Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
At the time of writing, I’ve only written the one book. Took me long enough. But I’ve nearly finished the second, and that’s gone a lot faster since I’m no longer an easily-distracted teenager. I’m an easily-distracted adult instead. Between my day job as a pharmacy dispenser and my love of video and tabletop games, it’s a wonder I get anything done. I should probably combine them with the love of writing and publish D&D modules!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book, the next one, is called “Emergency”. It refers to the several things; but mainly the state of emergency the world of the book is currently in, and the setting of the first half of the book, the Accident & Emergency department of a hospital.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if I’d say any of my habits are unusual, exactly. I listen to a lot of atmospheric soundtracks on YouTube, but apart from that, I’m just as reliant on tea, coffee and biscuits as most writers. I also try to stick to certain days and times to get me in the creative mode, and treat the writing process as sort of like showing up for work – only I can do it in my pyjamas.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I used to just say that J.K. Rowling was the reason I wanted to read, Terry Pratchett was the reason I wanted to write, and Jim Butcher was the reason I wanted to write as down to earth as I could. Since then a whole heap of other influences have come into it. Ernest Cline, Scott Meyer, Peter V. Brett and V.E. Schwab are all on my “good authors” list, and were recently joined by my new obsession, Ben Aaronovitch.
What are you working on now?
Two things: “Emergency”, a story that runs alongside my first book, “Left Behind”. Originally it was planned as a short story, but my Strong Female Protagonist had a lot more to say than fifty pages, and I couldn’t be happier with where it’s gone, or the early feedback I’ve got from readers.
To ensure Emergency is finished on time, I paused work on another project – a fantasy novel about a young girl who wants to be a wizard. I’m not going to go into too much detail yet in case it doesn’t have the mileage and all the world notes just get funnelled into a D&D setting instead.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Even if you think you idea is stupid or overused – the execution is more important than the content, and there’s always more room in the genre. If I said to you “Students at Magic School have adventures”, I could be talking about Harry Potter, The Worst Witch or an Unseen University story. If I said “Man discovers reality is computer program”, it could be dozens of sci-fi stories.
TLDR: Write whatever you want, just write it well!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show, don’t tell. It’s on every list of writing tips for good reason.
Show me your character slamming doors if they’re angry, or staring into the distance when they’re sad. Don’t just tell me about an emotion, make me feel it.
What are you reading now?
Ben Aaronovitch’s “PC Peter Grant” series. Police Procedural Drama meets Urban Fantasy.
The closest book parallel is “The Dresden Files”, but you could also think “Grimm”, or “Supernatural” if the Men Of Letters were introduced earlier.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing the books until either I get bored, or the readers do. So long as people are enjoying what I’m writing, I’ll keep doing it.
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?
Ominbus editions, because I’m a big cheater. One of them would definitely be “How To Survive Being Stranded On A Desert Island”, but the rest would probably be Harry Potter or Harry Dresden books.
Author Websites and Profiles
T.A. Sorsby Website
T.A. Sorsby Amazon Profile
T.A. Sorsby’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account