Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just written the one book so far, On Swift Wings. I am working on a second, a spin-off from the first, currently titled, “The Immortals.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is titled, “On Swift Wings.” It is so titled because it was inspired by the classic work by Jonathan Swift, Gulliver’s Travels.
I read that story to my son when he was an infant and while acknowledging that it is certainly a marvellous piece of work, it is three hundred years old. The dominant culture has shifted, technology has changed, and much of the satirical content doesn’t really apply in today’s world. I tried to respect the style and substance of the original in writing On Swift Wings. Things which would be immutable, I did not change. The style is intentionally formal and dry, I hope that readers will see that with the sense of humour I intended. Also, there are some extremely racist (by today’s standards) passages in the book, and I felt an update was merited.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A couple. Apart from the extreme formal style, that some have called archaic. Perhaps the most interesting writing habit is due to the way I wedged writing the book into my spare time. I have a full time job as a data scientist and two young children. Spare time comes at an extreme premium. I bought a bluetooth keyboard and actually wrote the majority of the book on my phone. I would write on the train to and from work, at lunch, or whenever I had a minute or two free.
An unfortunate consequence of writing a 384-page novel on the phone is that my eyes suffered for it and now I have to wear glasses. Small price to pay, I suppose.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Obviously Jonathan Swift. The entire book is based off a world he created three hundred years ago, and I really liked writing in his style. I’m also a big fan of classic writing. I’ve enjoyed Tolstoy, Dickens, Orwell, Dumas, Twain… Getting lost in great works from long ago satisfies literary, geographic, and historical curiosities.
R.A.Salvatore is an author I credit with influencing me a great deal. I bought The Legacy at a school book sale in Junior High and read dozens of Forgotten Realms books as a result. I also really like reading Dr. Seuss to my kids, and if you’re paying attention in the second part of the book in Loogenage, you’ll notice that I dropped a nod in to one of our favourites.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the audio book version of On Swift Wings as well as a second book that spins off of the first called “The Immortals.” I write very slowly and methodically, so one shouldn’t hope to see it out anytime soon, but I’m hoping to get it done eventually.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried a lot. I’ve entered and won a bunch of competitions, I’m trying to get my book in front of as many reviewers as possible, and I’ve set up my own website as well. Promotion is tough, and I’m learning something new every day. The book gets great reviews in general, so I’m confident that the right kinds of readers will enjoy it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do your research and follow through. I started out just writing for myself. As I got deeper into the book, I realized that I had something. There are a number of costs involved that I didn’t see up front. Editing, formatting, cover design, promotion. Brace yourself and develop a marketing plan before you publish.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t let a good thing be your handcuffs.
Some background. I was taking engineering in my first year of university and I hated it. It was consuming my life and I wasn’t enjoying any part of it except for playing foosball. I felt trapped though. I had to prove how smart I was, I had to live up to my potential, and I was miserable. It wasn’t until I talked to my dad about it and he told me that he loves me whether I was an engineer or not, and he sort of opened to the door for me to drop engineering and try something different.
I don’t have to prove that I’m smart to anybody, and I can be happier if I don’t let intelligence bind me to do something I don’t enjoy.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a Dumas novel called “Twenty Years Later.” and a LOT of children’s books.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep plugging away at The Immortals, and try to get the Audio Book finished as soon as possible. I’ve narrated the book now, but editing takes a long time.
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?
A book of matches, a really big notebook (and pencils), and probably a couple big survival books.
If I’m answering the question in the spirit intended. I’d certainly take some classics. Twain and Dumas would be high. I also like to know everything about everything, so I might take an encyclopaedia (if that counts.)
Author Websites and Profiles
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