Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written two books in The Andalusian Trilogy series. I’m currently working on the third book and researching a dystopian novel. A trip to northern Spain, and subsequent historical research, helped me decide to focus on 10th century Islamic Spain during the glory days of the Umayyad Caliphate. THE GALICIAN WOMAN, the first book in this trilogy, inspired additional research and a trip to southern Spain. These experiences led me to develop the two additional storylines.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is THE BONE RELIC. It was inspired by a trip to southern Spain and research into the Great Mosque of Cordoba. I learned that the mosque kept a sacred relic, the arm bone of the prophet Muhammad, in its treasury. What if robbers stole the holy relic? I asked myself. This became the basis for the second book in the series. My protagonist, Solomon Levy, has to embark on a medieval adventure in order to preserve the legitimacy of Europe’s most enlightened culture.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual habit is not to have any set habits when it comes to writing. Oftentimes, I’ll wake up in the morning, in that twilight state between waking and the dream, and snippets of conversation and/or scenes will come into my imagination. Sometimes it’s after dinner. There is no set time or any one thing that might create an inspiration. I write mornings, afternoons, and nights whenever I have a stretch of time with no distractions.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was younger I was influenced by Joseph Campbell, C.G. Jung, Anais Nin, and Erich Neumann. I read The Masks of God series, much of Jung, the Diaries of Anais Nin, and most of Neumann. Mary Ester Harding and Irene Claremont de Castillo wrote about women’s mysteries. John Fowles was my favorite novelist. I devoured all of his books. I must have read The Magus in a single sitting (or two). I was blown away. As for most other authors, I tend to read one or two of their works rather than attempt to take on an entire oeuvre.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing the third and final book in The Andalusian Trilogy series. It’s called THE LOST MANUSCRIPT. It’s serves as a prequel to the first two novels and reveals new aspects of protagonist Solomon Levy’s life and times. The role of language and books in 10th century Islamic Spain, and the Arab world’s desire to preserve the works of the Greeks, is a constant theme.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to self-publishing so I’m starting slow and trying to minimize expenses until the series is complete. So far I’ve used Freebooksy, Discount Bookman, Awesome Gang, free99books, and a host of other mostly free promo sites. I also publish on Amazon select for the first three months to take advantage of the five free download days they offer. I hope to expand marketing efforts in the future and try new methods.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My personal advice is to cultivate a love and receptivity for your own creative spirit. Have courage and be willing to follow where it takes you.
As for developing your craft, author Somerset Maugham wrote: “There are only three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, nobody knows what they are.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.
What are you reading now?
Teachings of the Buddha. But mostly research notes for my new novel. Not a lot of extra time for outside reading because I just finished editing the proof copy of THE BONE RELIC.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to finish THE LOST MANUSCIPT this year and publish the story later this year or early next year. And, I’d like to complete research for a dystopian novel. I’m also a songwriter and I have half a dozen songs to put to music this year.
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?
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon. If I’m going to be stranded I’m taking “long” books.
Author Websites and Profiles
William Mesusan Amazon Profile