Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a writer/published author?
The love of writing in something that is ingrained in my DNA from an early age I was creating and dreaming up stories. We had this 1912 Remington typewriter were my brothers and I would write up fake news stories before fake news was a thing and were talking late 1960's. Though my brothers ceased doing so I branched out into poetry, lyrics & short stories and finally writing two books to date and the 3rd one in progress. Thus began my aspirations. It took awhile but I accomplished my goal at age 54, the first book that is.
How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?
The love of writing in something that is ingrained in my DNA from an early age I was creating and dreaming up stories. We had this 1912 Remington typewriter were my brothers and I would write up fake news stories before fake news was a thing and were talking late 1960's. Though my brothers ceased doing so I branched out into poetry, lyrics & short stories and finally writing two books to date and the 3rd one in progress. Thus began my aspirations. It took awhile but I accomplished my goal at age 54, the first book that is.
How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?
I love to start writing in the mornings if I can, though it does not matter what time of day. But when I start I cannot let go. Sometimes I wonder where it all comes from especially when I get on a roll. Of course I start out with an outline but then it seems it has a life of its own, it's hard to explain. Inspiration hits most times when I am not at the keyboard but I jot down notes so as not to forget. Paper and pen are always nearby and a must!
Where did the inspiration for the Halley's Casino trilogy come from and for all the unique species and characters that populate these books?
It just hit me one day out of nowhere. " What if Halley's Comet wasn't really a comet at all but an intergalactic casino?" It just took off from there, literally.
The lead character of Nebula Yorker (Neb to his friends) had been kicking around with me for over 20 years in various other stories, he fit perfectly into this adventure. As for all the other characters they too came out of nowhere though the character of TeeceeFore the President of the planet Telvon 3 was named for mother, her nickname is TC, she's not a alien :-)
Where did the inspiration for the Halley's Casino trilogy come from and for all the unique species and characters that populate these books?
It just hit me one day out of nowhere. " What if Halley's Comet wasn't really a comet at all but an intergalactic casino?" It just took off from there, literally.
The lead character of Nebula Yorker (Neb to his friends) had been kicking around with me for over 20 years in various other stories, he fit perfectly into this adventure. As for all the other characters they too came out of nowhere though the character of TeeceeFore the President of the planet Telvon 3 was named for mother, her nickname is TC, she's not a alien :-)
As an author - what do you enjoy most about writing/publishing process? What feels like a chore?
The creating part is FUN FUN Fun when you see it all coming together and the ever evolving structure one has discovered when seen on paper or on screen.
The creating part is FUN FUN Fun when you see it all coming together and the ever evolving structure one has discovered when seen on paper or on screen.
Review HERE! |
I have learnt so much over the years regarding the writing/publishing process good and bad, but once one gains all this experience it falls nicely into place that I have able to help out others on their journey, the do's and don'ts and the why's.
As an indie author it can be a chore, you're the chief cook and bottle washer, it can be a tough slough but I have found it to be very rewarding though I would not turn down a publishing contract should one come my way which of course on am always on the lookout for. (know any) :-)
With such a large cast of characters and several locations, how do you keep the story line consistent not only in one book, but throughout the trilogy?
In my mind I always knew where I was going with the story in the 1st book, though to be honest a trilogy was not what I had in mind, it only came to light in the last ten pages or so with Halley's Casino and then again the rest came out of nowhere. I saw the next two books just fall into my lap so to speak. How could I stop! And being a trilogy many of the story lines need to be connected and resolved which does leave me going back and forth to make sure everything lines up or else I am in trouble.
Some issues were resolved in the second book from the first but not all and likewise with the second will be resolved in the third and those unresolved from the first and second will be nicely tied up in the third...Phew! With a little wiggle room for a fourth but you did not that that from me!
Humorous Sci-Fi is a really unique genre I first stumbled across when I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series and I'm always looking for more. Do you have some favourite titles of your own in this genre that you loved reading?
Yes, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, a fine trilogy in 5 books :-) Some reviewers have so honoured my style and books to Douglas Adams the author of Hitchhikers. I am very humbled to have been liken to him.
Of course I did not start out to copy Douglas in any way, shape or form but what is inspiration if one cannot be inspired? Of course Monty Python, The Max Brothers for example inspire me along with many others.
As an indie author it can be a chore, you're the chief cook and bottle washer, it can be a tough slough but I have found it to be very rewarding though I would not turn down a publishing contract should one come my way which of course on am always on the lookout for. (know any) :-)
With such a large cast of characters and several locations, how do you keep the story line consistent not only in one book, but throughout the trilogy?
In my mind I always knew where I was going with the story in the 1st book, though to be honest a trilogy was not what I had in mind, it only came to light in the last ten pages or so with Halley's Casino and then again the rest came out of nowhere. I saw the next two books just fall into my lap so to speak. How could I stop! And being a trilogy many of the story lines need to be connected and resolved which does leave me going back and forth to make sure everything lines up or else I am in trouble.
Some issues were resolved in the second book from the first but not all and likewise with the second will be resolved in the third and those unresolved from the first and second will be nicely tied up in the third...Phew! With a little wiggle room for a fourth but you did not that that from me!
Humorous Sci-Fi is a really unique genre I first stumbled across when I read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series and I'm always looking for more. Do you have some favourite titles of your own in this genre that you loved reading?
Yes, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, a fine trilogy in 5 books :-) Some reviewers have so honoured my style and books to Douglas Adams the author of Hitchhikers. I am very humbled to have been liken to him.
Of course I did not start out to copy Douglas in any way, shape or form but what is inspiration if one cannot be inspired? Of course Monty Python, The Max Brothers for example inspire me along with many others.
Now with that being said I am not implying that my body of work is greater or none greater than Mr. Adams or that somehow Douglas's spirit entered me when he hopped a freighter off world, that would be crazy, Douglas stood 6 feet 5 inches tall I am only 5 feet 7 inches tall, the math does not work out, for one thing his feet would be very cramped in my size 8 (38-39) shoe.
Review coming 01-15 |
There is one set of humorous sci fi/fantasy books that I have had enjoyed reading in the past. The Myth Adventures starting with "Another Fine Myth" by Robert Lynn Asprin.
Very enjoyable reading. Or The Stainless Steel Rat series by Harry Harrsion which again some have liken my wit too. To be even mentioned in the company of these writers is humbling to say the least.
When can readers expect to see the third book in this trilogy released? Can you give us any sort of teaser about the plot?
I am shooting for August 2019. I am about 50% completed. The title for the 3rd book is (drum roll please)... "Return Trip" - Halley's Casino III
Teaser? Hmm? Spoilers? :-)
The second book Marine - Halley Casino II ends with...
Let's just say that a good villain never dies they're just too hard to get rid of or close off :-) almost.
Lastly, do advice for aspiring authors wanting to write books in this genre?
Very enjoyable reading. Or The Stainless Steel Rat series by Harry Harrsion which again some have liken my wit too. To be even mentioned in the company of these writers is humbling to say the least.
When can readers expect to see the third book in this trilogy released? Can you give us any sort of teaser about the plot?
I am shooting for August 2019. I am about 50% completed. The title for the 3rd book is (drum roll please)... "Return Trip" - Halley's Casino III
Teaser? Hmm? Spoilers? :-)
The second book Marine - Halley Casino II ends with...
Let's just say that a good villain never dies they're just too hard to get rid of or close off :-) almost.
Lastly, do advice for aspiring authors wanting to write books in this genre?
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