Interview With Author Sophia Conway
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Irish poet and writer residing on Vancouver Island on the West Coast of Canada. ‘His Last Companion’ was my first published book but I have a debut poetry book being published this year with Alabaster Leaves Publishing entitled ‘Someday Somewhere Beautiful’, and hopefully many more thereafter!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘His Last Companion’ was written just after my grandfather passed. It was one of those moments in life where you stop in your tracks and ask the big questions; what is the meaning of life? What is the sum of our lives? What is death and what comes after death? This book was inspired by these questions.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I work best in the morning before my family is awake and the busyness of the day sucks me in. Usually, I’m writing by 5 a.m. I love the stillness of the house and how I can be alone with my thoughts and a fresh cup of coffee. Spilling my thoughts onto a page first thing helps free up my mental space for other things the rest of my day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has been a big influence. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, The Horse by Charlie Mackesy as well. I love the simplicity and matter-of-fact storytelling of both books. I tried to incorporate that in ‘His Last Companion’ too by not complicating things too much or over-explaining but allowing the conversation between characters to flow naturally. I don’t believe in answering every question life poses.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m releasing my first photography series ‘Shelf Life’. I think mixing up my creative work every once in a while helps beat writer’s block. Going from staring at black words on a white page all day to colourful photographs is very stimulating. But I have a few book manuscripts waiting for me too so I’ll be back to writing soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have one approach I stick to but like to explore new mediums and opportunities all the time. Marketing can be such a drag so I try to keep it interesting by challenging myself and mixing it up.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
When feeling discouraged or unmotivated in writing or editing my work, I always tell myself “Don’t be the reason you don’t succeed!” Nobody wants to stand in their own way and impede their own success. I find it very motivating to remind myself that the only person actively stopping me is… me (laziness, excuses, or anxiety). To get to the end of our lives and realize we were the reason we failed would be horrible. It’s a choice. Every moment is a choice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write the book you want to read” I think we’ve all heard that line at some point but it’s true.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading a lot of Susan Musgraves poetry and not one book in particular. She has a lot of published works and I enjoy them all.
What’s next for you as a writer?
This year I intend to self-publish a visual poetry book. I’m excited to combine my love for art with the written word and have my son contribute to it. Now that I have found my confidence as a writer the possibilities seem endless!
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?
The Bible.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Silk Roads By Peter Frankopan.
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