Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently have two short stories released, with another two in the pipeline. I have a full sized novel finished and am in the process of my eight or ninth edit, I lose track sometimes. My plan was to create the short stories to introduce readers into the Halycron Universe and then I can release the full length novel, which is the first part of a trilogy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Megala: The Beginning and Rogan: Serpent Hunting are my two short stories, and they are very much inspired by works such as Chris Wooding’s Ketty Jay series, or Firefly on television. It’s all about having a fun adventure set in a sci-fi surrounding.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I am aware of when it comes to typing, but when it comes to writing in person I have the worst habit. Don’t judge me on this… but I don’t hold a pencil/pen correctly.
When I was younger I was extremely stubborn and found a way I preferred when it came to holding a pencil and I’ve never looked back.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Chris Wooding’s Ketty Jay series is definitely a big influence, as is the Mortal Engines quartet by Phillip Reeve. Another huge influence on me was the His Dark Material’s trilogy by Phillip Pullman. I think The Northern Lights was the first time I experienced the feeling of not being able to put a book down.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently finishing off more short stories and polishing the full length novel. I’m hoping to have more adventures set in the Halycron Universe available soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If you find one, please let me know?
I mainly just use twitter and pray that someone notices my tweet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish your book. So many other new budding authors I speak to start about six different projects without finishing any. Get one finished and get over the finish line, once you’ve done that I think you’ll grow and learn and that can help with the rest of the projects.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The above advice, finish your book. Also for a long time I was nervous about people I knew in person finding my books and taking the mick or something. Then someone told me, “who cares?”, and they were right.
Don’t ever be embarrassed about writing; because actually, it’s pretty cool.
What are you reading now?
Bone Dance by Emma Pull
What’s next for you as a writer?
In the short term… getting some food as I am starving. In the long run, hopefully getting more followers interested in the Halycron Universe and giving them more stories to enjoy.
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 first would be a self help book called ‘How to Survive on a Desert Island’. The second would be the largest book I could find so if needs be I could use it to start a fire and keep warm. Then I’d have to say The Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman, and The Black Lung Captain by Chris Wooding.
Author Websites and Profiles
James Rogers Website
James Rogers Amazon Profile
James Rogers’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account