Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Craig and I’m an Indie author. (Pause to let everyone chant ‘hello Craig’)
I’ve written four novellas and am about to put out my first full length book. Writing is a passion of mine, I’ve been doing it as long as I can remember, but it’s only fairly recently that I have started to take it a little more seriously. I have two small children and it occurred to me that one day they are going to ask what Daddy does for a living. I’m not sure ‘spreadsheets’ is the inspirational answer they will be looking for, so I figured I’ve got a few years to be able to answer ‘kick arse storyteller’.
I primarily write in the humour genre, but I have dabbled in other areas.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Colony is my latest book. It was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend visiting from Australia. We started talking about Colony Collapse disorder and somehow the conversation evolved to include CRISPR gene editing, global warming, Artificial Intelligence and the death of mankind. After a conversation like that the book practically wrote itself!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write late at night while the rest of my family is asleep. I get so into my writing I keep forgetting to go to bed. I have gotten to the point where I only need 5 hours sleep to function.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Pratchett. If I could write his name ten more times I would. I can’t stress how much TP’s work has influenced me. Have you ever read a book and felt like it was written specifically for you? Well that’s how I feel every time I read a TP novel. I’m not ashamed to admit I cried when he passed away. It was like losing a treasured member of the family that I’d never met.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book called TROJAN, about a team of IT consultants that are tracking down the world’s most dangerous hacker before he can release a virus that has the capacity to end the internet as we know it. It’s a techno thriller, which is completely outside my comfort zone. All the characters keep trying to be funny and I have to remind them that this is a serious book and could they jolly well behave themselves. I think they stick their tongue out at me when I turn around.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When I figure this out I’ll let you know! I’m still new to promotions so very much in the learning curve.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. You can’t get help editing something that only exists in your head. No matter how bad it is, get the words down on the page. EVERYONE’s first draft is rubbish, no matter how good they are at writing. You won’t get better by not writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get brutally honest feedback on your first draft and take it like a grown up. Find someone who will tear your book apart so you can rebuild it better and leaner. You’ll thank them later 🙂
What are you reading now?
Metropolitan Dreams, by Mark King. Really interesting concept!
What’s next for you as a writer?
NYT bestseller. I’m going to take the scenic route to get there though, because that’s where all the fun lies.
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?
Small gods by Terry Pratchett, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and Deception Point by Dan Brown.
Author Websites and Profiles
Craig Anderson Website
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