Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an independent author, specialising in Fiction & Poetry. I’ve self-published five books, and I have countless ideas for books going forward, such as novels and collections.
In terms of fiction, so far I’ve released the first three instalments of The George & Sally Series; “Guided by the Ghosts”, “The Secret In The Breeze” & “The Summer of ’16”.
Elsewhere, I have released the poetry collections “Reflections” and “Second Wave”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Summer of ’16”, the third instalment in The George and Sally Series.
The first instalment, “Guided by the Ghosts”, was never meant to trigger a series but that’s exactly what happened. “…Ghosts” and its follow-up, “The Secret In The Breeze”, are short novelettes but “The Summer of ’16” is my first novel, and takes place roughly 5 1/2 years after the first two instalments. It is a philosophical drama, and possesses themes of family tragedy & trauma, mental health, love & friendship and the coming of age phenomena.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have one that applies to poetry, in that I don’t write poetry spontaneously as some do. Instead I come up with a concept for a poem, capture it’s identity with a title and then bring it to life by writing it. I almost treat poems like stories in that sense.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I suppose simply the concept of writing itself is my biggest inspiration, alongside the creative nature of “story”, but I’ve certainly been inspired by authors like Timothy Zahn and James Luceno, as well as the likes of HG Wells and HP Lovecraft.
What are you working on now?
Currently, my collection of short dark stories. I have a number of ideas for novels lingering in the background, but I love the concept of a collection of short stories for people to dip into whenever they like, especially stories that will get their minds racing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I found that networking with readers and writers certainly helps, especially word of mouth or people you really click with online. Don’t be afraid to try and make those connections.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself and what you want to write! Whether you intend to self-publish or go down the traditional route, just create your stories and/or poetry, or find the inspiration to put down in word any non-fictional pieces you wish to create. Be inspired by the authors you have enjoyed over the years.
If you have a story, tell it! And if there’s a rule, break it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write! Don’t keep trying to overthink what you’ve written, just write the book and the editing will come later! Get what’s in your head down on the paper! Or Word Document, of course.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently on a Star Wars book marathon after the disappointment of the Sequel Trilogy. I always had an appreciation for the old Expanded Universe, and I’ve dived into that era in a big way this year, going back to the Old Republic, some Prequel-era novels and of course a lot of post-Return of the Jedi material. I’m about to finish Survivor’s Quest and embark on Outbound Flight, with plans to begin the 19-book New Jedi Order series in 2021.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The collection of dark short stories will probably represent a new chapter for me, with this first year of writing and publishing being very much a learning curve on a number of levels. Going forward, I intend to develop the various ideas I have and introduce existing and would-be readers to a variety of new stories.
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?
Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations”
The Collected Works of Oscar Wilde
James Luceno’s “Darth Plagueis”
Author Websites and Profiles
Sean Haughton Amazon Profile
Sean Haughton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile