcher. My inspiration changes day-to-day—there are so many amazing voices out there.

If you could recommend one book to readers, what would it be, and why?

It’s always tough to pick just one, because I believe certain books land differently at different times in our lives. A book that truly helped me during a personal crisis was Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr. It felt like having a wise mentor show me the bigger picture when I needed it most. I recommend it to anyone searching for a deeper sense of purpose later in life.

How do you think storytelling impacts the way we see the world?

Storytelling is a way to play with life. Humans have always learned through play, and stories allow us to live out scenarios we never would in real life—safely exploring possibilities, emotions, and ideas. That playful exploration expands our empathy, teaches us lessons without the risk of real-world consequences, and helps us imagine how the world could be. Good stories don’t just entertain us; they stretch our hearts and minds to become more open, imaginative, and courageous.

Where can we find your work?

Thanks for asking! You can find everything—books, audiobooks, and random musings—on my website, christopherhopper.com. You’ll also find my work on Amazon and Audible. If you ever want to connect or have more questions, my website has all my social links too.