Interview With Author Lewis Eyre
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Journalism student from Dorset in England, but I write fiction on the side, as I have done since a very young age. Though I am still in my formative years as an author, I am partway through self-publishing a trilogy of books. The first of these received very strong reviews following a book signing event. Now, though, onto something completely different.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called USLOF, which stands for the Underground Secret Legion of Freedom, and it begins a new, six book saga, each with six short stories within. This is anthological science fiction and fantasy, for fans of Star Trek and Doctor Who, with colourful characters and kooky concepts. Me and my Dad used to write stories about USLOF when I was younger, and I thought about how great it would be to bring those stories to life, but with a bit more of an edge, and slightly more detail.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have no routine when it comes to writing. I write as and when I feel like it, wherever and whenever I get the motivation. Sometimes this comes in the least convenient moment – in the middle of a day at work or crossing the road, you get a thought or idea for a bit of dialogue that you want your memory to retain. Unlike many authors, I believe the key to productive writing is to be without a schedule. This is *creative* writing, and having too much structure limits that creativity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Constantly, I discover new authors, and appreciate anybody who does something truly influential with the art of writing. Cormac McCarthy, George Orwell and Margaret Atwood are the ones to look up to when I write something darker, but for this, of course people like Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. Structurally, strangely, the Mick Herron Slow Horses books probably provided the most grounding.
What are you working on now?
The second volume of USLOF, and beyond. Characters change, situations evolve, and the saga becomes more compelling and addictive to write and hopefully to read. Next year I will also be working alongside a publisher to write a dystopian novel which I can say no more about, just yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Discovering Awesome Gang has been really helpful, but usually trying to rally together friends and family to spread the word, using Amazon Author Central and learning how to tailor your keywords and SEO, and promoting on any author groups I can find.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you enjoy, and write what you would want to read. Writing is a joy. I do it for fun and, concerning my journalism and blogs, I also do it professionally, but I know I will only release my best material if it is something I have enjoyed writing. I could try giving authors a thousand lessons and rules to stick by, but writing is not about rules. You make your own rules and learn your own lessons when you pick up a pen or start chuntering away at the keyboard.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never grow up. USLOF gets that divide between childishness and maturity, so I really wanted to evoke that. Oh, and eat your greens, and get some good sleep. I get my best work done when following that lifestyle.
What are you reading now?
Game of Thrones. Book three, specifically, and I feel I will be reading Game of Thrones for some time to come. Martin’s writing is so sweeping and detailed, and the political intrigue is immense.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully to spread the word about my books. Promotion is undoubtedly the hardest – and least enjoyable! – part of writing, especially without a publisher or editorial team. So, hopefully the word of mouth begins to spread and people start enjoying my books on a wider scale.
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?
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Catch 22, A Christmas Carol.
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