How long have you been writing for and how much of that time have you spent writing fiction?
I wrote my first novel when I was 25, then have been writing constantly ever since (with the occasional break to move country, have kids etc).
What’s the average word count for the books you write and how long does it take you to write your average book?
They’re getting longer! The last one was 90,000 words, but my current work is 85,000 at the end of the second act, so I think it may be up to 110,000 when complete. The books take me at least a year to write due to the intensive research that goes into them and my determination to make the prose as lean and strong as possible.
What is your writing routine (Do you have a daily word count goal? Do you write whenever the spirit moves you?)
It changes as I get more experienced. I used to set a word target, but found most of that got cut during editing, so now I concentrate on the quality of the work first, then word count. I try and write for 2 hours a day, which typically produces 1,500 edited words.
How much do you research for a book before you start writing?
Between 6 months to a year of daily research before I start. I used to be an architect and illustrator, so design and draw everything in my books from clothing to skyscrapers. Yeah, takes a long (too long?) time!
What do you find most difficult about writing a book?
My plots are intricate with lots of twists, so keeping the books to a usable word count always presents a challenge.
Which of your books are you most proud of and why?
I’m happy with all of them, though the conclusion to the ‘Alice Yu’ trilogy (“The Genesis Engine”) was a joy to write as it tied together plot strands I’d first outlined five years ago.
Which of your books was the most difficult to write and why?
Always the current one!
Which self-publishing platform do you like the most and why?
I’ve used them all, and they all have good and bad aspects. Amazon has the most reach and reward, but is the most monopolistic and uses that leverage …
Would you publish with a traditional publisher if they contacted you? Why?
Yes, mainly to get away from the indie world’s obsession with quantity over quality.
How many unfinished or unpublished works do you have?
Three unpublished novels (from when I was learning to write) and the two books I’m currently working on: a sci-fi novel called “Agent Zero” which is up to 85k and going great, and “Assh*le” a fiction work about a crooked architect working in New York. Wonder where I got that idea!
Do you prefer creating stand-alone books or series?
Either, though a series allows the world building to really grow over time.
What’s one character you wish you would have created? What do you find compelling or interesting about this character?
Harry Potter for the obvious reason!
What book do you wish you would have written? Why?
Neuromancer. William Gibson is (in my opinion) the greatest living author. Amazing ideas combined with superb writing.
Do you find it challenging to write characters of a different gender, race, or culture than you? Do you do any special research for these characters?
I think these things are easier in sci-fi to some extent, as you can change the race / culture dynamics to suit, but as an old white man I try to avoid such issues. My current protagonist, Alice Yu, is a black / asian American cop working in New York, but in the post-ai world I’ve built race is not the issue it is today.
What does success as a writer look like for you?
Being able to do this full time. anything else is a bonus.
Writing can be a lonely job. Do you take any special steps to ensure you remain part of the world?
I meet up with friends for a drink at least once a week. Otherwise my family (two kids) keeps me very occupied.
Constantly sitting and writing can be physically debilitating. How do you take care of yourself, physically?
Standing desk and at least one hour of cardio a day (bike in the summer, elliptical in the winter)
Do you read your reviews? How do you deal with bad ones?
Yes, I find it hard not to, though I wish I could. Fortunately after 20 years as an architect working on very public buildings I’ve gotten a thick skin!
What books have you read that were particularly inspiring?
All of William Gibson’s work. Genius.
Do you have a favourite author? A favourite book?
I think Virtual Light is Gibson’s best work, and I also love ‘Salem’s Lot’ by Stephen King. Gave me nightmares!
Do you plot your stories in great detail before starting to write, or fly by the seat of your pants?
I used to be a discovery writer, but as my plots grew more complicated I now plot them out in great detail. The “Agent Zero” outline was 30,000 words….
Of all the characters in your stories, which is your favourite?
Great question! I try not to get too attached as things usually go badly for them, but I do love Alice Yu’s bullet-proof jacket. It has an inbuilt AI which is NOT happy to be stuck in clothing while its friends are doing far more glamorous things 😀
Have you based any characters on real people? If they found out, how did they respond?
Yes, the main character in “Assh*le” is based on a real person, but for legal reasons I can’t say whom at this point.
What’s the best thing about being an independent author? The worst?
You have compete control over everything you do / the relentless obsession with output and sales numbers over quality.
Do you make a living selling your books?
I’m raising a family in NY, which is incredibly expensive thing to do. I make a living I could live on, but its not enough for all the family costs and outgoings etc.
What advice would you give to a new author?
Put your 10,000 hours in before you publish anything!
