Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a singer-songwriter, musician and music teacher in his 40s who has recently started writing fiction books. I’m getting great reviews for my first collection of short stories, and some excitement about my very recently released novel called “Out among the Ice Beacons”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have just released “Out among the Ice Beacons” which is inspired by my love of science fiction, my interest in the social/political effects of religion having a tight grip on the nations ideology, and my amusement of the very English banter I hear around me that I don’t often see in novels. Those three things combined are, essentially, the book in a nutshell.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write late at night, and have lots of bits of paper around me with notes on them, when i’m writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors would be Robert Sheckley, Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Harry Harrison, Richard Matheson and Douglas Adams.
Books would be “Mindswap” by Robert Sheckley, “The Stainless Steel Rat” books by Harry Harrison, ‘Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams and all of the short story books from Ray Bradbury.
What are you working on now?
I am currently planning and outlining a sequel to a short story in my first book, about a rock band from different planets. The short story was called “No sleep till Corsyllia” and the new novel will follow on from the ending of the story. It will a chance to go totally absurd with the humour and make it the silliest thing I have written so far.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads seems to be a great way of connecting, but facebook has been invaluable too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s surprising how easy it is to self-publish, so if you have a book in you, write it and get it published!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever had was to stay true to yourself and do what you feel you need to do.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading the biography of Warren Zevon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be starting to write the novel I am planning soon, as well as a book of lyrics and poems.
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?
“Mindswap” by Robert Sheckley
“Lord of the Rings” by Tolkien
“Stainless Steel Rat Wants You” by Harry Harrison
“Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll
Author Websites and Profiles
Gareth Howells Amazon Profile
Gareth Howells’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account