Interview With Author Dylan McFadyen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Like most authors I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but I only started to seriously pursue writing as a career in the last few years. I studied history in school, focusing on international relations and conflict, and that academic experience remains very valuable in my fiction writing today. I’ve written five novels so far.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and first) release is Oblivion’s Cloak. In 2017, I was feeling very pessimistic about the future of humanity. I came up with the concept of a future in which we had destroyed ourselves, but the galaxy kept on turning without us. I tried to imagine what that might look like, and how the handful of humans that survived might navigate that bleak and hostile world. Oblivion’s Cloak was the result.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so; sometimes I enjoy going out to a bar to write and have a drink, but I don’t know if that qualifies. Nor do I get to do that so often anymore.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
What’s the word limit on this question? I’ll try to narrow it down to a manageable list, although I could write a lengthy essay series on the topic.
My favorite book (and film series) is The Lord of the Rings; I typically don’t write fantasy, but Tolkien is a huge inspiration regardless. One of my other favorite books is Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield; his book The War of Art also helped me transition from writing casually to writing professionally.
After that… I could go on way too long. I’ll just call it there.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a page 1 re-write of the first novel I ever completed. The final product was pretty amateurish, but the idea behind it is one I’ve been developing since I was a teenager and I think it deserves a second chance now that I’ve improved my craft through experience.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Having just started promoting my first book it’s hard to say; I’ll get back to you when I have more data!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take writing seriously. Figure out what your writing style is, then build a schedule that suits it. Then STICK TO IT.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Silmarillion for the second time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing!
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 Lord of the Rings, Gates of Fire, and Good Omens – after that it would get too hard to choose.
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