Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
To begin with, my real name is Ostap Kushnir. I use Ost Neer as a pen-name to distinguish my academic and popular car-science books. I’m a blogger, journalist, moderate petrolhead, fantasy writer, lecturer, and researcher. I’m employed as an assistant professor at Lazarski University, Warsaw, and lecturer at Coventry University programmes, UK. I graduated a number of Ukrainian, Polish, and Welsh Universities. I hold MA degrees in journalism, public relations, and international relations, as well as a PhD in political sciences. In the early 2000s, I worked as a reporter for Ukrainian regional and national papers. In 2009, I published a fantasy novel “The Appearance of the Magician”, and sold out of paperback copies in three months. Afterwards, he switched I publishing some “boring” academic books which are on sale today (search for Ostap Kushnir and you will find them).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “An Introduction to Academic Driving”. It opens the Academic Driving series and will be available in Kindle version (two parts), paperback, and audiobook (two parts). Kindle version is already on sale. The book is about cars and science. It contains dozens of illustrated articles which discuss curious scientific and social stuff. My aim is to popularize social sciences on “simple” examples which are automobiles and automotive culture in general. To write it, I got inspired by the books of Jeremy Clarkson and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Cars and science, mates, cars and science.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I run a blog on Drivetribe platform with 14K readers. I enjoy interacting with my readers, who very often raise some curious questions. So, one of my writing habits resides in answering these questions. I do my best to provide as personalised answers as possible, which usually come as articles. Another habit is constantly asking myself “what else can be said on this topic?” When writing about cars, the majority of people usually describe how good and comfortable these cars are. But this is very basic stuff. I want more. I want to exceed descriptions of seats and engines and connect cars to something bigger. To something nerdy and curious. To the unbelievable diversity of the world, we live in.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the “automotive dimension”, I was influenced by books, articles, and TV-shows by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond. In the “scientific dimension,” I am inspired by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, Joe Scott, and Michael Stevens (Vsause). Also, I have a deep respect for Elon Musk, Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, and Robert Bigelow.
What are you working on now?
I’m working now on a number of projects. Above all, I need to finish recording “An Introduction to Academic Driving” audiobook. I’m also in the process of finalising “An Advanced Academic Driving” book, second from the Academic Driving series. Should be on sale by the end of 2019. Apart from this, I’m working on two purely academic books about global and regional geopolitics.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is Drivetribe. Definitely. My cars-and-science books would not exist without Drivetribe platform. It was on Drivetribe I met Matt Parsons, a super-talented illustrator who draws sketches to all my articles. Now, I keep on using this platform to interact with readers and promote my books. Apart from this, I set up a profile on Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Great things never come easy. You should be ready for sweat, failures, frustrations, and tears. But if you do a great job leaving your “comfort zone”, the success will definitely come. Don’t be afraid of experimenting. Don’t be discouraged with not fulfiling your dreams immediately. And yes, you should always sketch a winning plan before you start doing anything. Make odds join your side.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When you are at the top of the world, everyone will speak about how good you are. And none will mention bitter failures which paved your way to the top of the world.
What are you reading now?
You won’t believe it, another Jeremy Clarkson’s book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to launch a series of global presentations for my books. Hope to start in Canada and slowly move to Europe. Follow me on Drivetribe and Goodreads for more details.
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?
Three books about “How to survive on a desert island” and a huuuuuge encyclopaedia for setting up the fire
Author Websites and Profiles
Ost Neer Amazon Profile
Ost Neer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account