Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far I’ve only written one but the response has been amazing. I’m into my second now and hoping to release it some time in 2019.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “Screwed – A prison story” and it was inspired after a 4 year stint working within one of Australia’s prisons. There were some tough times there and I knew I had a story that I needed to tell. I needed it out of me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too unusual. I like to write with music on – nothing with too many vocals in it though which tends to be distracting. Also I find if I can write first thing in the morning the entire day tends to go better.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. I like reading about the craft of writing and probably the two that have resonated most with me so far are Stephen Kings – On writing and Revision and Self editing by James Scott Bell. Also to get through writers block the 3a.m epiphany.
I also love books that explore human nature and what we do to each other. My all time favourite is probably George Orwells 1984. Audux Huxley’s Brave new World is up there too though. I like to read broadly though and love reading things from all different genres.
What are you working on now?
A new novel called Mingalo Stories which follows on from my current novel but from the perspective of the prisoner. While I was working there I came across so many unique and interesting stories as well as a few sad and depressing ones. I would like to show what the world of a minimum security prison is like for the prisoner as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to work all of that out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t feel overly qualified to be giving advice. I think all writers are a work in progress and I myself am squarely in that camp.
If you can read a lot and create a healthy writing habit with a set number of words a day then I think that’s a great start. You’re going to need to take some risks and put yourself out there. Also, enjoy it and have fun with the craft where you can. Appreciate others who do it well and as independent authors, let’s all support each other.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best advice I’ve heard is actually a mindset. Having a growth mindset which enables you to acknowledge that you are not perfect at something but willing to work to get better and able to get better, enables us to take more risks and care less. I think it goes for things other than writing too.
What are you reading now?
Margret Atwood – The heart goes last. Absolutely loving it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to produce more thought provoking books, build a following and support my family doing what I love.
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?
One would probably be “stig of the dump’ which was a childhood favourite. Then I’d need a non-fiction survival book so that I didn’t starve while stranded and the last one would be Bryce Courtney’s Thomo and Hawk – While it’s not in my favourites list, I’d really enjoy it on a deserted island and it is a fantastic book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Chester Hart Website
Chester Hart’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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