Interview With Author Brendon Potter
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a telecommunication architect based in Wellington, New Zealand, originally from South Africa where I ran my own business and dabbled in blogging and web design. While my career has been rooted in technology, storytelling has always intrigued me. At 54, I’ve completed my first novel—a project years in the making—and have four more planned. It’s been a rewarding shift from designing systems to constructing entire worlds.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called Overlords, and it was born out of years of deep reflection on the biggest questions we face—good and evil, life and death, and how much of what we believe is shaped by powerful forces behind the scenes. I began to see patterns in everything from government propaganda to ancient mythology, and I wondered: what if there’s a hidden framework behind it all? With the help of AI as a collaborative tool, I set out to weave those speculative ideas—about time travel, aliens, shadow societies—into a fictional narrative that might just feel a little too real. It’s my first novel, and I’m already planning four more in the same universe.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Possibly! I haven’t spent much time around other authors, so I don’t have a baseline for what’s “normal.” But I do know I approach writing like I’ve approached system design: with obsessive attention to frameworks, cause and effect, and plausible logic—even when dealing with the bizarre or conspiratorial. One author I worked with back in South Africa, an award-winning writer I supported through my IT services, inspired me with his relentless research. That dedication rubbed off on me, and now I find myself building fictional timelines with the precision of a network architect.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
George Orwell had a profound impact on me—1984 was an awakening, and Animal Farm laid bare the mechanics of manipulation in ways that never left me. His ability to blend fiction with political commentary inspired much of the thematic backbone of my work. On a more personal note, Karel Schoeman—a brilliant South African author I had the privilege of knowing—left a lasting impression. His depth of research and commitment to the written word reminded me that stories should not just entertain, but also challenge the reader to think more deeply.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m focused on creating promotional materials for Overlords—video teasers, a website, and building a presence on social media. It’s a part-time effort alongside my full-time job, but I’m enjoying the challenge of getting the word out. Once that’s underway, I’ll be diving into Book II of the series, which continues to unravel the deeper layers of the world I’ve created. There are still many secrets left to explore.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring that out—ask me again in six months! 😄 Right now, I’m experimenting with a mix of social media, teaser videos, and a dedicated website. I’m also exploring reader communities and book promotion platforms to see what gains traction. Since this is my debut, it’s all part of the learning curve—but I’m enjoying the process.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely—back everything up, and date your notes! It’s amazing how easily good ideas can vanish in the grind of editing, formatting, and styling. Writing is only half the battle; keeping track of your thoughts, scene fragments, and early outlines is essential when you’re deep in revision mode. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s a tough one—but probably this: Don’t worry about what other people think. You do you. It’s simple advice, but incredibly freeing—especially as a writer. When you stop trying to please everyone and start writing from your own truth, that’s when the work becomes authentic. And ironically, that’s also when it starts to resonate with others.
What are you reading now?
At the moment, I’m deep into research mode for Overlords II. Most of my reading is web-based—articles, declassified documents, conspiracy archives, and fringe science forums. It’s all part of building a believable next layer to the world I started in Book I. I love connecting seemingly unrelated dots and asking, What if this were true?
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve mapped out material for at least four more books—now it’s just a matter of finding the time! Overlords II is next (though it may end up with a different title… but that would be telling). The journey is just beginning, and each new installment will dig deeper into the truths and hidden mechanisms hinted at in the first 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?
I’d go practical—no surprise there!
A solid pescatarian cookbook (assuming I’ll be catching a lot of fish).
The Popular Mechanics DIY encyclopedias—because if I’m stuck there, I might as well start building something.
My notebook, of course—to capture ideas, map out stories, and keep my mind sharp.
And if there’s space for a fourth… maybe 1984, just to remind me that even a deserted island might be freer than modern society.
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