Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing for just over three years now and have a total of 8 novels and several novellas and short stories. I love the whole process and am always working on something. I try not to pigeon hole myself to a single genre and tend to drift around depending on what I feel like writing at the time, which could be anything from outright horror to more thriller / action orientated projects.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book si titled Project Apex. it’s something I’ve been working on for the last couple of years and is quite ambitious compared to the work I have done before. I wanted to do something that had a truly big feel, a written word version of one of those big budget Hollywood movies. Although it was initially conceived as a single title, the book had to be split into three as it would have just been too big to put out as a single novel. Across the three books we meet around twenty major characters all with concurrent storylines taking place in multiple countries across the globe. The research alone was a nightmare at times, but im really pleased with how the book came out in the end. I hope people will like it, as it crosses into multiple different genres.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I stick to a routine. I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where i can write full time, so most days I’m up and ready to start work at 8am just like a regular job. i think routine is important. Sometimes, especially if I’m writing particularly intense or action led scenes, I’ll write to music. it helps me to focus and block out the outside world.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like many authors who drifted into the horror genre, I grew up reading Stephen King, Brian Lumley, James Herbert. These were the authors who took me to places and made me realise that I wanted to do for readers what they did for me. it was so easy to get sucked into the worlds they created. Later, I read a lot of Steve Alten stuff. The Meg series are some of my favourite books. Im currently working my way through the Lee Child Jack Reacher novels. I try to keep my options open when it comes to new material
What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished the second Project Apex book, so am letting that sit for a while before I re-edit again. I’m always busy, though, so in addition to that I’m working on finishing two novels for Severed Press, plus working on some script work for a potential new television project in 2016 which is really exciting. I’m also gearing up to make a start on the third and final book ni the Project Apex series. I like to keep busy!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
book promotion is hard, and I’m still trying to find the best way of getting my work out there. Although in the past I have worked on growing my facebook page, I’m trying now to look at other methods. I really want to drive traffic through my website and encourage sign ups to my mailing list to make sure I’m getting the word out to all of my readers rather than just a select few. Since Facebook changed their algorithms, it’s hard to make sure all of your followers see everything you post.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Remember it’s a rejection based business. A rejection doesn’t mean your work is bad, it just isn’t a good fit for a particular publisher. The sooner you can develop a thick skin the better, as you can guarantee you’ll need it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This one is easy. Write every day without exception. There may be days when you don’t want to, or don’t feel like it, but you still have to force yourself to do it. Cut out as many distractions as you can. TV. phone, internet. all fo these things are bad for the writing. It can be a grind, but waiting until tomorrow to start never gets you anywhere.
What are you reading now?
At the moment, I’m reading A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. I had seen a lot of good reviews on it and thought I’d give it a go. So far I have not been disappointed. It’s a superb book that I’m flying through. Easily one of my favourites of the year.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I just signed with a literary agent and so we will be looking to increase my profile next year. I also recently sold the movie options to the Whisper trilogy and that is now in active pre-production. in addition for that, there is the TV project which I am sworn to secrecy about, which, if it comes off could be huge. All in all it’s shaping up to be a really strong year in 2016
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?
Skeleton Crew by Stephen King
MEG by Steve Alten
Necroscope by Brian Lumley
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Bray Website
Michael Bray Amazon Profile
Michael Bray’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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