Hello McNeary and welcome to this week's Thursday #Hangout. Feels good to have a male guest with us following the Wattpad Female-o-calpse. ;)

For those who don't know, who's R. McNeary?
He's a speculative fiction writer whose first love is epic fantasy. I'm fluent in at least four languages (if you include sarcasm) and really huge on inclusive, multicultural fiction.

How long have you been writing officially? How many books have you done so far?
Depends on what you mean by officially. I've been writing since I was eight or so and probably will continue to do so when they implant us with those v-chips that produce holograms. I've been on Wattpad for a couple of years.

You seem to be a fan of fantasy. What intrigues you about the genre?
I love that it allows you to envision the world how it could be, not necessarily how it is. It can inspire change not only on a social scale, but how you view others. If you let it.

Looking at the world of Fantasy, and fiction in general, which writer(s) would you say have influenced your style?
I'd say I was influenced by Robert Jordan, Ursula le Guin, and Brandon Sanderson more than anyone else.

How about on Wattpad, what story have you read that really stood out to you?
Engines & Demons by MattParker0708 . Easily one of the best fantasy novels on this site. Even though he insists on calling it Science Fiction.

Talking about the Wattpad Block Party--Summer Edition II, which of your books are you promoting? Mind telling us what it's about?
I'm promoting book two of my Path of Light and Fire Series, Dragon and Phoenix. It continues the story of the Seriens, element wielders that have the fate of the world on their shoulders. Book 1 was the epic battle and now they're left with the question of "What now?"

What made you sign-up for the Wattpad Block Party?
Honestly, it was a whim. I thought it might be fun and perhaps I'd make some new WattFriends. We'll see how that all goes.

Everyone seems to have high hopes and expectations for the event. What should readers be expecting from you at the Wattpad Block Party?

A new "Interview with the Seriens". I did one at the start of book 2 and the readers enjoyed it (as did I). Well, we have a brand new one, with a live Q&A. I hope all members of Serien Nation, new and old, tune in.

Would you also be participating in the giveaways?

Absolutely. You can either name a new character in Dragon in Phoenix, or I will provide a one-chapter critique to a book of your choice.

 Just let me know that you're participating with a Twitter/Wattpad follow + a question during the giveaway.

The Giveaway page for the Block Party is super loaded with tons of wishful prizes. Who's giveaway do you wish to take home?

Probably LeighWStuart's chocolate, because chocolate.

~!~

Alright folks, that's it for today. Hope you enjoyed having McNeary here with us.

Hope to see you at the The Summer 2016 Conference @rmcneary and everyone's invited too.

Till next time, stay scheming.