Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a world full of science and science fiction. From an early age, spinning tales came naturally. My kindergarten teacher reported, “Wendy has a good vocabulary. This, coupled with a vivid imagination makes her quite a story teller.”
My writing brings together years of science studies, work in heath care, and training and assistant teaching as a black belt in karate. I had articles on art and science fiction published in print and on-line magazine magazines, but my passion is fiction.
The first novel I drafted was in the Star Trek universe. It was a great learning experience, then I moved on to complete a long fantasy novel, which I plan to polish and publish in the future.
I look forward to throwing myself into MedSci Missions 2 and sneaking in time for my other loves: painting, gardening, creative cooking, yoga, photography, karate, kicking back to good movies and shows, and, of course, my family.
I live in New Brunswick, Canada, where I volunteer at school to help increase literacy and encourage thinking, am a member of the local book club, and run a writing group.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The first book I’ve published is called “Earth and Beyond: MedSci Missions 1. I was happily working on a bio-tech spy thriller when I got caught up in the “Save Enterprise” wave. That led me to suggest a space fiction scenario on a forum at Scifi Studios, which evolved into group brainstorming on a universe for MedSci Missions (previously “Medlab,” then “MedSci.”).
People seemed to expect me to write the story for a show I wanted to watch, so I did. I’m thankful for the encouragement and support, and for meeting a great illustrator/author István Szabó, Ifj, my main tech author/consultant BJ Hansen and many others listed on my Acknowledgements page. Development of the project continued at Syzygy Studios and an amazing amount of ideas and material were created. After some hard decisions and some emptied pockets, it was decided it was best to leave it in my hands to transform into novels made vivid by the richly developed setting, characters, and stories.
I set about the task with new enthusiasm, but there was an overwhelming amount of material to sort and edit. Along with the novel, I compiled a thirteen-thousand-word Glossary of Terms, a Ship Guide, and a Medical Compendium. The glossary will be made available for free on the MedSci Missions website (under construction), and the guides will be published in the future when they can be properly illustrated and laid out.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find I write best when it’s dark outside, partly because it’s easier to see the computer screen, but also, the garden can’t call me outside (though I have gardened with a flashlight). Also, the dead of night is when it’s easiest to slip into another world and stay there. I know no one will come to the door or phone or ask for dinner…so I often write late into the night, or all night.
I also reach around my cat awkwardly to type sometimes because I don’t want to move her.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Star Trek was a huge influence, but there are many others. Dr. Robin Cook’s medical thrillers hit just the right note with me, and were the major influence on the direction of my space adventures. I have really enjoyed Ian Fleming’s and Robert Ludlum’s spy novels as well, and elements of spy thriller are working into MedSci Missions.
What are you working on now?
I have ideas and notes for the second novel in the planned MedSci Missions series. Fiction writing is on a brief pause, however, as I work on promotion.
The second novel will be fun because the ship is already launched and out in space, the characters are introduced. The glossary is written and available for me to refer to, which I have to because of the amount of material in it. Now the main aliens the crew and specialists will deal with can be introduced and delved into as the plot threads from the first novel continue.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That remains to be seen.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not yet. In a few years I can write an essay for you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everything in moderation, including moderation.
Specific to writing: Write what you’re passionate about.
What are you reading now?
Robin Cook’s Charlatans, Graphic Design School, Best Karate Volume 6, Yona of the Dawn Vol. 6 on the encouragement of my daughter, but I am enjoying it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The next novel in the MedSci Mission series, learning to put technical guides together, editing my fantasy novel. Blogging as necessary for promotion or for a topic I feel strongly about. With the kids gone to university this is my time!
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?
Field Guide to Edible Plants, How to Build Emergency Shelters, Harry Potter 5 to let me relax with pure fun, my latest novel for inspiration.
Author Websites and Profiles
Wendy Gamble Website
Wendy Gamble Amazon Profile
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