Interview with Simon Rose

Interview with Simon Rose


Tell us about your latest book.
The Shadowzone series involves the discovery of a grim dystopian version of Earth that’s ruled by a totalitarian dictatorship, the threat of a deadly virus, and a race against time to save the lives of millions. Here’s a synopsis for each of the novels.

Shadowzone 

While watching intense flashes of lightning during a violent storm, Ben experiences mysterious and disturbing visions of another world, one very different from his own. In the chain of events that follow, Ben encounters Charlie, a girl from a dark version of Earth, a planet doomed by the effects of environmental catastrophe, where the leaders will stop at nothing to complete their deadly mission. 

Interview with Simon Rose
Into The Web 

On a doomed version of Earth, the sinister schemes of the Ministry are moving ever closer to completion, with dire consequences for the inhabitants of two worlds. For Ben and Charlie, an unlikely alliance, unexpected reunions, and the mysterious prophecy of the Chosen One offer a glimmer of hope, with the ever-present prospect of betrayal, as they embark on an unpredictable journey into the unknown. 

Black Dawn 

In a dark parallel world, following attacks by its most determined opponents, the Ministry has been forced to change its plans. Yet the ruthless Director-General is prepared to sacrifice anyone to achieve an entirely new beginning, no matter what the cost. In a deadly race against time, as events spiral out of control, Ben and Charlie must risk their lives in a desperate attempt to save two worlds from destruction. 

Interview with Simon Rose
How was this book published? (traditional, small press, self pub, etcc...)  Why did you choose that particular publishing route?
The Shadowzone series is self-published. My first eleven novels were traditionally published, although my seven writer’s guides were self-published as paperbacks and as ebooks. I hadn’t self-published fiction before and thought it was time that I did. The Shadowzone books were finished and I believed that they were as good, if not better, than my other work. I also asked some people to read them to confirm this and then decided to go ahead with publication. A lot of traditionally published authors also self publish as well now, so it’s quite common practice these days. 

What formats is the book available in?
All three novels in the series are available as paperbacks on Amazon and as ebooks on Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The ebooks are available in ePub, Kindle, and pdf formats.

Who are your favourite authors?
When I began my career as a writer I was influenced by the earlier books in the Harry Potter series. However, I didn’t want to write about wizards, dragons, or magic, but rather about the things that I was interested in, such as time travel, the paranormal, superheroes, ancient mysteries, or history. I was also influenced by Phillip Pullman’s The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass, along with some other excellent fantasy and science fiction works.

Interview with Simon Rose
What advice do you have for other writers?
It can be a very long process not only to write a book, but also to get it published. Don’t be afraid to revise and revise over and over again. Most authors go through many revisions before their work reaches its final format. Remember too that your book will never be to everyone’s taste, so don’t be discouraged. A firm belief in your own success is often what’s necessary.

Read as much as you can and write as often as you can. Keep an ideas file, even if it’s only a name, title, sentence, or an entire outline for a novel. You never know when you might get another piece of the puzzle, perhaps years later. You also mustn’t forget the marketing. No one else is going to see your book if it doesn’t become known to potential readers. Do as many readings, signings, and personal appearances as you can. Get your name out there and hopefully the rest will follow. For newly published authors in particular, books don’t sell themselves and need a lot of help.

Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
You can learn more on my website at www.simon-rose.com or online at the following social media sites:

·        Facebook
·        Twitter
·        LinkedIn
·        YouTube
·        Google +
·        Pinterest

Where can a reader purchase your books?

The books can be purchased at most of the usual places, as follows:

Shadowzone
Paperback: Amazon, Createspace

Into The Web
Ebook: Amazon Canada, Amazon USA, Kobo, iBooks, and Smashwords
Paperback: Amazon, Createspace

Black Dawn
Paperback: Amazon, Createspace


Do you believe in writers block?

I don’t really have writer’s block in terms of having ideas but do sometimes need motivation to work on a project and get it finished. If I’m having trouble getting started I simply work on something else, whether it’s a short story, some marketing work, planning a class, and so on, just to get me working at the computer. That helps me to get started on a creative writing project if I’ve been putting it off.

Interview with Simon Rose
What is your work in progress? Tell us about it.

I’m currently working on a historical fiction novel for young adults set during the English Civil War in the 1640s. The novel’s about half finished, but I still have a lot of work to do. I’m also working on sequels to Future Imperfect, published in 2016, and The Sphere of Septimus, which first appeared in 2014.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

I don’t take many breaks from writing or doing all the marketing, but it doesn’t really feel like work so I’m okay with that. I do have two children that have kept me busy throughout the time that I’ve been writing. My dog also insists on going for walks on a daily basis, although I always seem to be thinking about stories while we’re out. I also watch movies, keep up to date with current events, read a lot, and enjoy the company of friends whenever I can.

1 Comments

I love to hear from you. So feel free to comment, but keep in mind the basics of blog etiquette — no spam, no profanity, no slander, etc.

Thanks for being an active part of the Writers and Authors community.