Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing since I was in high school, although it wasn’t until well after college that I finally broke through. I have now published ten books under different names, and one is making the rounds.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, which is in submission, is called “The Ildoni Quest.” It’s my first foray into space opera. In some ways it’s a mash-up of a couple of my earlier short stories, and in some ways it just sort of materialized in my brain over time. I can’t point to any particular inspiration, although I did try to emulate Jack Vance in some of my settings.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Judging from all of the friends I’ve had who’ve tried their hand at writing over the years, my most unusual habit is that I never gave up. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many… Asimov, Bradbury, Burroughs, Butcher, Howard, Vance… I think every author you read influences you somehow, whether it’s by showing you who you want to be or by showing you what not to do.
What are you working on now?
I am working on several serials stories through the Kindle Vella app. I’d like to return to short stories for a while, because you can do so many different things in a short time, as opposed to a novel, which requires focus for a longer period.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had the most success with the personal touch, finding readers who share my passions and would like to read more of the stories I like.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Write stories you want to read. If you find your story boring, so will everyone else. 2. Believe in your characters. If you don’t believe they’re real, no one else will. 3. Don’t ever let anyone read your first drafts. It gives you total freedom to screw up, because who’ll know? Success isn’t in the writing; it’s in the editing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“No one who refused to give up ever failed to get published.”
What are you reading now?
“Around the World in 80 Days,” by Jules Verne. I watched the PBS series and wanted to read the book. Then it’s “The Fated Sky,” by Mary Robinette Kowal.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write. Promote. Write. Maybe find time to read some more.
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?
“The Boy Scout Handbook,” obviously. “The Collected Works of Shakespeare,” because they would keep me occupied. And “A Princess of Mars,” by Edgar Rice Burroughs, because I can read that book over and over.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Lowe Website
Brian Lowe Amazon Profile
Brian Lowe’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile