Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Chris. I’ve written three full length novels but have only published one. It took a few to get it right! For work I’m a bassist in a cover band so travel the UK and Europe rocking people’s weddings. It’s a great way to meet people and see the world. My hobbies include rock climbing, retro computer games (my favourites are half-life and dungeon keeper), science fiction movies and books. My favourite authors include Terry Pratchett, Blake Crouch, and Douglas Adams.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called A More Perfect Human. It’s based in London and is inspired by conspiracy theories that have become rife over the last few years. It looks to poke fun at them a bit. There are shadowy organisations, untrustworthy corporations, and crazy gun wielding cultists.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I like to sit in a completely dark room so I can’t see anything other than what I’m writing. Just me, my headphones, and the laptop. And probably lots of crispy snacks…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I recently read Finch by Jeff Vandermeer which I think has influenced my style quite a lot. It’s a book about a private eye who lives in a city controlled by fungal people. It’s weird and fun. I like the humour of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. I take a lot of my humour from things I see on the internet, and British sitcoms like King Gary, The Office, and anything with Greg Davies.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on two books at the moment. A More Perfect Human is the first of what is probably going to be a trilogy and so I’m slowly writing the first draft of book 2. I also have a first draft of something set loosely in the same universe called Mousebane and Redmist which is a book about two cats who start to get strange super-hero like powers. There owner is baffled and trying to find out what’s going on.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I currently promote my books with amazon ads but also have a mailing list which I use to tell everyone about deals and upcoming new releases.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot of marketing books. It’s not just about writing. If you want people to read your work you have to learn marketing too. And don’t worry it’s not all about doing dances on Tik-tok. You can do it without that. Ricardo Fayet as a great book on marketing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get it writ, then get it right. Your first draft can be terrible. You are just telling yourself what’s going on. Skip bits, write scenes out of order, just get something down.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Leviathan Wakes (The Expanse). I’ve just started up my first book club with some friends and this is the first book. I’m enjoying it a lot.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully sell as many copies of this book as I can. I’m really looking forward to seeing what people think. And hopefully it’ll branch into a whole universe of books.
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?
Insomnia by Stephen King
Finch by Jeff Vandermeer
Carpet People by Terry Pratchett
Dune
Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Powell Website
Chris Powell Amazon Profile
Chris Powell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile