Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written a great amount over the last few years, but primarily in the areas of American History or comic books. I have a PhD in History, specialising in the Border States during the American Civil War, and have written feature columns and reviews for the Big Glasgow Comics Page for several years
‘The Mentaleeze Chronicles’ is my debut series, planned to be four volumes in total.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Unsaid Things’ is the first volume in ‘The Mentaleeze Chronicles’. The overarching theme of the series is young people who have developed enhanced mental abilities due to exposure to a since discredited drug.
‘Unsaid Things’ focuses on Stephen Smart, a 15 year old boy who discovers that he unconsciously projects his thoughts to the world – an ability that he’s helpless to control. When I was initially planning who might have thoughts that they would not want broadcast to a wider audience, a teenage boy seemed a natural fit!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I crack my knuckles precisely seventeen times before starting each writing session.
Actually, that’s a fib. The boring truth is that my writing habits are pretty normal. Unless my aversion to coffee counts as unusual for a writer? Give me a nice cup of tea every time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gosh, how long have you got? I don’t think any one person is a conscious influence, but my favourite authors include: William Horwood, Terry Brooks, John Jakes, George R.R. Martin and William Wharton.
Comic books have been an undeniable influence on my writing and my favourite authors in that field are ones who focus on character as much as superpowers, including Stan Lee, Kurt Busiek, Peter David and J.M. DeMatteis.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second volume of ‘The Mentaleeze Chronicles’, tentatively titled ‘Best left forgotten’. It concerns Lauren Gunn, a teenage girl who discovers that she has developed the power of enhanced memory recall. What at first appears a blessing and a way to recall good times with her deceased father, soon turns into a nightmare as the terrible ramifications of her ability become clear.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning, to be honest. I have an author Facebook page that I use to share information on current projects, and have joined a number of groups to share ideas and experiences with other authors. There are a huge number of potential sites out there to promote e-books, and it’s sometimes difficult to ascertain what are the most effective and how they compare against each other.
Of course, cost is the primary thing that affects the book promotion I carry out. I have ruled out purchasing an advert slot at the Super Bowl as too expensive, but am still considering whether to wear a sandwich board down my local high street.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always back-up your work!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In every situation I always think – what would Charlie Brown do? He’s someone that constantly tries his best and remains optimistic, despite life’s numerous setbacks, and I really admire that.
What are you reading now?
‘All I ever wrote’ by Ronnie Barker, British comedy genius. As someone who grew up watching The Two Ronnies it’s a delight to read familiar sketches and discover new gems.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To carry on with my series and, hopefully, improve as I go on.
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?
Wow, that is an almost impossible question to answer. Okay, I suppose if it was books that I would re-read again and again I’d not only want books that entertained, but also books that moved me and made me think. So as of this moment that would be:
The Bible – an obvious choice but every time I go to it I find something else to make me think and reflect.
Goodbye Mr Chips by James Hilton – A simply beautiful book that I’ve read time and time again.
Skallagrigg by William Horwood – An ambitious, powerful book that always inspires.
The Complete Peanuts by Charles Schulz – Any volume would be a treat, but the volumes from the 60s and 70s are, in my opinion, when Schulz was producing his finest work.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gary Smith Amazon Profile
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Goodreads Profile
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