Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m actually a business management professional and founder of a blockchain technology start-up. Over the years my roles have allowed me, and I’ve been very privileged to, travel to many different countries and work with people from very different backgrounds.
I’ve only written two books. The first was the first part of a trilogy called “When the World Becomes Braille: One Night in the 90’s. It’s a “paranormal”, urban adventure / romantic comedy. How’s that for diverse? I’ve yet to write part 2.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called, “But I’ve Never Been to Italy: Tales From a Frequent Traveller… Before COVID-19”.
I love Bill Bryson’s books, especially his travel memoirs, like “A Walk in the Woods” and “I’m a Stranger Here Myself”. As someone who’s travelled for business for over twenty years, I thought I’d put some of the interesting and comical experiences I’ve had in these countries over the years, down on paper. But having travelled to all corners of the world, from Bogota to New York to Kuala Lumpur, I’ve never ever been to Italy… Hence the title.
I started writing it a couple of years ago, before launching my start-up. This year, the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns obviously meant things came to a standstill, so I took the opportunity to complete what I’d started.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure what the frame of reference for “unusual” would be. What would be considered unusual? I do prefer writing by hand, and wrote “When the World Becomes Braille” by hand first, before typing it up on my laptop. But obviously that takes twice as long. So with this one it was straight onto Word.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was (am) a huge Stephen King fan, up until his accident, after which his stories kind of lost their way – with me at least. He’s been back to his best since “Under the Dome”, and “22/11/63”.
As I mentioned I also love most books by Bryson. Carl Hiaasen; very funny stories.
Other than that I love reading (auto)biographies; Mike Tyson, Phil Knight, John Gotti, Duff “Rose” McKagan, Slash, Nikki Sixx, Kevin Hart… All have stunningly hard hitting and inspirational stories.
What are you working on now?
I’ve started the first chapter for Part 2 of “When the World Becomes Braille”. But it all depends on what happens on the start-up front. Writing’s a hobby which I try and make time for.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not nearly qualified to talk about this. For what it’s worth, I share content on LinkedIn and Twitter. Amazon’s marketing tools are obviously useful if you have a budget for that.
Ah! “Braille” is still on KDP Select. “But I’ve Never Been to Italy” I’ve not done that and put in a wide range of platforms.
I’m hoping Awesome Gang will provide a boost, so maybe we can talk about this in a few weeks.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Again, I’m not going to pretend I know anywhere near enough. I’m a “noob”. But what I can say is, write. Just write. Even if you don’t believe you have the talent, but you have the passion; write.
Write, and it will come.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
About writing a book? To write a book! I’d write copy and content at work; blogs etc. Friends and colleagues would tell me I should write a book, because apparently I have a way with words.
What are you reading now?
“The Body”, by Bill Bryson.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to some day finish the “When the World Becomes Braille” trilogy.
I’m also considering a second travel book. We’ll see…
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?
“How to Build a Model Yacht” by Herb Fisher
“How to Survive on Land and Sea” by Jr. Craighead
“But I’ve Never Been to Italy” by M Ozalcin
Author Websites and Profiles
Mustafa Ozalcin Website
Mustafa Ozalcin Amazon Profile
Mustafa Ozalcin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account