Spotlight Interview with Author Sean Solomon

Q1: Thanks for participating in our Authors.com Spotlight Interview series Sean! Please introduce yourself and your book to help our readers get to know you.

A: I love reading Stephen King, Dean Koontz, James Herbert and many more authors from that genre. Last year I decided to fulfil a life-long ambition and write a novel. I’d been ill for a while, so needed to reduce my working hours and in my spare-time get on with tapping away at the keyboard. My debut novel - OUTBREAK -is now available on Amazon and it’s a dream come true.

Here’s a snippet from the back cover which outlines the story:

The world is plunged into chaos as a deadly virus spreads across the globe, killing millions in its wake. Is the 'outbreak' the long-awaited epidemic that was foretold, or something far more sinister?

As society crumbles, a New World Order is born. Those deemed as infected are mercilessly destroyed in an attempt to halt the spread of the virus – or so the people are led to believe. The reality is beyond comprehension.

Dan Lucas, an ex-royal navy communications expert, and Jon Derrer, a specialist police firearms officer, fight against the rampant madness that spreads across the UK. With help from beyond the grave, will they be able to right the wrongs of a world plunged into insanity, or will they perish in the process?

Outbreak is a fast-moving, paranormal, action thriller that keeps you gripped to the very end.

Q2: Please explain how you came to be a writer, what inspired you to write your book(s) and how long it took. 

A: I’ve always liked reading, which I suppose was the impetus for putting pen to paper ... or in my case (like most people these days) fingers to keypad. I was looking around for an original idea before I realised those were about as rate as could be. So I thought, why not take a real life story from history, change the timeline, make the good guys the bad guys and visa versa ... and ‘hey presto’  I’d have a good story to tell.

The origin of the story was the onset of the Second World War and the rise of the Third Reich but as I’ve mentioned Outbreak is set in a modern day context.

I started thinking about the story line around May 2011, started writing in July and was finished by December. The editorial process took longer than I’d anticipated, with the final draft being published in April 2012.

Q3: What did you enjoy most about creating this book? 

 A: Oh, that’s an easy one. I got lost in my own little fantasy world.

Q4: What facets of your life, both personal and professional, are  woven into your book, if any?  

 A: That’s a really good question. I can’t see any life or personality traits woven into the story but I guess there must be something of me in there.

Q5. How did you get published?

A: I read lots of books and took whatever advice I could get. Initially I wanted to self-publish. Then I swung the other way thinking the traditional route would be best, and before I knew it I’d reconsidered and eventually went down the self-publish route.

Ping-Pong comes to mind. I suppose there is no right or wrong path to follow though, the important thing is to do what’s right for you.

In the end that was self-publishing.

Q6: Did you have any surprises or hiccups along the way during the book writing and/or publishing process?

A. No real hiccups with the writing but one major one with the copy-edit process. My first editor let me down quite badly, which I found very upsetting at the time. The good news was that I‘d paid for his services using MasterCard who gave me a full refund when the editor refused to do so. Good old MasterCard...I’m sure there’s a lesson to be learnt here!

Q7: What one thing did you wish you'd known before you started this project? 
A. Do a little more research into the companies I engage with before I parted with my limited cash reserves. But I guess there’s always a steep learning curve in any new project.

Q8: You're a fly on the wall when readers are discussing your book.   What would you hope to hear them say about it?
A. Anything!  If they’re discussing it, at least they’re reading it. The good comments are great - the bad I’ll try and take on board as constructive criticism.

Q9: Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know or would surprise them. 
A. I love growing my own vegetables and really enjoy getting in the greenhouse in the summer months. I love food and growing your own is simply the best!

Q10: What single piece of advice would you give new authors?

A. Just three little words – “go for it!”

Q11: Share a short summary of a typical day in your life with us please. 

A. Pretty boring stuff in the working hours but a man has to earn a crust. When I’m at home, I love reading, writing, getting in the garden and spending time with my wonderful wife.

Q12:  Describe where you do most of your writing. What would I see if I was sitting beside you?

A. It’s probably not good for the back (so I wouldn’t recommend it) but I usually have my laptop on my knee whilst sitting on the sofa, TV off, wife at work and surrounded by complete silence.

Q13: What's your motto or favourite quote you like to live by?

A: Life is not a stage rehearsal, so don’t fritter it away!

Q14: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us in closing such as your website, an imminent book launch or what you're working on presently? 

A: Thank you for reading this far is the first thing.

Secondly please check out my website at www.seansolomonbooks.com where anyone can see what I’ve written, what I’m writing next, useful links and all that stuff.

And lastly, why not check out Amazon – and maybe, even purchase my novel – I’d love to know what you all think of it...

Authors.com profile: http://www.authors.com/profile/SeanSolomon

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