Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an electronics engineer by trade, but my passion is and always has been science fiction and fantasy. I served in the Australian Defence Force for eleven years, and saw a large chunk of the world during that time.
I’ve designed several roleplaying games and sourcebooks, but this is my first time writing a novel (something all my friends have been telling me to do for years) and so far I love it!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Dreaming of Atmosphere and its a tale about the first mate of the ship by the same name. The main character, Seth, was once a space marine who got left behind enemy lines during a botched military campaign against a traitorous race of aliens. He spent months trying to get back and suffered terrible injuries as a result, and to this day still suffers from post-traumatic stress.
Years later, when his crew is forced to return to the very star system that’s the source of his nightmares, Seth must come to grips with his demons and find a way to keep himself, and his crew, alive.
The story was inspired by my time in the Navy, and I draw heavily on my own experiences drifting across the sea stuck in a metal can for weeks at a time. This story shows what life would be like spending long periods of time in the confines of a ship, and how people cope with danger and stresses while relying on a team to survive.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Spotify, green tea, a bowl of mixed nuts and Pomeranian on my lap (I have six dogs).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Arthur C Clarke, Peter F Hamilton, Kurt Vonnegut, Isaac Asimov, Alastair Reynolds, Joe Haldeman and countless other science fiction authors.
I love hard science fiction, especially 2001: A Space Odyssey and all the sequels, the Redemption Ark series by Alistair Reynolds, and…well I don’t think there’s enough space here to write all my influences. I’m always reading, always spending a couple hours a night reading regardless of what time it is.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to Dreaming of Atmosphere – so far it’s 50% written. I have several other projects, such as game design and publishing gaming books, but for now I’m focused on writing books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still working all that out….hey you guys look pretty good!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Two things spring to mind. Ben Bova says that you just gotta write – sit down at the keyboard and write. This is what makes you a writer, the willingness to put thought to paper (or screen) and come up with a story.
The other thing is that you know yourself what style of writing suits you. You don’t need an elaborate spreadsheet of ideas linking characters to plot points and story arcs – it’s perfectly acceptable to write a story page by page and let it come to life this way.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be professional, be polite and have a plan to kill everybody that you meet. Just kidding – Find what you’re looking for rather than settle for what you’ve found.
What are you reading now?
The Lost Starship by Vaughn Veppner
What’s next for you as a writer?
More sequels for Dreaming of Atmosphere, regardless of how they’re selling the process was enjoyable and a great outlet for my creative mind.
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?
How to Survive a Deserted Island (Prepare to Survive) by Tim O’Shei
SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman
Playboy Magazine
Author Websites and Profiles
Jim C Wilson Website
Jim C Wilson Amazon Profile
Jim C Wilson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile