Interview With Author Mark Sheehan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Firstly, thank you to the Awesome Gang for the opportunity to share with you a little about me. I’ve written two books but published only one. The book I’ve published was the second book I wrote, with the first still languishing on my computer.
My previous occupations include electrician and lawyer, but writing is my alarm clock. I live in Perth, Australia, which, as we know, is the coolest city in the World. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, cycling, or Netflixing (it’s a thing).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first, latest, and only book is The Smallest War. It was inspired by a fascination in all things Cold War and a love for the action genre.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If having noise cancelling headphones blasting music while I write is unusual, then yes. I favour rock but will listen to anything.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King has influenced me greatly. I read his book “On Writing” three times. Animal Farm is my favourite read. If only I could write as beautifully as George Orwell!
What are you working on now?
I’m resuscitating my unpublished novel. The re-drafting process has started but is a long way off finished.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the skills of self-promotion. If only it was as easy as writing. I’m Twittering whenever I feel the need to. There’s a huge writing community on there. I’ve just commenced my first promotion using (drum roll) Awesome Gang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start small: short stories. Win a couple of competitions in your favoured genre before writing that novel, and don’t be like me. Start marketing when you start writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t eat yellow snow.
What are you reading now?
A collection of short stories. “Without Expiration” by William R Hincy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d settle for moderate success as an indie writer.
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?
I’m a sucker for facts, so there would have to be an encyclopaedia of some kind in the library. A book on how to survive on a desert island would be in the stack as well. And, of course, Animal Farm by George Orwell.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Sheehan’s Social Media Links