Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Australian author of Fantasy, Science Fiction, Paranormal/ParaRomance and Weird Westerns.
I have written four books. ‘The Kalarthri’ (Fantasy), ‘Howling Vengeance’ (Weird Western), ‘The Enclave (Science Fiction) and ‘Winter’s Magic’ (Paranormal).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Winter’s Magic’ is my latest book. It is a paranormal.urban fantasy set in Adelaide, South Australia. Salman Rushdie made a statement about Adelaide years ago, that had stuck in my mind, so i decide to set a story around it.
Here is what he said –
Salman Rushdie came to Adelaide for Writers’ Week in 1984. He wrote of the “grim enigma of Adelaide” in the Tatler, saying that:
“Adelaide is an ideal setting for a Stephen King novel, or horror film. You know why all those films and books are always set in sleepy, conservative towns?” he asked. “Because sleepy, conservative towns are where those things happen. Exorcism, omens, shining, poltergeists. Adelaide is Amityville, or Salem, and things here go bump in the night.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I do.
I have a habit of writing my first draft long hand in a notebook, then all subsequent drafts are done on a word processor. I also like to make maps and sketch out objects and scenes from my stories, so that I can describe them and use them better. One day I should put all of the sketches up on my web site, so others can see them.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the work of Stephen Donaldson – especially his Gap series. Raymond Feist is another who I admire as well as Anne McCaffrey and Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels.
I also read a lot of history books which are brilliant for inspiring story ideas.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two books. ‘The Dream Thief’ which is the sequel to ‘The Kalarthri’, and the second Verge Novel which is the sequel to ‘The Enclave’ – it has no title as yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My author website is http://www.hmclarkeauthor.com/ If anyone wants to know or find out anything about anything 🙂 they should go there.
My best method of promotion is mainly word of mouth. I don’t really push my books – if people want to read them, they can.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to establish an online platform where people can get to know you and to just keep on writing. Simple as that.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is the same advice that I gave above, which is to just keep on writing and to establish an online author platform. But above all your writing is key to have all this work for you.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading ‘A lifetime to Die’ by P.S. Meronek and a history of the Maya Kings and Queens.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish off my current Works in Progress and to start planning my next projects. The work of an author is very circular – write, promote, release, promote, write, promote, release… etc.
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?
I would take with me…Can I take with me my kindle that has all my books on it? No? okay…
The omnibus edition of Harry Potter
Daughter of Regals by Stephen Donaldson
Magician by Raymond Feist
The Brother’s Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
If I could I would have thrown in a few more history novels as well – such as Republican Rome by H.L Havell and any book by Robert Hutchinson.
Author Websites and Profiles
H.M. Clarke Website
H.M. Clarke Amazon Profile
H.M. Clarke Author Profile on Smashwords
H.M. Clarke’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account