Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Hertfordshire, England and I moved to London in my early 20’s. I’m an honorary Londoner now, though no cockney rhyming slang yet. I live in the city with my wife and children. I’ve recently finished my first science fiction novella.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novella’s entitled ‘The Save Humanity Project’. It’s about a very large and mean asteroid on a collision course with earth. The book’s main character is an observer of the last attempts to avoid total catastrophe.
This is going to sound a little odd, but I took inspiration from coronavirus. Or rather, writing was a way for me to cope with some of my own mental health difficulties during the pandemic. I used the novella to get my feelings on paper, replacing Covid 19 with a dastardly impact event.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a day job and children, so my life is quite busy. Finding the time to write is an ongoing battle. I try to set aside an hour a week. Even then, I often get disturbed with requests for drinks, snacks, or chores. One unusual thing I started doing was to use my mobile phone notes app to jot things down. Usually whilst waiting about. For example, I’d write during my lunch hour, or when queuing for the children at school pick-ups or clubs.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love science fiction and fantasy. My writing can be quite dark, though I try not to be all doom and gloom. I guess I’m influenced by people like H.G. Wells and George Orwell. I also love Ernest Cline; Ready Player One is such an enjoyable read.
What are you working on now?
I’m going to start a follow-up to The Save Humanity Project. It will explore a previous attempt to deal with the asteroid and preserve the future of mankind. My intention is to write three novellas that will form a complete novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to make use of all the resources which Amazon makes available to authors. Free giveaways and social media are helpful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well considering that I am a new author, I’m not sure I have a great deal of advice to offer yet. I suppose just keep on keeping on. Enjoy the writing process. Do it for yourself. Don’t get hung up on all the other stuff.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My grandmother wrote in her memoir that it’s important to try to appreciate what you have and what you can achieve. That’s pretty sound advice. She’s a wonderful woman.
What are you reading now?
I’m working my way through the Harry Potter series with one of my children. I’m also reading Dune for myself (loving it).
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep finding the time to write and to start on a second novella.
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?
For real? Well, I guess some kind of survival guide for living on a desert island and getting rescued. Bear Grylls has had a few published. Is that a dull answer? Ok, so maybe Ready Player One as well 😊
Author Websites and Profiles
Charles Harris Amazon Profile
Charles Harris’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account