Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in a really really small time in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia. When I graduated high school I enlisted in the Navy. When I was discharged I returned to college and became a Respiratory Therapist specializing in Neonatology and Pediatrics. After nearly three decades in the medial field I adopted two young children and we moved our family to Punta del Este Uruguay when I began to pursue my dream of writing.
We returned to the United States in 2018 and currently reside in the Atlanta suburbs.
I have authored four fiction novels and seven screenplays.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “Baby Mine”. It is a horror/thriller set in present day Atlanta. The story is about a young African-American mother-to-be who answers an online ad selling a jogging stroller. When the protagonist rushes out to make the purchase she arrives at the seller’s home and meets a mentally unstable woman who abducts her and locks her in a cage with the intent to take her unborn baby.
The novel is based on a my screenplay of the same title.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a few unusual writing habits. The first is that when I write I work on both a novel and a screenplay version both at the same time. That way, the movie and the book will be truer to the plot. Also, the screenplay serves as an outline when I’m writing the book.
The second writing habit is that I daydream the entire story before I start writing. I close my eyes and image that I’m watching a movie from beginning to end. This gives me a mental framework to begin writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Anne Rice, Ray Bradbury, Clive Barker, J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin … to name a few.
What are you working on now?
I have just completed both the screenplay and novel entitled “Baby Mine”. Currently I am promoting the book and in negotiations for the production of the Baby Mine film. My next writing project is a sequel to my epic fantasy novel entitled “The Between: Rise of the Hunter.”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books across multiple social media outlets and have just recently partnered with a new publisher/edit called Skinny Brown Dog Media. I always find it helpful to schedule several books signings and attend book fairs.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. First, don’t stop writing. Whether you are picked up by one of the big publishers or self-publish, every story has a place.
Second, every character must have their own unique voice; their own distinct character, personality and quirks.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish everything you start.
What are you reading now?
When I’m not writing, I do editing. I am currently reading and editing an unpublished inspirational book for an aspiring writer.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have three writing projects on my to-do list. Next in line is the sequel to “The Between: Rise of the Hunter.”
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 first and most important would be an empty notebook so I can write. The next two books would be a thesaurus and dictionary. The final book would the “SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere”
Author Websites and Profiles
Timothy Swiney Website
Timothy Swiney Amazon Profile
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