Interview With Author Leslie Coelho
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written one book. A fast paced Sci-Fi / Eco-Fiction. I’m an IT Professional by day, novelist by night. I spent the late 60’s to early 80’s growing up between worlds in the triangle formed by Harlesden, Stonebridge and Neasden, North London. And can often be found not playing the guitar, taking photos or in the kitchen at parties. Having watched and participated in the rise of technology I’m now turning my hand to writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve had various ideas for stories floating around in my head for decades. Recently one of those ideas started to coalesce into something more. I had been following up on some videos I had seen on regenerative farming. It gave me some ideas for the main plotline I could use to bring some of my other ideas together.
Now I’m embarking on a journey to turn a passion into creation and I invite you to join me.
My mother passed away last year. While I was coming to terms with that I realized life’s too short not to live your dreams. That was what really prompted me to stop dreaming and start writing.
My first novel, No Place For Flowers, is an ecological science fiction story. Which will be published on Amazon 14 May 2022.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know what counts as usual writing habits. I tend to get bit’s of the story. Various scenes worked out in my head. Then I start writing and try to piece the story together,
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mainly Arthur C. Clark, Ian M Banks, Paulo Coelho and Peter F. Hamilton but I also enjoy reading B V Larson, Dennis E Taylor and Randolph Lalonde.
However, my interest in SciFi really started watching re-runs of Star Trek in the 70s, with my parents.
What are you working on now?
I have some ideas for a sequel to No Place For Flowers. It’s still in the gestation phase so even I don’t know the story in full.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write something, anything and publish it. You will learn a lot by going through the process. Don’t spend too long thinking about it. The decades can slip by faster than you think.
What are you reading now?
Mars Inc by Ben Bova
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing the book was fairly easy compare to marketing it. I’m hoping to sell a few copies so I can get back to writing another novel.
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 Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse
The Silkie By A E Van Vogt
and a survival guide
Author Websites and Profiles
Looking forward to the new book!