In the cozy corner of his Porto apartment, accompanied by his feline writing companions, Keith Hartman crafts tales of young superheroes finding their place in the world. A recent addition to Porto's vibrant expatriate community, Keith brings nearly three decades of writing experience and a refreshingly candid approach to the craft.

Finding His Voice

"I started writing seriously in 1994," Keith shares, his journey into authorship driven by twin motivations: "the ability to create my own worlds and be my own boss. Plus the need to pay rent." This practical blend of creativity and necessity would become a recurring theme in Keith's career, leading to some unexpected plot twists in his own story – including a stint as a stripper to support his writing dreams.

Keith's work spans multiple genres, but he's particularly known for his young adult superhero fiction. His writing style, which he describes as "wise-cracking, noir, and tightly plotted," draws inspiration from a diverse array of literary influences including Mark Twain, Robert Heinlein, and James R. Benn.

The Superhero Saga

His notable works include "The Gumshoe, the Witch and the Virtual Corpse," "The Buried Sky," and "Confessions of a Former Teen Superhero" – the latter exploring the journey of a young gay superhero navigating his place in the world. Currently, Keith is working on "Sex, and the Single Sidekick," a sequel that promises to continue his tradition of blending compelling storytelling with authentic representation.

A Day in the Life

Despite the fantastical nature of his stories, Keith maintains a disciplined approach to his craft. "Write from 9 am until 3. Hit the gym. Then spend the evening either socializing or working on all the business stuff that goes with being a writer," he explains. His writing sanctuary? "Just my kitchen table. My cats like to keep me company while I'm working."

New Beginnings in Porto

Having recently arrived in Portugal, Keith is part of a wave of American expatriates seeking new horizons. When asked about the writing community in Porto, his face lights up: "It's very friendly and welcoming." Though he's still settling in (ask him about Portugal's influence on his writing when he's been here for a year, he jokes), he's already finding his place in Porto's literary scene.

Words of Wisdom

For aspiring writers, Keith offers practical advice born from experience: "Write a series. Seriously, they are so much easier to market than stand-alone books." He also cautions against blindly following industry advice: "Be careful of the advice on all those 'Business of Writing' podcasts. A lot of them are pushing some terrible ideas."

Looking Forward

As Keith continues to build his life in Porto, he remains open to networking with fellow writers and engaging with the local literary community. His journey from stripper to successful author, and now to expatriate writer in Portugal, demonstrates the unexpected paths a writing career can take. Visit Keith's website at Keith-Hartman.com. 

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