Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My lovely wife and I live in Columbus, OH. We’ve been married for twelve years and have one fur baby…Winston the Terrier. Fun fact, Winston loves to watch television with us. He sits on the couch and waits for aminals to come on tv. Then he jumps off the couch and barks at the tv like a lunatic. It was funny at first, now it’s just plain annoying! By day, I’m a flooring estimator at RiteRug. By night, I’m a science fiction writer. I’m hoping my writing will one day pay the bills…here’s to hoping!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, Barriers, was released in January of 2019. On the surface, it’s a dystopian novel about solar flares and a father trying to rescue his son from being euthanized in the badlands. Below the surface, however, it’s a heartfelt, but scary story about the sanctity of life. One thing my readers tell me is that my writing is clean and they appreciate the restraint in my storytelling. I think we’ve lost the art as storytellers to leave ugly and offensive elements to the imagination.
Here is the blurb for Barriers:
In 2079, Barrier domes shield the planet’s wealthiest cities from destructive solar flares, and only the healthy elite are granted protection. That’s bad news for Barrier resident, Nathan Gallagher—his son’s untreatable medical condition has deemed him a non-compliant citizen.
Nathan sets out to rescue his son from a Sanctuary deep in the badlands and becomes entangled in a mission of global magnitude. With only days until another flare is due to strike Earth’s Sanctuary cities, not only does his son’s life rest on his shoulders, but the fate of a quarter billion people.
BARRIERS is a sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian future where a trillionaire tycoon decides who gets protection from the sun…and who doesn’t.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do my best writing at 4:30 am in my boxers with a pot of coffee. Enough said!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really like old school dystopian sci-fi:
George Orwell 1984
Brave New World
The Martian Chronicles
Anything by Ray Bradbury
Robert Heinlein
What are you working on now?
I’m writing the sequel for Barriers and plan on releasing a Barriers trilogy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t really found one yet. If you find one, let me know! Haha
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be ready to accept constructive criticism. It’s difficult at first, but it really helps your craft. Always let Beta-readers go through your work and offer feedback.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Do or do not, there is no try.” Yoda
What are you reading now?
Wool by Hugh Howey
What’s next for you as a writer?
Releasing the sequel for Barriers.
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?
Old School Science Fiction
The Bible
Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Author Websites and Profiles
Patrick Skelton Website
Patrick Skelton Amazon Profile
Patrick Skelton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account