Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Mostly, I write Science Fiction, which isn’t surprising given how many SF books and authors I read as a teenager (too many to count). My favourite authors then were Isaac Asimov, Larry Niven and Frank Herbert. these days I enjoy the writing of Robin Hobb and Andy Weir. I’m working on the third book of The Prosperine Trilogy, tentatively titles “The Scarf”. Under the pen name, Jacob Carlisle, I write humorous short stories and have also published the novel, Small Fish Big Fish.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The idea for the Prosperine Trilogy came from a real-life news report concerning the discovery of an ancient tomb in Jerusalem that some maintained held the remains of Jesus Christ and his family (this was later discredited). With my author’s hat firmly on my head, I began to speculate on what the tomb might have contained. The answer? A manuscript, of course. But what would this manuscript say that would dramatically change mankind’s views on God and on life itself? How about a direct quote from Jesus? Yes! From that point, the story came to life, almost as though it had been waiting for me to discover it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not so unusual, but I write best when I turn on my relaxation music. It seems to get me into the right frame of mind for work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Definitely Asimov, Niven, Le Guin, Clarke, but also some non-scifi works -e.g Edgar Rice Burrows, Edgar Allan Poe and a guy by the name of F Anstey who wrote around 1900. His volume called “Humour and Fantasy” is well worth a read, even now.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on book 3 of the Trilogy, but I’m also working on an idea for a follow up to Small Fish Big Fish.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang, of course! It would be great to get onto BookBub, but no luck so far. I promote my own website www.hickorylace.com in my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Winston Churchill said “Never give up.” That’s the best advice I have. Also, find yourself a good editor.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The one I live with is “Never give up”. But, a sparkling cover, and great blurb go a long way too. Be flexible, if it ain’t working, change what you’re doing.
What are you reading now?
I am enjoying Stephen King’s “Bazaar of bad dreams”.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The next step for me is to continue to improve my writing, find ways to squeeze more hours out of the day (without my wife divorcing me) and the big one, “get noticed”.
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?
Hawaii, by James Michener (only read it four times)
The Bible, by various (I’d need it)
How to survive on a desert island, by whomever.
Author Websites and Profiles
PJ McDermott Website
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