Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Toronto, Canada and am currently enjoying living and writing full time on the shore of Nottawasaga Bay, just outside of Collingwood, Ontario. Although I’ve been writing and sharing stories for most of my life, it wasn’t until I retired from the high school classroom in 2012 that I was able to shift into high gear as a writer. I am now the author of two multi-book literacy programs for grades 4 through 12, a critically-praised manual for writing popular fiction, a romantic suspense novel, an award-nominated science fantasy novel, and my latest, a science fiction novel for adults — ten books in total so far, with many more to come.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a science fiction novel for adults titled The Genius Asylum. It’s the first in a series of books set at the turn of the 25th century, and was inspired by a question that popped into my mind as I watched a news item on TV: Why does it take us humans so long to grow up and realize what’s really important in life? Just as we start to get a handle on how things are supposed to work, we die. My writerly imagination immediately supplied a possible answer: What if it’s because…? I happened to be working on a cryptic crossword puzzle at the time, so from there it was a short step to a series of novels, each one presenting a puzzle, the solution to which would be a clue to solving the greater mystery from Earth’s ancient past. The Genius Asylum is 1 Across.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than feeling compulsively driven to write, I don’t think so. I used to have a pink track suit that my son referred to as my writing outfit because I wore it so often when working, but these days any teeshirt and pair of slacks will do. Since reading an interview with George R.R. Martin, I’ve come to realize that there are others of my tribe out there, with left and right brains simultaneously engaged to make the first draft the very best that it can be.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I fell in love with science fiction at the age of 11, so the most influential authors in my life all come from the speculative fiction genre: Clifford D. Simak, Anne McCaffrey, Harlan Ellison, Robert Silverberg, J.M. Straczynski, and Zenna Henderson, among others.
There are four authors from my past that I especially admired and have always tried to emulate: Ray Bradbury, for the lyrical flow of his writing style; Robert A. Heinlein, for the scope of his vision; Isaac Asimov, for successfully combining teaching with writing and doing them equally well; and Sir Terry Pratchett, for turning a funhouse mirror on the world and showing us The Truth About Things that lies therein.
What are you working on now?
While plotting out books 4, 5 and 6 of the science fiction series (Sic Transit Terra), I am also writing the first of two urban fantasy novels for the Hellmaw series being published by The Ed Greenwood Group. A romantic suspense story with daemons. I can’t write horror with a straight face, so this is going to be on the Pratchett-esque side.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m in transition right now. I’ve had a dedicated web site for a couple of years (www.thewritersnest.ca) and have been making a point of attending writing conventions to serve on panels and to network, and I’ll continue to do that. I have emailing lists and issue a quarterly newsletter for teachers that includes updates on my fiction writing as well. I also have author’s pages on Amazon and Goodreads.
Never thought I’d be on the social media, simply because it’s so time-consuming. However, my publisher recently nudged me into Facebook, and I’m seeing a lot of good possibilities there. You know what they say about ocean liners — you have to turn them by slow degrees.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You are now a student of writing, and every book you read is going to teach you something. So, no matter how busy you get, make time to read, and be prepared to take notes. If a book grabbed you from the first sentence, or the suspense built steadily to the climax, or the characters jumped off the page at you, analyze how the author made it happen. Then try to duplicate the technique in your own work. You don’t have to read in the same genre as you’re writing. The rules of effective storytelling will still apply. What’s important is that you read.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Bring your characters to life and then let them surprise you.
It works!
What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished reading Reap the Wild Wind by Julie E. Czerneda and Eye of Glass by Marie Bilodeau, and am about to begin 11/22/63 by Stephen King.
What’s next for you as a writer?
For the next couple of years, I’m going to be concentrating on completing books 4, 5 and 6 of the Sic Transit Terra series and both of the Hellmaw novels.
Author Websites and Profiles
Arlene F. Marks Website
Arlene F. Marks Amazon Profile
Arlene F. Marks’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile