Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an engineer with a life-long interest in books and writing. Originally from England, I’ve lived with my family near Toronto, Canada, for many years and where I walk, run and take wildlife photos whenever the weather will let me. In my writing, I like to capture the humorous side of life even when sometimes the world doesn’t seem to warrant it — as can be seen in my first book, Diary of a Canadian Nobody.
My present series, The Modest Proposal Institute, is a return to one of my earliest literary loves — science fiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is the final volume of The Modest Proposal Institute series. The first three books of the series, An Old Path to a New Future, No More Empires, and Rival Institutes are available on Amazon now (May 2020). The latest, and final, book, War of the Institutes, will be published on June 3, 2020.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I think procrastination and being lost throughout the writing process is quite common. At least, I hope it isn’t just me who works this way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Science fiction authors I liked were people like Ray Bradbury and John Wyndham. For writing in general, Jane Austen, Douglas Adams and Bill Bryson.
What are you working on now?
It may sound odd but I’m writing a cozy mystery right now. It’s a form of therapy after The Modest Proposal Institute series, which consumed my writing life for the past two years.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still very new at the marketing side of writing so I haven’t found one I like best. I used Awesome Gang for the first three books and that seemed to go well so yours is one I’ll keep returning to.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Only the advice everyone gives, read a lot, write every day, and keep at it. Perseverance is the key to the writing life, even when sometime you wonder if you’ll ever achieve that breakthrough.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn and practice the marketing side of the business. Sadly, I’m still at the start of that lesson and can’t yet confirm it is good advice.
What are you reading now?
I read more non-fiction these days but, at present, I’m working my way through an omnibus of Dorothy L. Sayers books, hence my cozy mystery novel.
What’s next for you as a writer?
If I find the cozy mystery genre continues to appeal, I’ll turn my present standalone novel into a series. If not, and at some time anyway, I will pick up the Modest Proposal story where I’ve left off.
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?
Northanger Abbey, Vanity Fair, Notes from a Small Island, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
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