Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I decided to write a novel way back in eighth grade. Happily, it only took me twenty years to accomplish that goal, which is pretty consistent with how I do such things.
My background is mostly technical (information systems and film production), and I try to draw on that from time-to-time. I have also been a student of all things “fringe” from an early age. The subject of the paranormal as modern mythology has always fascinated me. I’ve also tried to draw on that area of study when possible.
I’ve written quite a bit, but it has all been non-fiction (and dull) to this point. My current novel, “From Here to Nearly There,” is the first work of fiction that I produced.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled “From Here to Nearly There.” It’s the story of a surveyor and mapmaker who goes from Yorkshire to a guest cabin on an interstellar super yacht.
What inspired it? Well, I’ve studied UFO-lore and the paranormal for a long time. I am what you might call a sympathetic skeptic. From an “is it real?” standpoint, I think the jury is out. From the standpoint of great science fiction, it’s all gold.
So the book is partially inspired on real UFO and paranormal reports. But only just. It is also inspired by my love of travel and (in particular) my love of England. I guess that makes it part travelogue and part sci-fi thriller. Sounds like a good mix, if I say so myself.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have nothing but unusual writing habits! That is the problem. When I write non-fiction, I can do so in my artificial writing environment. For some reason, that doesn’t work for me when it comes ti writing fiction. So, gone is the pleasant music (too distracting), coffee (makes me too jumpy) and snack food (why write when you can eat?).
Instead, I have forced myself to sit in a dark room with a laptop and silence. It is quite unpleasant, but surprisingly productive.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neal Stephenson is probably the greatest living writer of fiction. Bill Bryson is without question the finest writer of non-fiction. They are both heavy influences for me.
Recently, I have been re-influenced by a couple of authors who impacted me when I was young. C.S. Forester comes to mind. I started reading the first of his “Hornblower” novels many years ago. I did not stop until I had read every page the man wrote. It’s just pure gold.
What are you working on now?
I had intended to turn to Book Two of the “Voyage in the Near Distance” series but have since changed my mind. I am instead beginning the outline process on a mystery novella (maybe novel). The idea is to recharge a bit after having written something so serious. We shall see.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This one, obviously, is great. Vinny is great at customer service. Twitter is important but easy to overemphasize. Andrew Butcher has a great list of web resources, but I can’t recall the URL.
I haven’t done the free promotion yet, but one is in the works. I have it on good authority that the giveaway promotion works well, and I suppose I will find out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take your ego out. Do not try to write a book about yourself. It won’t work, trust me. If you’re a doctor, lawyer, or accountant then you should avoid writing a book about a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. Of course it can work, but you will probably find yourself shoe-horning your own life into your story. Again, can be done, but it takes skill.
Honestly, it’s a lot more fun to create an character with his or her own “fingerprints” and motivations.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hard to say, as I have been given a lot of advice in my life. I would probably say that the best, from a writing persecutive, is to be unafraid of “killing your babies.” By that, I mean that a writer has to be able to delete or radically alter a piece of their story if that piece just doesn’t work.
What are you reading now?
“Abaddon’s Gate” by James S.A. Corey. I devoured the first two books in the “Expanse” series and am looking forward to digging into Book Three.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Taking a break. Well, no, I’m actually going to start researching story lines and settings for the next book.
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?
“In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson. I’ve read it three times and will likely do so again. “Anathem” by Neal Stephenson. Possibly the greatest work of fiction ever penned. And of course “Survive!” by Les Stroud. I think that last one is pretty self-explanatory.
Author Websites and Profiles
Alec Merta Website
Alec Merta Amazon Profile
Alec Merta’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account