What is your name/pen name/ name you are comfortable giving us?
Alastair Hightower or Skylar
What project or projects, if any, are you currently working on?
Currently I am working on my DnD ( Dungeon and Dragons) setting book, a Anthology piece for an unannounced project, my web novel (Vessels of Power), and a half dozen short stories.
What project or projects, if any, are on your back burner?
Right now, sadly my main novel has taken a back seat to the other projects I have committed time to. Just not enough hours in the day.
Why do you write?
To tell stories, cheesy I know, but it’s true. I have always loved stories and being someone who has struggled with learning disabilities my whole life I want to show others that anyone can do anything if they want to. For me that is writing, to put words to paper is so difficult for me but it is important for me to do it, to prove I am stronger than the blockade in front of me.
How long have you been writing? How much of that time seriously? (You define what seriously means.)
I wrote my first story in 5th grade it was based on anime since then I have written a project in one form or another every year since. Most have been shorts, web novels, and DnD campaigns.
Do you have any published works?
Yes: my first published piece is with Pen and Pier in their anthology. Though I have 15 pieces out for consideration at this time.
What is the best part of writing for you?
Finding my characters. I love people and bringing my characters to life feels like making friends, or enemies, but that’s the real magic.
What is the hardest part of writing to you?
Grammar, English grammar is a struggle no matter how much I read, write, or put time into it. I will try and try and try it the rules just don’t ever click inside my head.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
Write, I believe in the Steven King method, just sit down and do it. Motivation and inspiration may never come but discipline and practice will.
Have you ever seen the sun set over the ocean? (We’re Pen & Pier, we have to include the Pier somewhere.)
I love our local beaches and sometimes the best thing in the world is just sitting and watching the sun set, though sand is my enemy.
How did you find Pen & Pier?
Google, I wanted to find local writers. I have been a part of an internet writers group for a long time but there is something about being with your local people that brings out the best in you. And I’m bad at making friends so forced participation helps.
What is your favorite genre to write? What is your favorite genre to read?
I love fantasy, high mid, urban, science, it all allows me to play with ideas and themes that are not possible in our world.
If you could collaborate with any writer, who would that be?
James A Hunter, he has been a long time friend and an amazing author.
Would you like to live in your own stories? Why, or why not?
That’s a loaded question, I mainly wrote in my world of Panthea. It’s a place where gods, and mortals are often at odds and that chaos affects the little people quite a lot. So depending on which version of Panthea I was in affects the answer. If it’s the video game version, yes I think I would. If it’s the Panthea of my Web novel, no, no, no. Because I know I would not be a “chosen one” and therefore my life would be subject to the machinations of the gods and their Vessels.
Do you have a favorite joke? (You can tell us, but you don’t have to.)
I’m a dad so most of my favorite jokes are bad puns or dad jokes. Such as “ hi (blank) I’m dad.”
What book(s) or stories would you want everyone to read?
The one(s) that keep you going all night, if someone asks about them.
The books I think everyone should read in no particular order.
1: Fahrenheit 451
2: Animal Farm
3: the invisible man
4: creativity inc
5: v for vendetta(comic)
6: Watchmen (comic)
What are you looking forward to the most for your writing within the next year?
Just seeing where my stories go, and what my characters get up to. I have multiple DnD groups exploring my world and the stories I am creating for them. I can’t wait to see where they go and how the story comes to an end this year.
If you would like, share your sites and socials here.
You can follow my rough/ early drafts of my story here:
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/105211/the-way-forward
You can follow or book me for DnD or Daggerheart dming here:
https://startplaying.games/gm/sjhart2025
I am also on Threads and have been told to make a bluesky too. So that’s coming.