Thomas Reilly is a retired biotechnology scientist and executive who holds a doctoral degree in microbiology. He is the author of numerous essays and articles on science and technology. CHASING TIME, his first novel, is a medical suspense story that captures many elements of the drug research and development processes. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife Linda.
Why did you write the book? What was your motivation behind it? Two prime motivators drove me to write Chasing Time. First, an idea about using future events to shape present decisions had been circulating in my mind for years. This is the essence of Chasing Time. Second, after receiving so much positive feedback on my writing during my career (manuscripts, essays, reports and the like), I wanted to challenge myself and determine if i could write a full-length novel.
Who do you see as your main audience for this book and what do you hope they will get from reading your book? I envision this suspenseful novel will broad appeal to a large population segment because of its universal themes of family, persistence, and devotion. In addition, Chasing Time should also appeal to those reader segments interested in magical realism and those who follow bioscience developments. Simply put, my goal as a writer is to enrich the lives of those who will read my work and enrich my own life as well.
How do you see this book being relevant today? Aside from the universal themes of Chasing Time (family, persistence, devotion) that are particularly relevant in today’s society, the book clearly describes many of the medical breakthroughs of recent years that will shape all of our lives in the future.
Why do you think you the right person to write this book? How do you think your qualifications or experience make this a better book? First, I had this unique idea of a time capsule from the past revealing events from the future. Exploiting this idea into a book is best done by the idea generator (i.e. me). Secondly, I am uniquely qualified to write about medical breakthroughs based on my education (Ph.D. and MBA degrees), and experience in working as a scientist and executive in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Can you share a little bit about the process of writing the book? Did you keep writing once you sat down? I challenged myself to write a full-length novel based on one original idea, that is a time capsule from the past revealing events from the future that shape present decisions. Hence the name, Chasing Time. I would sit down for a few hours every day in effort to expand the storyline. Over a period of several months, the story seemed to catch fire as I weaved different ideas and components into a (hopefully) cohesive and entertaining storyline. Of course, there were many days when the writing did not click, and I wondered if I could ever finish. But over time, my writing style evolved to become more expressive and more consistent, and in about a year’s time, I had my completed work.
Does writing energize or exhaust you? The answer is easy- both.
Have you written any other books or do you have any books planned for the future? Tell us as much as you are willing to share! Writing Chasing Time has inspired me to continue writing, and I am nearly finished with a second novel that, once again, describes the effects of a magical Janus key on the lives of everyday individuals in present time.
How many hours a day do you write? Two to three hours per day is what I shoot for.
Does your family support your career as a writer? Absolutely. My wife is a retired English literature teacher and has spent countless hours reading my work, editing, and making storyline suggestions. My four children have read my book and offered strong support and encouragement.
What is your favourite childhood book? In high school, it was the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. In college, it was Tokien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Ever since she sported pigtails and had a huge crush on Bobby Brady, Amy Key has been turning her romantic daydreams into stories. Writer is her official job title, but Amy considers herself a semi-professional fangirl due to her obsession with the television show Supernatural. Her other abilities include ninja reading skills and the ability to constantly learn. She lives with her husband and dog in Dallas, Texas, and she would love to hear from you at amykeyzaret@gmail.com or on https://www.facebook.com/amykeywriter.
Describe yourself in five words
happy, optimistic, intelligent, fun, and kind
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
People would be surprised that I wanted to be a herpetologist when I was young, that I love roller coasters, and that I intend to skydive someday.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I pivot off of negative thoughts as quickly as possible. I believe in the law of attraction and that my thoughts create my reality, so it’s important to work through doubt and fear fast.
What scares you the most?
I am afraid of being the lone survivor of a zombie apocalypse.
What makes you happiest?
I love traveling and going to the movies with my husband.
Why do you write?
I write to teach people, even in my fiction.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes, I wrote stories from an early age.
What motivates you to write?
I want to teach and entertain people.
What writing are you most proud of?
My latest book, Attract Love Now!, makes me very proud because I know that it will help people find happiness in love.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
I am proud of raising my sons and I am proud that I started over at the age of 42 and met and married the man of my dreams!
What books did you love growing up?
I loved Cinderella, The Little Princess, The Secret Garden, and many more!
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
I hope that I will live to be 104 years old and that I will be known as a person who taught and helped others.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I grew up in Dallas, Texas, USA, and I still live here.
How did you develop your writing?
I wrote and wrote and wrote. Practice is the only way to improve writing. Also, I have a master’s degree in humanities and I did many creative writing courses.
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
I find marketing to be the most challenging.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
No, I love to share what I have written.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
My family is extremely encouraging and supportive.
What else do you do, other than write?
I read, go to movies, travel, exercise, and go to fan conventions for the show Supernatural.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
I was an English and European history teacher for fifteen years.
If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?
I would still pick literature, history, and art
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to live in England or New Orleans, Louisiana.
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I write on a laptop, mostly.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
I would love to thank my husband, Mike, for his wholehearted support of me and my work!
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
I am a successful writer when people read and enjoy my books.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
Attract Love Now is a guide intended to help people meet the romantic partner of their dreams. I wrote it to be an inspiration to anyone who despairs of ever finding soulmate love.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
I want people to have hope after reading my latest book. No matter what your age, weight, or appearance, you can have true love.
Joy Voigt (Daniela), born in Mexico, has spent the better part of the last two decades traveling and learning across many places on the globe. Deeply passionate about the intersection between the primordial human experience and her spiritual journey, she has spent much of her life living in Buddhist Temples and meditation centers. A massage therapist by trade, she finds much of her expression through multiple mediums such as writing, making music, dancing, weaving and floral sculpture. Joy’s main interest in life is learning the art of true listening.
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
At the core, I am a very shy person even though many folks think of me as open, confident and bold. And, this book itself is quite surprising. If you met me, you’d never think I’d write a dark fiction and I too never expected to have quite a lot of darkness come through in my writing. But there you go.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I am quite curious about fear. I find it to be a goldmine, usually. Beneath its rough façade, if I keep my ear to the ground on it and stay humble, it usually reveals some deep untapped resources within myself.
What scares you the most?
Letting fear fester inside me.
What makes you happiest?
Loving others.
Why do you write?
Because I deeply enjoy it and learn so much about myself through the process. I find writing accesses parts of myself that no other medium are able to tap into.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes, even as a little girl I’d spend a lot of time coming up with lyrics in my head and found quite an ignited part of me when doing so. As I said, I am quite shy so writing really suits my introverted need to express myself.
What motivates you to write?
I can’t say that I do much in the order of self-motivation. Inspiration usually gallops into my world in the most unexpected of moments and it’s one of those things where I either get on the ride with it or it quite literally passes me by, in search perhaps, of someone willing to listen and take the adventure.
What writing are you most proud of?
My latest novel, ¨Fox Woman Dreaming¨ and a poem I wrote while being in a long winter retreat titled, ¨The Bounty.¨
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
It’s not exactly being proud of it since I didn’t do much to deserve this, but I really appreciate that there seems to be a seemingly great store of kindness that is always on tap for my friends and for people I care for. I really appreciate that about myself.
What books did you love growing up?
I was a big Nancy Drew fan and my dad introduced me to Greek myths when I was quite young so I’ve always had some gravitational pull toward them, even as a young one.
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
Answered the call when friends asked for help.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I grew up in Mexico and have lived in many, many places across the globe. I currently reside in a small emerald island of the coast of Washington called Friday Harbor.
How did you develop your writing?
I’d say it’s a two part recipe: Firstly reading a ton – I’d read so much that, to this day, the librarians of many of the places I have lived in are close buddies of mine. Secondly, needing an outlet to understand chapters of my life. Although principally writing fiction and poetry, writing has become a kind of self-discovery tool that keeps me coming back for more. In many ways, I would say that I feel courted by words and it’s not so much that I am doing the writing but more that I have gotten a front row seat to the wild and almost mystical world of language.
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
I find marketing to be the area I know the least about and hence sometimes deem it as hard. But calling it hard makes it sound like it is undoable, or at least that’s how I interpret it. I’d call it the area that I am most in the state of continuous learning.
What marketing works for you?
Interviews seem to really work for me.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
Only when I make it about myself. Otherwise, it feels quite organic.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
Oddly yes! And they are quite the fuel to my fire. I’m not quite sure what I did to deserve such incredible people in my life but I am forever grateful to the close circle friends and family that I have.
What else do you do, other than write?
I am a bodyworker by trade and a musician by enjoyment.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
That’s a very long list.
If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?
Uh-oh. Only one? I’d choose Dance but would sit in the back of many a physiotherapy class and epistemology course.
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I often get hit with a chapter of a book or poem while I am far from any writing implement so I memorize as much of it as I can and have actually sprinted to my computer to catch the words before they fly away.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
My friends, deeply. I would be a crust of a human being if it weren’t for the amount of love, support and care that I have received continuously over many years.
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
I have fun and like myself throughout the whole process.
It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?
My campaign is a bit of a learn as I go methodology. Maybe not the best strategy but it’s kind of my only choice at the moment.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
¨Fox Woman Dreaming¨ is a dark fiction that explores the subject of repression, utopia and the wild human spirit. It follows the story of Sybil, a Dreammaker who lives in a world where people have been tailored to be the Perfect versions of themselves, disallowing any of the more uncouth and wilder sides of the human psyche to be around. Sybil works for the Company, a corporation that sells dreams to Consumers, manicuring reality with a very particular set of morals. It is when Sybil discovers that there is more to her than a Good and Correct person that things get a little strange and so begins her journey into discovering more about her humanity and, ultimately, her own voice.
I wrote it because I needed to grapple with my own understanding of being Good and Correct. Morality is a place of great inner questioning for me. I lived for about two decades in a state of discipleship and, as of late, I am exploring what it is like to embody what I have learned and what it would look like for my own voice to take root within me.
When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
I deeply enjoy beholding nature, that is one of the most relaxing things I can do. That, and watching YouTube videos of animals being rescued. I am a big sucker for that.
I have a 28 day pre-sale link available with special perks for folks buying the book before it is released.
Long (LONG) ago, Alex was born somewhere in Texas when a rip in space/time opened a dimensional rift that nearly wiped out all of humanity. (It might have been a little different but he was newborn and hadn’t thought to take notes.)
Alex writes books, creates worlds and ventures forth to take pictures of this planet he shares with you kind co-inhabitants of this lovely blue orb. (Thank you for that. Y’all are great!) It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so when he posts online, this is always at the forefront of his mind. Some of the words he uses are shared wisdom and others are hopeful insights.
Feel free to check out the Instagram link below. (Don’t be afraid. It won’t bite.)
Alex also likes to draw and illustrate his books. He is constantly crafting stories in his head when he should be paying attention to the road. But until he can stop time, (This is on his “To-do” list) he will make do with the allotted hours at his disposal.
Despite the limited time span of each day and the grim reaper trying to sneak up on him whenever he gets distracted by shiny things, Alex follows his passions.
Most of all, he creates.
Whether it is the next book in a series, a blog topic to cover, a new place to take pictures that he just can’t get out of his head or new illustrations that continue to prompt him for more tweaking, Alex seeks out new and creative ways of expressing himself.
In the meantime, Alex travels to distant worlds, fights monsters on a bi-weekly basis, peers into alternate dimensions when they grab his attention and once in a while, when the inclination is upon him… he saves the world.
It’s a hobby.
Alex sleeps between blinks or when his eyes close unexpectedly.
He and Snoopy have word sprints for fun on weekends and holidays
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Massol, a small town on the moon. No, not this one. Around Saturn. Nice little place but pricey. I like it here more. Better sunsets, interesting people. Plus, the air is free!
Why do you write?
It’s a calling. I’m a creative. Writing is part of who I am.
What do you write about?
Other worlds, mysteries, fighting darkness and reaching for the light
Do you have a specific writing style?
My style falls somewhere between Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury and Edgar Allen Poe
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
Mostly allocating time to the task. Scheduling is key to any creative lifestyle.
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
That my book was the best thing to come along when they needed help with overcoming life’s challenges.
How long have you been writing?
All my life
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
When I realized books were written by people
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Mostly I write at night. I do some writing during the day but I write well into midnight every night.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I like to have classical music playing, a snack on hand and coffee or tea to sip
How long does it take to write a book?
Some have taken months and others, years. It varies depending on the project.
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Read lots and write more.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story? The challenge of describing what I see in my head. When the story is taking shape, I want to follow it full steam but describing every scene and character turns a complicated scene into a project in itself.
What do you think makes a good story?
Good characters, relatable situations and a worthwhile struggle by the end.
What does your family think of your writing?
My family always discouraged me from writing until I became a published author.
Do you see writing as a career?
Definitely
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
I want you all to enjoy what I write. My Nonfiction is meant to encourage everyone on a daily basis. My Fiction has dark situations but will always have a happy ending to look forward to.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I always considered my self a writer. A writer writes. Am I a bestseller? No. A household name? No. Am I following my writing passion? Always.
I love Occult-lore and Science Fiction, but I wanted that to be the backdrop in a natural setting. So, I introduce the audience to two poor teenagers who have rough family lives, while coping with the tragic death of their best friend set in 1984. Their séance goes wrong, and they seek out further spiritual guidance, while they search for a mysterious pendant, that is rumored to have healing properties. As the story developed, Jake and Clarence kind of took off on their own, and their dialog and reactions grew dramatically as the story progressed. Plus, it is fun to write about seances in graveyards, tasseography, and portals to the astral world, also it was fun to explore on my made-up sci-fi word, that I am coining in this interview, Metageometroncalchemaltransmission. My next book, the prequel to The Evil Within the House will dive further into interdimensional travel.
I threw the kitchen sink at the audience with this one. In short, if you like coming-of-age movies like Stand by Me and have a love for the X-Files, then The Evil Within the House should be right up your alley.
I have always written, and wanted to publish, it has just taken focus and dedication to create something that I am content with. Self-publishing makes it a lot easier for any author to get started. Especially with Amazon’s print on demand. I was surprised how well physical copies have sold versus e-book’s.
*What motivates you to write?
I read a lot of horror novels, particularly paperbacks from the 1980’s. They were known as spin-rack paperbacks, put out by a company called Zebra. They have been tagged as paperbacks from hell, the artwork is flashy, and the writing is more daring than mainstream horror.
*How do you write?
Most of my ideas develop when I go for a long run. Usually, I email myself notes through out the day and form an outline at night. When I wrote The Evil Within the House, I had constructed the dialog for each scene while I was away from my computer. For me, it is easier to work on dialog as if a movie is playing out in my head. By the time I write the dialog, the clunky parts are figured out.
*How much sleep do you get during the process?
In the few weeks leading up to publishing, I got very little sleep. I received good criticism from my beta-readers and applied most of their suggestions, since the book has a few time jumps. The week before publishing, I read and re-read the book multiple times, via Text to Speech, I think I got 12 hours of sleep in three days, right before I hit print.
*If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?
Kurt Vonnegut and Quentin Tarantino You can follow me on Twitter @ThomasMichaelT9
Susan Jagannath successfully combined a passion for reading, a love of writing and a fascination for technology, to create a career in technical writing. With over 50 technical manuals (not) to her name, “RTFM” could have been the motto for her life; but she didn’t let the idea that no one ever reads the manual stop her from thoroughly enjoying her work.
As an army brat, her childhood included seven different schools, three universities and a couple of emergency evacuations from conflict zones. Travel and adventure were a normal part of life. She now believes in seizing every opportunity to have a new adventure. Whether it’s camping on the beach in Australia, trekking in the Himalayas, kayaking in Queensland, whitewater rafting down the Ganges, or walking the Camino in Spain, her philosophy is to pack it into one or two weeks to create memories for a lifetime, (and disconnect from television and computer games).
Susan is now on the next adventure of her life, traveling, writing travel books, and planning her next book.
Two Himalayan books are on 99c deal for Diwali
Describe yourself in five words
Adventurous, Risk-taking, Loyal, Funny and Innovative
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
I’m a grandmother who hikes, loves travel and has adventures
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I walk them off in long hikes in nature
What scares you the most?
Dying without making a difference to the world
What makes you happiest?
Completing a book and seeing readers read it and comment.
Why do you write?
Because I must – it’s an addiction
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Absolutely – for as long as I could read, I also wrote
What motivates you to write?
Sharing my adventures, hikes and learnings with those who maybe think they are too old, too weak, too <insert excuse here>
What writing are you most proud of?
The Valley of Flowers – the book about the hike in the Himalayas, and it was especially wonderful to hike it with friends.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
A bit astonished that I am a completely doting grandmother!
What books did you love growing up?
Enid Blyton, Narnia and Amar Chitra Katha – the latter are a comic book series about Indian mythology.
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
She loved a lot, family, friends and adventures
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I grew up all over India in various army bases, I now live in Australia.
How did you develop your writing?
I was a technical writer for top IT and computer application firms..I wrote manuals, online help, websites and so on for over thirty years
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
Marketing
What marketing works for you?
A mixture of organic and paid
Do you find it hard to share your work?
No, not at all
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
yes, I am blessed with a supportive family and friends
Aaron LA. V.R. grew up in Michigan, spending most of his childhood creating his own adventures. Inspired by popular science fiction movies, cartoons, and video games, he would often create stories he either wrote or acted out while playing with friends. As a teenager, he became interested in music and turned those childhood stories into songs. As an adult, he found his way into the world of news, working as a news producer and freelance writer. After many years of searching for the right medium to express his creativity, he is here, hoping to share his imagination and experiences with you as an author.
Where are you from?
I grew up in the United States in the state of Michigan. I’m from the west side of the state, actually, close to Lake Michigan. It’s a very pretty area and fairly quiet.
Why do you write?
Well, I write because I’m very emotional and need an infinite universe to vent my emotions, hahaha. No, but really I write because I have an overactive imagination and need an infinite universe to express my creativity. There is no limit to what you can become or create when you’re writing, no taxes, no hidden fees, no red tape, just freedom. So, I guess you could say I write so I can be free.
What do you write about?
In general, what I write about really depends on my mood for the most part. Sometimes I will write uplifting stories other times; I will write sad or mysterious ones. That type of writing is actually more connected to when I was writing songs and creating rap music, though. But what I enjoy writing about the most is science fiction! I love the action and adventure and space! It’s so awesome! When I was young, I was always intrigued by the stars and the thought of what was beyond them. I used to spend hours at the library reading astronomy books. I was also a big-time anime, manga, superhero cartoon, video game and sci-fi movie nerd, to top all of it, hahaha.
Do you have a specific writing style?
If I had to put a name to it, I would call it movie-style writing. When I’m writing, it’s almost like I’m watching a movie in my mind. I can see the scenes playing out from a to b and hear the dialogue taking place while it’s all happening. I don’t know if it is like that for everyone. People always have told me that I’m weird, so maybe that’s not normal, hahaha.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
For me, it’s probably motivation. Sometimes I will sit and stare at a blank page for hours and not write a thing. It’s not that I can’t get some words on the screen or page; it’s just that I don’t feel like writing. I’m a very lazy creative sometimes. . . But When I feel like writing, I’m taking off!
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
Someone told me that my story delivered. That was the coolest thing to hear! The main thing I’m worried about when people are reading my book is if it delivered, so that was just super awesome!
How long have you been writing?
It’s been like 15 years. I have written a lot of things that I never tried to use. I’m my own worse critic at times, I think. I had a few book ideas over the years that I just never finished because of that. I may actually revisit some of those now that I finally have something published.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
I think it was when I realized I was a storyteller. I was writing songs and news articles for years and never really considered myself a writer, even though I had been doing it for half my life. One day it just kind of dawned on me that I was doing more than just writing; I was telling stories. It was at that point that I kind of made the decision that I wanted to be an author and write novels
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Honestly, it’s like having two jobs. This goes back to the motivation thing I was talking about earlier. So, I work on news stories for 8 hours, then I go home and stare at a blank screen and decide if I want to write some more, hahaha. I usually fall asleep at that point! But every so often, I find the motivation to write more!
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I think I have a way of drawing the reader in and making them see what they’re reading in their mind. So my movie-style writing, I guess.
How long does it take to write a book?
The first book that I recently published, “Absonbrite: Shadows in the Lighthouse” took 3.5 years. I was actually learning the process of how to write a novel while writing that one, so it took some time. Now that I have a rough idea of what I’m doing, we will see how long it will take me to write the second one.
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
I would say use the story engine method when writing. Develop your characters, backstories and the plot before you write. Having source material to draw from will help you move forward when you hit those nasty writing blocks! Look at the different styles of writing 1st person, 2nd person, etc. Also, be descriptive, learn how to use details. Readers want to be able to see, hear, and feel what your characters are going through. So describe to me what they are feeling, where they are at, and what they are learning from it all.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
The biggest challenge was what to write about. So I knew I wanted to write a science fiction story, but I didn’t know what kind. I narrowed it down with the story engine method I mentioned before. Another thing was knowing what to write next. So you’ve got an amazing 1st chapter; how do you follow it up? The answer I found was simple, just continue to tell the story. You really have to let go of the what-ifs, and the how do I, when you’re writing and just continue to tell the story. It all comes together in the end.
What do you think makes a good story?
In general, I would have to say layers. A story with layers is going to take the reader deeper and deeper every chapter they read, all the way to the bottom of the rabbit hole. So depth is what makes a story good, in my opinion.
What does your family think of your writing?
Most of my family members haven’t read my book, hahaha. But the few who have liked it.
Do you see writing as a career?
In the long term, yes. But at the moment, I’m just an amateur. I have a lot to learn and a long way to go still.
Do you have anything specific you would like to tell the readers?
Yes, I do! When you read my book “Absonbrite: Shadows in the Lighthouse,” please leave me a review! I need to know if my writing stinks and what I need to improve on! Thanks in advance!
G. David Walker was unexpectedly born in Ulysses, Kansas on a bright, sunny morning in July of 1963, the youngest of four brothers and one sister. As the internet had not yet been invented when David was a young man, he instead devoured any science fiction or fantasy book that he could get his hands on, dreaming of different worlds, fantastical creatures and strange, alien beings. As an adult, he decided to forge into the realms he had only read about, creating his own worlds to explore.
He currently lives in southwest Missouri. For more information, visit his blog, Chasing Dragons in the Ozarks, at http://gdavidwalker.com/
Describe yourself in five words Hm, that’s not as easy a question as it looks. I don’t think about myself all that often, but I’ll give it a shot. Five words, let’s see… Homebody, analytical, casual, observer, empathetic
What fact about yourself would really surprise people? People meeting me for the first time might find it hard to believe that I once performed in a rock band in Las Vegas. Doesn’t quite fit the quiet, mildly reserved image I have now.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear? Self-doubt is definitely more crippling than fear. Basically, you just have to tell yourself that the only person you have to prove anything to in the end is yourself. I think of a line from “Facing the Giants” where a kid is afraid to try out for the football team. His father tells him, “What have you got to lose? You’re already NOT on the team.” You never have a chance to move forward until you take the first step.
What scares you the most? Other then some more common phobias, what scares me the most is letting people down who rely on me.
Why do you write? Too many ideas in my head not to. I’ve got a Word document with almost sixty pages of story ideas, scene snippets, dialogue, character ideas, and more. If I never added another word to the document, I have enough prompts to last the rest of my life. Of course, I’m always adding to it, so I’ll never run out of stories to tell.
Have you always enjoyed writing? I’ve always enjoyed the written word, whether that be reading, editing, proofreading or writing. In my younger years, I read voraciously. Then, I finally decided to start creating my own worlds for others to explore in the hopes that they would enjoy my stories as much as I enjoyed others’.
What writing are you most proud of? Anything that helps someone get away from the real world for a little while or anything that helps someone deal with problems they may be facing.
What books did you love growing up? Pretty much anything science fiction. Although I mainly write fantasy now, I grew up on sci-fi. Eventually, I’ll put some of my science fiction ideas down on paper too.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? In my younger years, we moved around a lot. My adoptive father was in construction, so by the time I finished fourth grade, I was living in my ninth city in my third state (Kansas, California, Missouri). After college, I moved to Las Vegas for about six years, but now I’m back in SW Missouri.
How did you develop your writing? Write, write, and then write some more. I’ve read numerous books on the art of writing, even taken a couple of courses. But in the end, as they say, practice makes perfect, or if not perfect, at least better than before the practice.
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? For me, the marketing is definitely the most challenging. As someone who prefers to stay behind the scenes, putting myself out in front of the world is a little difficult. But, as a self-published author, that just comes with the territory.
Do you find it hard to share your work? Once it’s in a state where it’s ready to be shared, not really. The hard part is getting it to where I think it’s worth sharing. Rewriting sections, fixing mistakes and typos, filling plot holes, basically going over a manuscript again and again and again until I’m satisfied it’s worth putting out there.
What else do you do, other than write? I also work as a software developer, at least until I get a movie deal, lol. I occasionally do some editing and/or proofreading for others as well.
What other jobs have you had in your life? I did the obligatory stints in grocery and fast food in high school and college, along with a summer of putting up sheet metal siding. After college, I moved to Las Vegas and worked in casinos for a six years. Then back to Missouri where I took over a family health food store for a few years. After that, I worked for a door and window manufacturer, first in the glass shop, then as a factory order writer, then a Special Projects AutoCAD draftsman, before ending up in the IT department as an RPGLE programmer.
If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? Other than writing? Probably psychology. I took a psych class my first year in college and thought it was interesting, but that wasn’t my major, so that was the only class I took on that subject.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I’m actually pretty happy where I’m at, but I would love to visit Scotland someday and have some authentic haggis in a pub.
How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? I still use a PC for my writing. If I go somewhere on vacation, I’ll move the docs to my laptop, but at home I use the PC. I know some writers feel more connected when they write by hand. I’ve tried it (had to one year when I forgot my laptop’s power cord), but I just prefer a keyboard.
How much sleep do you need to be your best? I used to be able to function on five hours or so. Anything more than six or seven and I’d drag throughout the day. That was in my 20s and 30s. Now, I need at least seven to keep from being foggy-headed the next day.
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? Well, beyond the obvious answers of writing full-time and being debt-free, my idea of a really successful writing career would allow me to use my income to help others in need and/or to help revitalize our small town. J. K. Rowling money would do it, right?
If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? These “who would you invite” questions are not as easy as they sound. I had to think about this for a while because there are SO many figures from history who would be fascinating to speak with. Okay, assuming the language barrier is magically removed, I’ll start with (from the past) Nikola Tesla, although he’d have to severely dumb down practically everything he might say. Then add Jules Verne, Mark Twain and Isaac Asimov. From the (currently) living, I suppose Henry Cavill, Liev Schreiber, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Bree Turner (the living are all actors I’d ask to be in the movie based on Jaben’s Rift, lol).
When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? I read, I’m guilty of a bit of binge-watching science fiction series, and PC gaming.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel? I mainly want people to be able to get away from the world and its problems for a while. If I can make them smile or give them something (hopefully encouraging) to think about, so much the better. I just want them to enjoy their time in the worlds I create.
From an early age, Mr. Gomez has been fascinated by subjects of mythology, folklore, ancient history, and the paranormal. He always enjoyed art but never considered becoming an author. It all started as an outlet and a way to express his creativity. His passion for writing had later resulted in several published Novellas and Short Stories. Mr. Gomez admits his love for storytelling, imagery, atmosphere, and tone. He attends College pursuing a degree in English Language and Literature. He enjoys reading, riding his bike, and collecting coins from different countries in his spare time.
· Where are you from?
I was born in Venezuela but had lived in the US for more than 20 years.
· Why do you write?
It is my passion, one that I did not know I had. Writing is an outlet and a way to express my creativity. Writing allows me to connect with others at a deeper level, no matter what their race, sex, religion, or political views.
· What do you write about?
I write Short Stories and novellas in the genre of Horror, Historical Fiction, and Cyberpunk.
· Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes, I think that by being bilingual, in a way you have a writing style. I prefer the 1st Person Point of view and Am not too crazy about dialogue. I strive to stand out from other writers, we can say I add some of my own ingredients to the stories.
· What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
The biggest obstacle is your attitude about life. I am, however, my worst critic. It is important for me that I am satisfied with the finished work. When you are passionate about what you do there are no real obstacles.
· What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
A reader, a sweet old lady, said to me after reading one of my books: “From now on Francisco, I’m calling you Mr. Scary!” I took that as a compliment of course.
· How long have you been writing?
I started writing 8 years ago and published my first short story back in 2014.
· When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
Good question. It all started during a very dark period in my life. The writing was pretty much all I could do. I took pen and paper and started writing, and ten books later, here I am! To be honest with you, I never considered becoming an author in my life.
· What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Every day of the week, I prefer the early evening and nighttime. On Sundays, I like writing after a nice relaxing bike ride.
· What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Sometimes I do not reveal much about the protagonist or the events surrounding the characters. That forces the reader to use his/her imagination. It gives a sense of mystery to the overall theme.
· How long does it take to write a book? (if you’ve written one -published or non)
Normally, a short story or novella takes me 6-7 months.
· Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Yes, my best advice is to get started! As simple as that. Grab a pen and paper and jot down a few ideas. You have to start somewhere and go from there.
· What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
Making it original. I do not want to be a copycat. I want to offer something different, what would be the point in writing things that everyone is writing about? It is important for me to make something fresh and unique.
· What do you think makes a good story?
A good story speaks to you and makes you think about it after you have finished reading it. Then again, you may get a different answer depending on what you ask. That is why I believe it is important that you never compromise your vision.
· What does your family think of your writing?
They are very supportive. My Dad, who enjoys writing as well, is always trying to help me with my books. We share a love for words and language.
· Do you see writing as a career?
I would like to do writing full-time in the future. You have to understand there is a lot of competition, and making writing a career is not easy. I believe God will set things up when the time is right.
· Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
I am very grateful to all my readers. Your support is golden! I never take you for granted. Thank you all! Please continue supporting my work.
· When did you first consider yourself a writer?
After publishing my 8th Book that is when I considered myself a storyteller. The definition of a writer can mean different things depending on who you ask. Anyone can write, but telling a story, in my humble opinion, is a completely different thing.
Following twenty-five years of military service as a U.S. Army ranger and paratrooper, Brendan Wilson retired as a lieutenant colonel and then joined NATO where he served as a defense planner and diplomat for the next fifteen years. During the course of his forty years of work as a soldier and diplomat, he saw service in war-torn Libya, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Iraq. In addition, he commanded a fire base on the DMZ in the Republic of Korea.
A former coach and team captain for military martial arts competition teams in the 101st Airborne Division and the 18th Airborne Corps, he holds master ranking (8th Dan) in three different martial arts, and he won the silver medal in the 2009 U.S. Open for Taekwondo. He was one of the founding members of Aristos, a form of martial arts based on Classical Greek principles.
In retirement, Wilson turned his efforts to filmmaking. He wrote and produced two award-winning short films (“Doug’s Christmas” and “A Child Lies Here”) and served as executive producer for the award-winning web series, “Greeting! From Prison.” Moved by seeing human lives upended in war-torn areas, Wilson enrolled in law school and, as of this writing, he is in his final year. Once he qualifies as an attorney, he plans to volunteer to help refugees. Wilson lives in Sycamore, Illinois. He spends his days, writing, studying law, and practicing his martial arts.
Where are you from?
I was born in Hampton, Virginia. My father was in the Army and we moved a lot. I remember living in Alabama, Germany, and New York. When I was 14, we moved back to Virginia. That’s where I attended high school and college. After graduating from college, I entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Again, on the move a lot — North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Colorado, Korea, and Belgium. After more than two decades, I retired from the Army and took a job as a defense planner and diplomat at NATO headquarters in Belgium, where I stayed for another 15 years. Three years ago, I came back to the US and have settled in Sycamore, Illinois, a small town an hour West of Chicago. I love it here, and so I would have to say, this is my home now.
Why do you write?
Although the answer to that question is probably more complicated than I could articulate, even to myself, I think I write mainly because there is a story in my mind and it wants to get out. That story is a vague image inside me, and only takes form when I put into words.
What do you write about?
During my professional career as an Army officer and later as a diplomat, I wrote mostly professional articles about tactics, defense policy, counter terrorism, and NATO. Along with that, I wrote about a dozen articles about martial arts philosophy and history. Beginning about ten years ago, I began to write for films. I wrote the background stories for Doug’s Christmas and A Child Lies Here, both of which because award-winning short films. In parallel, I wrote the draft of The Achilles Battle Fleet. Not quite sure how that got started or even if I intended it to be a novel when I first began writing it. In 2018, when it was clear I would be retiring, I set the goal of getting the novel published and I also took up the study of law, something I had started many years before. The Achilles Battle Fleet is military sci-fi, but it has a strong martial arts theme.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I do try to make sure the text is readable and interesting. I think I read once that a very accomplished author said great literature is whatever gets the reader to keep reading. Whatever message I want to communicate I need to engage the reader.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
The Greek philosopher, Epictetus, a former slave, wrote that if you want to be a writer, write. I think the biggest obstacle is laziness. I just need to get in and do the writing. I wrote The Achilles Battle Fleet over about seven years, and then another few years re-writing and editing. Most of that time, I was very busy with my job at NATO. My work day started at 6 a.m. and ended often late in the evening. I also travelled a lot. Some of the book was written on my cell phone while on a train, bus or plane. Some of it was written while I was in Baghdad, in a bunker.
What do you think makes a good story?
A good story is about the people, the characters. The purpose of the action is to show how the characters react, what decisions they make, and what happens to their personalities as the plot unfolds. In The Achilles Battle Fleet, I put the characters in situations very like those faced by most people. Under stress, they have to make a decision, for which there is no perfect solution. Every potential course of action has risks and even certain negative consequences. It’s unavoidable. The key is to show that conflict, to let the characters own their decisions and to watch how those difficult decision impact their own personalities and values.
For example, Mei Ling Lee, the main protagonist, comes to the story as an accomplished martial artists and competitor. In the battles that she fights, she is forced to use her martial arts prowess. Under the pressures of the fighting, she comes to understand her own power. She sees in herself a love of the combat, and she is not sure what that says about her. Is she a good person? Does she feel remorse? And is she fully in control? But there is no time to contemplate; she has to move on to the next challenge. That’s life, and that is a similar dilemma that most readers will relate to in everyday life, whether in their jobs, their family life or their other aspirations.
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
I do have five words, but they require some explanation because they are not in English. I was one of the founders of a style of martial arts called Aristos. It is based on the philosophy of classical Greece. The five words represent the philosophy of Aristos. They don’t so much describe me as they describe an aspiration I have:
Arete: Excellence. You become what you diligently practice. It transforms you.
Agon: the source of the English word, agony. It means struggle. Life is a struggle. One should embrace that reality and act accordingly.
Xenia: The guest-host relationship. It is a developed idea of courtesy. Both the guest and the host have mutual, interlocking obligations to each other. It is not the type of courtesy that means submission or subservience.
Techne: Art or technique. In martial arts it is the mechanism of coordinated movement that generates power, focus and balance.
Arche: The Greek word from which we get the English word archeology. It means foundation.
So, what do those five words mean to me? That I can shape my life and myself by my own efforts and that I am responsible for the outcome. If I want to be a writer, I will need to invest the time, effort and risk that are inherent in that effort. If I choose to be a couch potato, I know how to do that too. Either way, it’s my call and my responsibility. That life is a struggle and is not fair. I shouldn’t expect it to be. I must not fret when things don’t go my way. Life is necessarily a struggle. That my relations with others are governed by my own code of duty. I have a responsibility to others to act in such a way that they are not harmed, and I should expect that level of care from others, especially those with whom I choose to share my life. And that I have a duty to assist those in need, as I have been helped by others. That skill is important, and that I need to develop, through hard work and perseverance, the techniques in my profession and in my private life.
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
I think most people see me as a reasonably polite person of mild temperament. And I do think that is mostly correct. But I think most people are surprised if they learn that I was an Army Ranger, that I serve in places like Iraq, Libya, Ukraine, Bosnia and Korea. Or that I am an 8th degree black belt who won the silver medal in taekwondo competition at the US Open. People can be more than one thing.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I think the most important thing to do is put aside the fear of failure. Ultimate success requires pushing the limits of what we are capable of, and that effort, guarantees some failure. The next most important thing is to ignore those who would like you to stop trying. They’re always out there, and sometimes they be loved ones who mean well. But they are wrong. My life is my adventure. When I was 22 years old, I wanted to go to the US Army Ranger School, well-meaning friends and colleagues shook their heads and said things like, “you have no idea what you’re doing, you’ll never make it through.” I’m glad I ignored them.
What scares you the most?
Of the things that are under my own control, I most fear that I won’t live up to my own potential. Life is a precious and temporary adventure; it deserves my best effort.
What makes you happiest?
Easily, time with my wife, Kay, which is inseparable from the joy of being alive.
What writing are you most proud of?
Good question! It’s hard to say one thing. No question, my Novel, The Achilles Battle Fleet has to be at the top of the list. I am also very proud of the writing I did for the short films, A Child Lies Here and Doug’s Christmas, both of which were award-winning films. But I do have a favorite poem. It’s titled The Warrior’s Dawn Prayer. I wrote in my darkest moment and I still read it every day. I had just been sent home from overseas, having spent a good deal of that time in Iraq. I was back in the states getting treatment for PTSD. While there, my employer terminated my employment. It was a low point. I was living in a hotel room, away from family. I had decided if I couldn’t work, that would to finish law school and complete my novel. I desperately wanted to keep moving and not give up. Here it is:
The Warrior’s Dawn Prayer
Help me lift my warrior’s heart from despair
One last battle with honor, dignity and righteousness
Bathe me in the blessing of combat
Strengthen my hand
Let me breath deep the joy of life
Give me the warrior’s delight in taking my place
In the long line of those who never give up.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
I think my journey in the martial arts has to rank high. When I was 16, I got cut from the varsity baseball team. I went that day to a local martial arts studio and took up the study of Tae Known Do. That was 47 years ago. I’ve studied, and trained others in many places. It is a great solace to me now. My wife and I train every day at a local park. I now have an 8th Dan in three martial arts styles, and I won the silver medal at the US Open at the age of 50. It’s a great journey and it’s not over.
What else do you do, other than write?
I retired from work three years ago. Since that time, I have been finishing The Achilles Battle Fleet, attending law school and continuing training and teaching martial arts. My daily routine is to get up and share breakfast and a walk with my wife before she goes to work, then I walk to the local park, train there in martial arts, and return to the house for study, writing and the basic chores of living.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
As a 13-year-old, I worked nights and weekends as a dishwasher at a Greek diner in New York. It was a wonderful introduction to the adult world of work. As a teenager during the summers of high school and college, I worked construction, moving furniture, and pumping gas. After college I have had two jobs. I was an Army officer for 25 years and then a defense planner and diplomat for the next 15.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I’ve lived many places. I spent a total of 28 years living outside the United States, and through my work, I’ve traveled broadly throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Right now, I am very happy to be living in Sycamore, Illinois. It is the perfect place for me, a small town, wonderful, friendly people, and not too far from larger areas, like Chicago, should I like to visit. In answer, if I could live anywhere, I’d be right where I am in Sycamore Illinois.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
The novel is about a group of military people who are caught in the eruption of a galactic-level surprise attack followed by a war against an unknown enemy with a seemingly impossible technological advantage. When their rag-tag convoy of spaceships carrying civilian refugees is attacked and disabled, many of their friends and colleagues are killed, along with almost all of the convoy’s leadership. An older rear admiral, long past his prime, takes charge of the survivors and gets them working together not just to survive, but to take the attack to the enemy. The admiral’s aide, Lieutenant Mei-Ling Lee, is thrust into a key role in the preparation for the upcoming offensive. As the conflict continues, she is forced to draw upon her martial arts skill and her inner strength as she fights alongside the fleet’s marine commando unit. In the desperate war that follows, Lee struggles with a budding romance, new friendships, and startling betrayals, to become the warrior she was meant to be.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
My former boss, General Wesley Clark, who was the NATO commander in the late 1990s, was kind enough to write the forward for my novel. He wrote, “Readers will take from Brendan’s novel an understanding that individuals make a difference, that character counts, and with courage and competence, history is made.” The Achilles Battle Fleet is more than an adventure story. I believe readers will both enjoy it, and maybe it will even give them some perspective on their own adventure. Life is fantastic.
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