Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 48 years old, and I live in Sheffield in the UK. I am very happily married with four children. I have spent a large part of my life programming computers, working in offices and craving excitement. This encouraged me to join the Police as a Special Constable. I devoted five years of my life serving the local community. I ended up running eight other constables and working as a Police Tutor. After that I joined the British Army as an Infantry Soldier. I did that for five years. I had many exciting experiences before spending a brief spell in the Intelligence Corp.
Currently I am a truck driver. Bit of a change from working in an office. But the pay is better, and I am a free spirit on the road.
I have always been a keen reader of books, and I got the writing bug about seven years ago. So far I have written three books, and I am in the middle of my fourth.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called 666. It is a collection of twelve horror stories. I was asked to write some horror stories after a few people read a short I created for Halloween. I tend to put my own unique little twist on the horror genre.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write using a laptop with a cat curled up on my knee. Occasionally he will put a paw on the keyboard and add his own little twist. I have to be careful to spot the occasional feline intervention.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading Clive Custler, Lee Child and Stephen King books.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a Thriller called Desert Swarm. It features a character I created in my book Six of Hearts. It is a action packed Thriller involving a rogue General, the intelligence Corps, Drones, Secret Experiments and the sea. I can’t say too much at this stage.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to use GoodReads and Author Marketing Club mainly
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it. Now is the most exciting time for new writers. The indie is king. Traditional Publishing is on the wain. Write your story. Let people see it. Learn the craft. Don’t expect to be rich, but do expect to enjoy it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Regret what you did, not what you didn’t do.
What are you reading now?
Britannia by Simon Scarrow.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A series of books. Desert Swarm will be part of The Vagabond series.
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?
Clive Custler Mayday. The first proper Book I ever read.
War and Peace. That would keep me busy.
Lord of the Rings. Got to, it’s a classic.
Sherlock Holmes. I tend to read them once every couple of years.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Whateley Website
Michael Whateley Amazon Profile
Michael Whateley’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account