Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For many years I collected what-ifs, plot and setting ideas, character sketches, and themes, so now that I’m a full-time writer (twenty-three books and counting), I never have to worry about writer’s block. OK, writing has become an addiction–it must be the blarney in me (well-oiled by Jameson whiskey?). My mysteries and thrillers reflect much of what I’ve observed by living abroad and traveling around the world. People’s lives are just very interesting no matter where they are. My sci-fi is also influenced by my previous life as a scientist, of course. But I write fiction to have fun, and that fun involves entertaining readers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Gaia and the Goliaths was inspired by my concerns for the environment and how we must find alternatives for fossil fuels. I’ve been interested in environmental issues for a long time and have been a member of the Nature Conservancy forever. I also am a fan of other orgs that strive to protect the environment. One can consider Gaia Papadopolis, the victim in this mystery story, to be a symbol for Gaia, our planet.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t use an outline. I start a story and let it evolve organically. It goes best when my characters sort of take over and write their own part of the story. Sometimes the story becomes a short story or novella and not a novel. I’m a minimalist writer (hard-boiled for mystery buffs) so my novels aren’t War-and-Peace length. My longest one will be Rembrandt’s Angel, which will be published by Penmore Press this spring. More than Human: The Mensa Contagion, a sci-fi novel that probably could have been a trilogy like the “Chaos Chronicles Trilogy,” but I won’t ever force things. The story’s done when it’s done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels during the time in my early school years when teachers would have drills and we had to “protect ourselves” by hiding under our desks (I got in trouble telling one teacher that was absurd–I already had developed an approximate formula for the lethal radius of an atom bomb as a function of its kilotons). Generally speaking, mystery, adventure (many would be called thrillers today), and sci-fi books were my reading interests…and still are, which is why I write in those genres. Asimov piqued my curiosity by showing you can combine mystery and sci-fi (Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun). I’m an avid reader, though, so it’s hard to list all the influences. For each book, I have a “Notes, Disclaimers, and Acknowledgments” section at the end where I discuss influences for that particular book.
What are you working on now?
Besides Rembrandt’s Angel (Penmore Press book, where we’re in the last throes of editing), I’m putting finishing touches on a post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel that will take place in my home state of California.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hopefully yours? Truth be told, many readers are found on Goodreads, but my participation there probably can’t be called PR and marketing. I love the discussion sections. Because I have an active blog, my website sees a lot of action too, but all those blog readers don’t seem to translate into book readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1) Make sure your books are the best they can be (I have a little course about that, a PDF free for the asking). Cover, title, hook, denouement, characterization, dialogue and so forth are essential elements. 2) Don’t have great expectations–there are so many good books and good authors now that make the competition ferocious. Have patience. 3) Be wary of PR and marketing people who say they can guarantee that your book will be a bestseller. 4) Don’t leave your day-job until you win the lottery with a successful book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See N. Scot Momaday’s quote which cycles at the top of my website. Some other good advice can be found on one of my webpages.
What are you reading now?
I just finished a P. D. James novel that I missed. I’ll pick another book from by TBRoR list (that’s “To Be Read or Reviewed”) list. TV’s pretty pathetic these days.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m thinking of making the “Mary Jo Melendez Mysteries” into a trilogy. This time China is looking for the MECHs (“Mechanically Enhanced Cybernetic Humans”). She already free them from Putin’s grimy paws.
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 Koran, Watts’ book on Zen, and the complete works of Shakespeare, including the sonnets.
Author Websites and Profiles
Steven M. Moore Website
Steven M. Moore Amazon Profile
Steven M. Moore Author Profile on Smashwords
Steven M. Moore’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile