Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write fantasy and science fiction novels, with four books published so far. Awakenings (New Pantheon book 1, YA modern fantasy) and Conundrums (New Pantheon book 2), Dance of the Gozen (sci-fi military mecha story) and The Wondrous Wayfarer (a MG fantasy with sci-fi elements).
Aside from writing, I am a retired software engineer. I also love gaming of all types, anime & manga (I’m a fervent otaku), and fandom in general. I’ve traveled both domestically and internationally, participated in the Society for Creative Anachronism (even the fighting), and studied a wide variety of topics from history to astrophysics. And I try to draw from my experiences while crafting stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Wondrous Wayfarer was published in April 2021. It is the (first) story in the Adventures of Gavin Greene, and it tells about the Wayfarer, a mysterious vehicle which travels between worlds both fantastic and futuristic.
The story all started from a scene – perhaps a vision – of a modern kid discovering an ogre stealing his bicycle because it didn’t understand what a bike was. I was fortunate enough to find a great artist who brought the scene to life on the cover.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Aside from working around the demands of three teenage kids and four pampered cats, not really.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I can’t begin to count the authors I love. Classic science fiction authors like Asimov, Clarke, Niven, and Bradbury are on the list – I devoured their books when I was a kid. James P. Hogan, David Eddings, and S.M. Stirling showed me how paying attention to details, both in setting and plot, can create fascinating stories in fantastic worlds.
What are you working on now?
Pride of the Gozen, the sequel to Dance of the Gozen. More military mecha fun!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to get a handle on marketing and promotion, to be honest!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to write – jump in and explore your imagination. Exercise your creativity!
At the same time, finding a good circle of fellow writers helps a lot. Get feedback early and often – it’s easier to adapt your story in the early stages.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take criticism the wrong way. Develop a thick skin, and stick with it. You’re going to get rejections, you’ll encounter beta readers who don’t like your book or don’t understand it. But don’t get discouraged.
What are you reading now?
I’m in the middle of several books – Grunts by Mary Gentle and The Rules of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps, as well as several manga series – My Hero Academia Vigilantes among them
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have plenty of books to write. I have three more books for the New Pantheon series (five in all), a third Gozen novel and maybe a short story collection set in the same universe, and the Adventures of Gavin Greene has at least five stories in it. After those, I also have a standalone superhero novel in mind, and a lot more ideas in my head waiting to get out.
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?
That’s a tough question. Perhaps something from the Well of Souls series by Jack Chalker, Spellsinger by Alan Dean Foster, The Gentle Giants of Ganymede by Hogan, and of course whatever I’m currently in the middle of reading.
Author Websites and Profiles
Edward Swing Website
Edward Swing Amazon Profile
Edward Swing’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile