Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a new author, still working at my day job, where I am a software architect for a large company. My love of quantum mechanics spawns most of my story ideas. I have written one novel, a science-fiction thriller titled Prison of Souls. I am working on another now.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Prison of Souls. I’m a huge fan of serial television mysteries like the X-Files, Lost, Twin Peaks, and Wayward Pines. I wanted to write something that could keep readers guessing, wanting to keep turning pages to unravel the mystery. Most of my readers tell me I’ve accomplished that, so I’m happy. I hope people will give it a try.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh, man. I used to try so many different things to get into the zone for writing — everything from lighting incense to meditating. Over the years, I’ve discovered the best approach for me is to pick up a piece of literature and start reading, then jump directly from reading into writing. It gets my brain on the right track.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Blake Crouch, Clive Barker.
What are you working on now?
I’m toying with the idea of the universe as a vast simulation. People automatically assume I’m talking about a Matrix style existence, but I’m more speaking of the universe as it would exist if it were an ancestor simulation programmed by our distant relatives. How would we find out it was a simulation? What science experiments could we conduct? There is real science behind this idea, and it fascinates me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is http://www.xandergray.com
I sell my books directly through Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Prison-Souls-thriller-Xander-Gray-ebook/dp/B015576FGA/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to write something everyday, even if it’s just a paragraph.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about writing a book the masses will find appealing. Instead, write the story that appeals to you, and then find a market for it. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t study the craft. We all have room to improve. I’m simply saying that focusing exclusively on what others want is likely to create a lackluster story.
What are you reading now?
Slaughterhouse Five, for the umpteenth time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I really need to finish my next book.
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?
Stephen King’s IT.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Author Websites and Profiles
Xander Gray Website
Xander Gray Amazon Profile
Xander Gray’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile