Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there.
My name is Steven, and I’m a young-at-heart 43-year-old from England. These days I live in beautiful San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with my journalist wife, Leslie Patrick Moore.
I started writing years ago, mostly travel stuff and blogs, but I decided to write my first novel about 4 years ago. It was published in November 2014, and is a literary coming of age adventure. I was very proud of it for a first attempt, and it sold quite well, but now I’ve moved onto a more fun genre, and have just published the first of a 5 book action/adventure series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is a 36k word novella called ‘The Samurai Code’.
I had already written the first drafts of the 4 books in the series, and I decided to write a novella to put out first to try and attract readers. The four full-length books are based in Peru, India/Tibet, Egypt and Mexico, so I wanted to set the novella somewhere completely different. I’ve been to the main location of the book, the island of Miyajima, Japan, and I did a little research of some real world events and based my story around those. (I’ve actually been to all the locations throughout the series except Tibet, but it’s on the list)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm? No, not really. I’m still learning my best tactics as I go. I suppose writing the first drafts of an entire series isn’t standard for most people, but it seems to me that if I lay out the whole narrative, it serves me well for character development. Other than that, nope. In the words of the great Hemingway, ‘There’s nothing to writing. You just sit at a typewriter and bleed.’ (or laptop, obviously)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I used to love reading anything by Clive Cussler, you know, those grand, sweeping far-fetched adventures, and along with my love of Indiana Jones, then you get an idea of what my new series is aiming for, although mine are a little grittier with a slightly more adult leaning.
I also love most of the classics, and someone even labelled my first novel, ‘I Have Lived Today’, …a Dickensian like quest’. That made me very happy.
What are you working on now?
Well, only yesterday I wrapped up ‘The Samurai Code’, and other than a ghostwriting project I’m working on, and my day-to-day travel writing, I will be pushing on with editing the next book in the series, ‘The Condor Prophecy’. It’s a great story, and one I believe will resonate with anyone who loves a good adventure/lost cities/archaeology/ancient myths etc.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s something I’m still learning, but I hear great things about Instafreebie. Sorry, that’s the best I’ve got for now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, loads.
I would say my number one tip is to write as if no one will ever read it (less pressure that way) Write a first-draft without stopping to think, zero editing. Ultimately, follow your dreams and see what happens. Just be aware that it’s a difficult job to finish even one first draft, so if you get that far, you’ve already achieved something special, even if its crap.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Two things. Read your stuff aloud to yourself. That’s the best way to understand if something is flowing well and the best way to notice mistakes.
And do NOT scrimp on editing services. It’s essential.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading my competition; Russell Blake, Cussler, Scott Mariani.
These are all successful guys in my genre and are good writers. If I can emulate their success I’ll be a happy camper.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I have many ongoing projects, so it’s going to be a busy year. The ghostwriting is an exciting challenge, and will take 6-8 months, but I hope to find time to publish at least the next 2 books in my series before Christmas. It’s a big ask, but I’m determined.
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?
I would definitely take Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Absolutely brilliant.
I would also take ‘The Never Ending Story’. I don’t remember who it’s by, but as a kid I was blown away by it. I’d then have to take ‘The Cemetery of Forgotten Books’ trilogy by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (that counts as one, right?) And to finish, of course I would take ‘The Samurai Code’, a brilliant new action/adventure thriller by ME!! 😉
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