Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a kiwi science fiction and fantasy author writing in the south pacific. I am the author of 3 books which are all in my Secret Library series. I used to work as a psychologist but have given that up for now in favor of working on my novels. I am energetic, dramatic, and exceedingly silly.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the third book in the Secret Library series called The Spaces Between. The book is about the stories that come together in the spaces between books (as in on the shelf.) I had a lot of fun writing it in a large part because there were no limits to my imagination when envisioning such a world. Try and spot which stories made it into the mix!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I change my habits so often so I suppose I have many. At the moment I’m working on dictating my novels. Picture an enthusiastic New Zealander shouting at his computer “I said to delete that, not bold that!” and then his computer helpfully typing out my abuse.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
You could describe my work as Terry Pratchet meets John Green with a touch of J K Rowling. I regularly re-read the works of Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde and they are sure to have influenced my writing style.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a satirical femanist space western called Cowboy Karen. I love it. Cowboy Karen: Asteroid Jazz is due to come out before the end of August.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe that the best promotion for your books is your next book. I focus on the words and the stories with the faith that the rest will follow.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start small, write a novella (17,500-28,000 words), get a cover, and get it published on Amazon. This first step is vital. You may only sell a few copies to friends and family or curious wanderers, but it gets you in the game and doesn’t cost you a thing (except maybe the cover.)
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There’s no need to sharpen your pencils anymore; your pencils are sharp enough. Even the dull ones will make a mark.”
Ze Frank from An Invocation For Beginnings
What are you reading now?
Aurora Rising by J Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
I’m in a bit of a science fiction mood at the moment. If you visit my Goodreads page you will likely see that I’m currently reading at least half a dozen books. This is just how I am.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working to get the first few books of the Cowboy Karen series out into the world and then follow up with the fourth Secret Library book. I also have some plans for a Halloween horror novel, but that is top secret and I’m not telling anyone.
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?
The Picture of Doren Gray by Oscar Wilde
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Past that it gets too hard without evoking series…
The Discworld Series
The Expanse Series
Author Websites and Profiles
J. C. Gilbert Website
J. C. Gilbert Amazon Profile
J. C. Gilbert’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile