An Exciting BooksGoSocial Interview with Mark Gillespie

BooksGoSocial

This week we are talking with Mark Gillespie, the author of FAB.

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First off, why don't you tell us something unexpected about yourself!

Between 2001 and 2011, I worked as a professional musician. A bass player. I toured and recorded with a variety of different acts, mostly throughout the UK and Ireland. It was the greatest education a young man could ever hope to have!

 

So what kind of books do you write?

I write Speculative Fiction. Mostly these are alternate histories which take place in a world where significant events from our history turned out differently. I try to avoid the usual topics of alternate history, eg WW2 or the American Civil War. War, then! I tend to concentrate more on popular culture.

 

What inspired you to write?

There was always a desire to create. Whether it was music or words, there was something going on inside that had to come out. I hope that doesn't sound pretentious because it's not meant to be. I think it's there in many people, but not everyone channels it into something creative.

 

What makes your writing stand out from the crowd?

I think my imagination is pretty far out. It might even make you tilt your head. But obviously a writer needs more than just a vivid imagination to create a good story. But it sure helps get attention.

 

For you, what is the hardest part of writing?

Letting go. I'm a pretty fierce editor and in the past I've struggled to let go of a piece of writing. As a result it's taken me a long time to finish even the shortest of stories. Sometimes you need to let go. That's where a good editor comes in handy.

 

Where do you like to write and what is your routine (if you have one)?

I'm still experimenting with routine. But definitely I like to write in the morning as it's the most productive time of day for me. I hate afternoons – I struggle to stay awake some afternoons, but I try to push through so that all creative writing is done by about 5pm. After that it's admin, marketing, and other non-writing tasks. In the past it's been 7 days a week, but I'm trying to lighten up and reduce that to 6.

 

What do you do when you are not writing – do you have a day job?

Writing is now my day job. At the moment, having just recently emigrated to Australia from Scotland and graduated from uni in 2015, I feel like I'm in the process of starting up a small business.

 

Do you work with an outline or just write?

My outline stays with me as I write. It's like a map, but one that changes if necessary. It's a moving, living, breathing thing. I need it or I'm liable to wander off track and into Apache country (the writing equivalent of).

 

What advice would you have for other writers?

Never give up. Enjoy the ups, but be prepared to ride the downs. They'll come but they pass.

 

How important is marketing and social media for you?

Marketing is crucial because it means visibility. Without visibility who's going to know about your book? If no one knows about your book, then no one will buy it. You have to be seen. Marketing is another thing that indie writers need to learn about. Very important. I believe social media is useful, but it's about more than just telling people you have a new book out. Share interesting links, insightful advice, and so on. Then drop the occasional mention of your book. Social media is like being at a giant party. Don't be that guy or girl who only talks about themselves – be witty, engaging, and friendly. More people will be interested in you and as a consequence, your work.

 

What's your next step?

To produce more work in 2016. And to find more readers.

 

FAB by Mark Gillespie is available here.

If you are interested in book promotion, please visit http://thebookpromoter.com

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