Archives for 2024

Interview With Author Micah Beardsley

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple is my first work. On top of my passion for spirituality and the supernatural, I have a passion for music – for sound and frequency – and at times I have been able to coordinate the two pursuits together! I have a particular interest for ancient sounds, and I have even included some of them in my first book. When it comes to frequency, I love the sound and resonance of Tibetan Singing Bowls, and the effect they have! The first bowls I ever bought were actually crafted in Nepal, and brought back over to Australia – the genuine article as opposed to those made in a factory (how they are crafted makes all the difference). Since owning them I have been able to utilise their sound and properties, not only for my own benefit, but for others as well. Their sound has not only a soothing and calming effect, but can also serve to quiet the storms of thought that sometimes plague the mind, and in so doing, their sound can elevate ones sight to see something higher, something beyond.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Name of my first book is ‘Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple’ and part of the inspiration behind this novel has been, and is, to incorporate certain spiritual/supernatural beliefs and understandings into a fantasy setting. As a matter of fact, this book is also helping to inspire me, because in using the genre of fantasy, I am able to push the limits of my own imagination to further stretch the possibilities of what I believe to be ‘reality’.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Call me old-fashioned, but I enjoy using pen and paper when it comes to fleshing out, and coming up with, my stories. Maybe it has to do with the slower approach to the process? But for me, there is something more relaxing, more cathartic even, about sitting down in a quiet room and jotting down ideas. I can be in the middle of one sentence, when the next three pop into my mind, and although I rush to try and write them down before I forget, I think the slower pace of scribing the words onto the page means the ideas can come more smoothly.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m not sure how many fantasy writers out there haven’t been influenced by the likes of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis – they’re the greats for a reason.

What are you working on now?
Book #2, the continuation of the series, however, like most other authors i’d imagine, there are a few different projects bouncing around in my mind that I am slowly piecing together, whilst in the midst of writing the second novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am only just starting out in the author arena, so aside from Amazon, and the use of my own website, I haven’t really tested the waters enough to know which has worked best for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it! Whatever project you are working on. I know it gets hard sometimes, and you want to quit, and some days it feels like you are putting in soooo much effort for such little reward, but with each day, and each little step you take on the path you are learning more and growing in understanding. I went down the road of self-publishing, and it has not been easy for me, and it still isn’t at times! Writing the book is only one part of the process, although a significantly large part, but then came the formatting and cover designs, the upload process onto the various platforms, and now onto marketing and advertising – sometimes it seems like way too much for one person! But you have to keep moving forward. Once you learn all of this stuff, and understand it, it becomes easier the next time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To stop overthinking! It can be hard to rest in the knowledge that the work you have done is good and/or ready to be released.

Sure, there is a part of me appreciates the idea of always wanting to pursue excellence, and wanting to get the best out of my story, but it can be dangerous when you start second-guessing yourself, and doubting your work, and getting drawn further and further down that rabbit hole until you can potentially find yourself believing that all the work you have put in isn’t any good at all. Having good people around you that can help you, give you encouragement, and at times, constructive criticism is incredibly important, but if you’re like me, sometimes all you might need is a good whack over the head, followed quickly by the sage-like wisdom – stop overthinking!

What are you reading now?
I am actually not presently reading anything just at the moment. Aside from the fact that I’m not a voracious reader, I found that whilst writing my first book I didn’t want to be influenced by other works and so deliberately kept away from a lot of them.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to grow my reader-base! Although presently I am working on book 2, I still want to get the word out to more people about book 1! But as I mentioned earlier, there are a few other projects I wouldn’t mind trying my hand at, aside from my main work, which for now I am slowly chipping away at.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. A blank notebook, because I need to keep working on my next books.
2. My first book, because I need to remember what I have already written so I don’t unnecessarily repeat myself.
3. Some sort of cookbook – just because I’m stranded, doesn’t mean I can’t make the most out of what I’ve got (and because I’ve messed up too many recipes in the past by winging it.)
4. The Bible

Author Websites and Profiles

Micah Beardsley Website

Micah Beardsley Amazon Profile

Micah Beardsley’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile

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