Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Australian, living in the Sierra Nevada region of California. I’ve lived and worked in a number of countries and it looks as though I’ve settled in the snow country. I write science fiction and thrillers. I claim thrillers need a touch of science and science fiction need thrills to keep the reader engaged. I write full time, unless someone offers me a hefty IT consulting assignment; although that detracts from my writing focus. I enjoy hiking and sea kayaking, and in the winter–of course–skiing. I try to write in American English. Some of my reviewers think I make mistakes which are probably errors resulting from writing in British/Australian English. Oh, and I think ‘Aluminium’ is the correct spelling. Books published so far – 6 – three thrillers, three science fiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Fracture Lines [released September 10, 2016] is my latest science fiction story. It’s late. I know, I know. I detoured and wrote thrillers for a while. Fracture Lines is second of a trilogy–the Glass Complex. I’ve commenced the third book [Diamond Cut] and it’s due for December release. It’s a fun story, where the protagonist is able to communicate directly with computers, and needs to protect civilization from an alien species.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m lost for inspiration I like to hike in the mountains. I usually get inspiration that has nothing to do with the story I’m working on. I have far too many story concepts as a result.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wells, Wyndham, Heinlein, Herbert, Asimov, Zahn, Modesitt, Cherryh, Banks, Agatha Christie, Lee Childs, Charteris, Larson, Buroker, Lowell, whassisname… the list goes on, because I think all books have some degree of influence on the reader.
What are you working on now?
I’m scheduled to complete the fourth book [Mark Four] in my thriller series – ready for edit – by end of September, 2016. It needs another 20,000 words, so I’m confident of achieving the target. I’ve also commenced Diamond Cut [see above], which I’m targeting for December release. I have another four or five concepts ready to run after this year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Exploring all possibilities.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and write. Self publish. Enjoy writing. Promote – it’s a business, after all.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not sure of the best. The worst – you can’t write without experience [I wrote my first SF story when I was 12]. The only way to publish is via the traditional path – you know, spend six months looking for an agent, another six months looking for a publisher, when you find one, sign all your rights away and then wait 18 – 24 months for your book to reach the bookshops.
What are you reading now?
Waiting for the next Lee Childs and Modesitt books to be available. Snacking on self-published authors – there’s a smorgasbord out there – and some really do need editing while others match any traditionally published work.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. I have an AI/thriller concept that I want to jump into, and a new space opera series.
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?
It’s a four book compendium of all self-published science fiction released in the last four years. I just invented it…
Author Websites and Profiles
John Hindmarsh Website
John Hindmarsh Amazon Profile