Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in New Zealand in the earthquake-hit city of Christchurch, where two of my books are set. These are Stim and Kaleidoscope, both contemporary / literary fiction in which the main characters have Asperger’s Syndrome and/or Bipolar Disorder, and they experience the Christchurch earthquakes in the books. I’ve also co-written three humorous fantasy books (out of print), and written one dystopian book and two middle grade interactive fiction books (another one to be published soon). I like to try different genres.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book was Duel At Dawn, an interactive fiction book for kids aged 10-14 or so set in Paris during the reign of Louis XIII. I was inspired by reading The Three Musketeers, and this book is set at the same time and allows the reader to take the role of the main character. It’s so much fun to write these books. In what other genre is it possible to kill the main character several times in the same book?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure about unusual. I’m a night owl and often don’t start writing until 11pm. It helps to have a coffee dependency.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read widely, fiction and non-fiction, so I’ve probably been influenced by a smidgeon of everything.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished writing a third interactive fiction book, and I want to try another genre. Either thriller, mystery or cozy mystery, but not sure which one yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Networking with other authors on Facebook or in writers’ groups, plus my own website, and occasional advertising through email lists all help a little. I’ve recently started using Amazon ads too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Three important things: (1) read widely; (2) read books on the craft of writing; (3) talk with other authors and/or join a writers’ group. All of those things help immensely.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was to buy and read “Writing Tools” by Roy Peter Clark. There’s lots of good advice for novelists in there.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading the Mortal Engines series (four books), which are for middle grade readers. My eldest son read the first one and loved it so much (and has now read them all) that I started reading them too. They’re set in a dystopian future in which cities roam around on wheels.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d love to write full-time but I can’t see that happening yet, unless I manage to write a blockbuster. I’m going to see how I go writing a thriller or mystery of some sort and will pitch it to agents.
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?
LOL. If I wanted to get off the island, I’d take ‘Raft Building 101’ or ‘Train to be a long-distance swimmer’. But I’d probably prefer to lie on the beach and read. In which case, I’d take my favorite book, “Passage” by Connie Willis, “Emma” by Jane Austen, and “Misplaced” by Lee Murray.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kevin Berry Website
Kevin Berry Amazon Profile