Interview With Author Nathaniel Wrey
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a UK-based writer and have published one book for adults, Liberty Bound, and one for children, Mooge, the Prehistoric Genius. The common theme is drawing from history to create fictional adventures and viewpoints through interesting characters.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book for adults is Liberty Bound, an action-packed adventure set in the distant future at the end of civilisation. It is an allegorical tale inspired by observations on the way fear and ignorance inhibit our freedoms in the modern world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
While I plan out the structures of my books, I very much believe in the natural growth of characters and storyline as I ‘live out’ the narrative during writing. Just as in the real world, life involves too many variables to know precisely what is going to happen next and characters feel like they take on a life of their own during writing, leading the story in directions the author hasn’t always planned for. As long as you stick to you main markers, let the story breathe.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a range of fiction and non-fiction books, finding inspiration in both. George Orwell has been a big influence, drawing on social lessons to provide warnings on the future in 1984 and Animal Farm. The likes of Ray Bradbury and John Wyndham have been equally inspiring. Travel authors such as Paul Theroux are a wonderful source for understanding people and cultures and provide a natural template for adventure with their undetermined outcomes and encounters. While there is no one better than John Steinbeck for character driven fiction and the nuances of life. I consume a lot of history books and there are no better or more thrilling stories than the ones found there.
With respect to my children’s book, look no further than Roald Dahl.
What are you working on now?
I am three-quarters of the way through writing the sequel to Liberty Bound, which will be called Where Liberty Lies. Many reviews for Liberty Bound ended with a request for a sequel. It may be taking a while as other projects distract, but it’s coming.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think an author’s website is the best shop window for their work. It showcases something more than just your book and is the most personable way to connect with readers. Of course, you have to signpost people there and so a framework of promoting through different mediums is advised and ultimately you want to direct people to a place they’ll feel inspired to get a copy.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Only write about something that inspires you. You’ll need to draw upon willpower and determination along the way, so tapping into that source of inspiration will get you through the harder moments.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Lead characters need weaknesses as much as strengths. An all-conquering hero will come across as one-dimensional and unrealistic. As with everyone in life, our failures shape us just as much as our successes.
What are you reading now?
I have two books on the go at present. Paul Theroux’s On the Plain of Snakes, a Mexican road trip. Anxiety permeates each page as he explores the uneasy relationship of Mexico and its northern neighbour and the dangers of the cartels, the corrupt police and the poverty. There’s much to love of the country and its people, but fear and hardship burden hope.
My other distraction, of a lighter note, is Theme for Great Cities by Graeme Thomson, a history of the band Simple Minds. It’s a little pretentious and pompous at times but captures perfectly their artistic roots and the evolution of a changeling band still going strong today.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I need to build up my catalogue. It would be good to have a trilogy under my belt and conclude the saga begun with Liberty Bound and I’m keen to continue the wartime adventures of Jock Mitchell, hero of my novella, Triumphant Where it Dares Defy. I also want to do some more humorous rhyming historic tales for children in the mould of Mooge, The Prehistoric Genius. So much to do, so little time!
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?
1984 by George Orwell, Byzantium by John Julius Norwich, All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque and From the Holy Mountain by William Dalrymple.
Author Websites and Profiles
Nathaniel Wrey’s Social Media Links