Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 59 and winding down from the day job. This collection of seven ghostly and supernatural tales is the first collection to involve Samuel Prite, an old man who is more than he appears. One of the stories won a short story prize (The Door) and the book has been pretty well received.
I followed up with ‘Mystery and Misadventure – An Old Acquaintance,’ which contains thirteen slightly longer stories. ‘Old Acquaintance’ was chosen as the ‘October (2014) Book of the Month’ by Donovan’s Bookshelf. One of the stories (The Receptionist) is also a prizewinning story – the stories that can be put forward in competitions are limited to those where Samuel’s appearance does not leave hanging questions. In January, the book was listed as a finalist entry in the ‘Prize Writer 2015 Competition (bookbzz).
Ten stories for the third collection ‘Mystery and Misadventure – A Reunion’ are sketched out, with three completed. One of the completed stories involves two men across 1,800 years. One of them is a man in his mid forties revisiting the city of York, where he was an undergraduate twenty five years earlier. The other is a Roman tribune who commands a regiment of auxiliaries stationed outside Eboracum (York) at a time when the emperor, Septimus Severus, had moved the capital of the empire to York. My brother-in-law enjoyed the story and particularly loved the Roman Britain element. That gave me an idea: I am sketching a novel involving the life of the tribune set amongst real events … I’m pretty excited about it.
I am also completing the second volume in a science fiction trilogy. That book is called ‘The Omega Shift’.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book was ‘Mystery and Misadventure – An Old Acquaintance,’ and the stories there are inspired by ordinary events that turn sour. Everyday people finding themselves in situations that cannot comprehend, and when they do, it is too late.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think I have fruit fly and goldfish genes, because until I get into the zone I am easily distracted. I sometimes, but only rarely, use in-ear phones to help me concentrate – even when there is no noticeable ambient sound.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
That is a tough one. I love certain authors but never all their work. M.R. James and Roald Dahl should not come as too much of a surprise. As a teenager, I enjoyed Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, but I could never get away with his Brigadier Gerard stories – I’m sure that says more about me than him.
In science fiction, I was influenced by A.E. Van Vogt, Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov.
Crossing the two genres is Ray Bradbury, both science fiction and horror tinged with mystery.
In fantasy: Tolkien ‘Lord of the Rings.’
What are you working on now?
My latest book ‘Omega Shift’ is the second in a science fiction trilogy involving three races of humans spread across our local (an understatement if ever there was one) galactic arm. There are other races that remain infuriatingly inscrutable, are they a force for good or evil? Are good and evil concepts that remotely concern them?
In this book, I also explore gaining and losing humanity. I hope it works out because I love the concept.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is where I fall flat. I am useless when it comes to social media and promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If my books were best sellers maybe, just maybe I would be able to distil what it was that launched my books into the stratosphere. It seems that to have a best seller, one has to give the audience what it wants – which is usually based on what they usually enjoy – hence the proliferation of romantic books. Occasionally, a book will appear that strikes a new chord, or reawakens and refreshes a very old one. I, like many others, am hoping to achieve that.
If my books break through, I will revisit this interview and give you whatever secret I have uncovered.
In the meantime, the only advice I can give is to write what you want, not what you think will appeal to others. Eventually, if we are very lucky and someone with immense influence in the industry comes across the book, loves it and pushes it, we may attain Nirvana.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I am not sure if it is the best advice, but it certainly hit home: “Tell your story, not someone else’s.”
What are you reading now?
Patrick O’Brian’s unfinished novel. I go to it now and again to look at his corrected prose (some self-corrected, some editorial) to remind myself that even he needed help and made mistakes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After ‘Omega’ is published, I will complete the third ‘Mystery and Misadventure’ collection: ‘A Reunion.’
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?
Lord of the Rings.
The entire O’Brian Aubrey collection (I know, I’m cheating)
The complete M.R. James collection (I’m on a roll)
‘2001’.
Author Websites and Profiles
M.D. Hall Amazon Profile
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