Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Oganalp Canatan, currently hailing from Ankara, Turkey. I am 35 and I am an established metal musician. I am also interested in writing stories. As of May 2017, I have released a novella and the first book of my The Blackened Prophecies series; Shadows Bear No Names. My second book in the series, Balance of Power, is set to be released at the end of May 2017 as well.
I am focused on fantasy fiction and science fiction, space opera to be exact. However, I am also working on non-fiction books based on human interaction and human understanding of life. More information can be found at my website.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have released Shadows Bear No Names, the first book of The Blackened Prophecy trilogy in February 2016. It starts the story of a freighter captain who turns out to be more than he is and he wants. He soon founds himself involved in galactic conspiracies, supernatural powers and millions of lives depend on him.
The story is mainly inspired by unforeseen circumstances surrounding a person, forcing him to take matters into hand and make decisions with burdensome consequences. Just like how life is for some. The space opera setting was because… well, I love space opera, hehe.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, no. I just don’t force myself to write. If inspiration is there, then it is there. If not, trying to write for hours only to delete the words, in the end, is not for me. It affects the release frequency, I know. But then, I write for myself first without any commercial concern, and then for people to see. If I am not content, it doesn’t matter much.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Raymond E. Feist is my ultimate inspiration. Other names like Clarke, Philip Dick, Salvatore, Weiss, Herbert, Karpyshyn are all there of course.
What are you working on now?
I am just about to release the second book of The Blackened Prophecy; Balance of Power. I am also working on a non-fiction book at this time, which is about us, humans, and the perception of life and death. I am hoping to release it before the end of the year and then focus on the release of book 3 for my space opera series, The Blackened Prophecy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not too good with marketing, to be truthful. However, most of the sites I had observed either requires you to have lots of reviews, several books etc. It is like asking a young person fresh out of school about his/her experience at a job interview.
Awesomegang, I have just discovered, seems to be way more “author-friendly” than many. I also have my own website and my twitter/facebook accounts to help me. Oh, and I also read kBoards.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write, develop yourself and don’t pay a mind for the future. Future is not here yet and you have no way of knowing what will happen. You can plan, ready yourself, and then see plans are overrated. Just keep an eye for opportunities when the time comes.
But be like water. Adapt to life, not expect life to adapt your dreams.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
All these cars, buildings, clothes, smart phones and shiny things are lies. The only truth in life is death. Rest are meaningless tags we put on ourselves and act as if they are indispensable.
What are you reading now?
Zen & Karma: Teachings of Roshi Taisen Deshimaru
What’s next for you as a writer?
My upcoming book about life and death, then to finish The Blackened Prophecy and then start a new trilogy. Writing is fun.
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 will cheat and count series of books as one each.
1- Riftwar Saga and the follow-ups by Raymond E. Feist.
2- Dune series (both original and the expanded universe books by Herbert’s son)
3- Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett maybe.
4- A book or two about surviving the desert
Author Websites and Profiles
Oganalp Canatan Website
Oganalp Canatan Amazon Profile
Oganalp Canatan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account