Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is S. C. Abbey, I’m an author who specializes in thriller/suspense fiction novels. Before my life as an author, I have worked as a chef, door-to-door salesman, a fishmonger (true story) and many others. I do not like to be geographically based in one location for an extended period of time – I find travelling really fuels my writing. I have written one full novel and one novella, both in the same series, the Harvey Nolan Thriller Series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is, Maximus: A Harvey Nolan Thriller. It is the first full novel in the series I have planned out. What inspired me to write this series was a combination of action movies (Taken, James Bond, etc.), captivating television series with great plots (CSI, Bones, House of Cards ,etc.) and well-written fantasy books of the early 20th century.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always try to speak out loud the dialogues in my novels to make sure they sound convincing and natural in speech. I speak them out loud with the right emotion and expression, it’s almost like acting. Some dialogues work well written, but don’t sound very natural. Those get struck off. And yes, I do listen to my characters. Contrary to what some people might say, my plots always stem from the characters, not the other way round. And they evolve as the plot that stems from them, affects them. It’s fairly confusing I know, goes one circle.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling, Ruth Rendell, Tolkien (senior I’m afraid), Ian Rankin, George R.R. Martin, Lee Child. I dig fantasies and thrillers (crime/psychological/political/spy, not horror) profoundly.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in the Harvey Nolan Thriller Series, I’ve gotten some pretty good feedback on the first book so far, so I’ll carry on expanding the characters and plots.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Send emails to fellow authors and bloggers in the writing sphere, and always reply every email from a reader/fan!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, do not be deterred by bad reviews or comments. You can only get better as you write more. I have written more than half a million words of unpublished work before even considering publishing a book. My loved ones weren’t supportive, but it’s fine, I kept writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Use a professional proofreader/editor. Gone are the days where amateurs can just slap a book together with a poorly designed cover and a 10,000 unedited manuscript – the market is demanding an increasingly high standard of self-published fiction – which is a good thing, it really benefits everyone.
What are you reading now?
The latest Jack Reacher novel, what else?
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would continue to produce high quality fiction, befitting the time of my readers, and if opportunity allows, I would like to explore script writing.
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?
Definitely War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, I’m sure it would last quite long in the embers – just kidding. But really, it’s a good story, not an easy read, but well-worth the time. I’ll probably grab ‘A Judgement in Stone’ by Ruth Rendell as well.
Author Websites and Profiles
S. C. Abbey Website
S. C. Abbey Amazon Profile
S. C. Abbey’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account