Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Two at present – the other is a coding book based around retro coding.
I also have numerous short stories and I am in the middle of writing another book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Micro Kids: An 80s Adventure – it’s about a bunch of kids that form a bond over their love of micro computing. They all start at a new school and there are some of the usual challenges there – bullies etc.
However, they also form a computer club to enjoy their interests in computing etc.
The book is fictional, but many of the plot ideas are based around real events and real people I grew up with.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know – but I like working to a deadline. If I set a deadline I like to push myself to meet it – it helps get the writing down on the page.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a lot of authors. My favourites would be Steinbeck, Stephen King, Harper Lee and Tolkien.
More recently, I enjoyed Ernest Cline’s and Andy Weir’s books; both of whom had huge success from out of nowhere.
I really enjoy Neil Gaiman’s books too.
I took some inspiration from Jordan Mechner’s “Making Of Karateka” and Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and 3/4s.
What are you working on now?
I am working on another story about Classic Arcade gaming in the USA.
With some inspiration taken from the 80s show – Whiz Kids and other ideas.
I also have a couple of Science Ficition ideas I am working on too.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like twitter for instant word-of-mouth effect and for teasing out cover options.
Some facebook groups can work well too, but I am discovering new ways every day.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write first and worry about grammar second.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write as if you are telling someone a story in your own words – then remove the unnecessary words.
What are you reading now?
Just finished Andy Weir’s Artemis – It was a lot of fun and reminded me of Arthur C Clark in parts.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue promoting The Micro Kids, but also get my other gaming book finished. I have been asked if I have a sequel planned for The Micro Kids; that depends on how well it sells.
I am also about the launch the Audiobook version of The Micro Kids on Audible. So I am excited about that!
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?
To Kill A Mocking Bird – read many times – never gets boring.
Salem’s Lot – a good scary tale, with great characters and possibly the best modern-day vampire tale ever.
Ready Player One – for a geek fix.
Lord of the Rings – read it as a kid, loved it, and need to re-read it.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gary Plowman Website
Gary Plowman Amazon Profile
Gary Plowman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account