Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a career journalist, including 25 years with The Guardian in London, and photographer who has written four books — two novels, a photography how-to and a kindly spoof about self-help writing groups. Everything I write is rooted in today and now I specialise in animal and social issues.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beyond Extinction
Even the Concept of Truth is a Lie
This is a dystopian thriller, with romantic suspense and chase action, which sets out life in 2077 when humans are being squeezed into extinction. It was inspired by today’s environmental and natural world crises, which form underlying aspects. Developments in genetics and artificial intelligence play their roles, too, for better or worse.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh yes. Forget the lonely writer pecking out a masterpiece on a battered manual typewriter in a cold garret. I use my Samsung tablet and write anywhere: airports and bus stations, any hotel, waiting rooms to catch the moment, on buses, planes and trains… my favourite places are coffee houses where I can enjoy both writing and coffee. My “everyday” writing haunts are in el centro Cuenca, Ecuador… Cafe Austria and Nucallacta, both have great coffee and the latter keeps a stock of vegan treats.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Soon after the last ice age, when I was a trainee reporter, I studied the written form of Robert Bolt’s play, A Man for All Seasons, I loved the symbolism and the way he used it. My favourites among modern writers include John Le Carre, Martin Cruz Smith and Patricia Cornwell.
What are you working on now?
I am six chapters into a new novel which has three intertwined strands. It is another utopian/dystopian work about future societies.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Numbers count, so internet promotional sites work best — mailing lists, websites and tweets. I try to funnel their power into my own website for FREE downloads to my main suppliers of Beyond Extinction (including Kindle, iBook, Kobo etc).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you feel strongly about — don’t try to manufacture a commercial book. Decide why you want to write. It’s just as valuable to write for yourself and your family/friends as it is to write for wider audiences. It’s as valuable to write to change the world as it is to earn money. Get a good fit between yourself and the ‘why’ and ‘what’s.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Strain advice through a fine mesh and keep only what works for you
What are you reading now?
I am rereading John Le Carre’s The Honorable Schoolboy after a break of decades. I am constantly amazed by the wonderful books, many of them old favourites, offered by Kindle at bargain prices
What’s next for you as a writer?
Articles, novels, whatever appeals … after a working life as a professional writer, editor and publisher, I now have the luxury of writing and photographing what appeals to me.
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?
Tinker Tailor By John Le Carre; Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith, and one of the Kay Scarpetta novels by Patricia Cornwell. As a luxury addition, The Pale Horsemen by Bernard Cornwell.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Keeble Website