John is an author from South Africa, having recently released his first book – The N Days. I’m also blessed to call him my friend and an author whose work I love reading. When not writing, John is a school teacher and an unashamed Marvel fan. He was kind enough to answer some questions and you can find the link to his books at the bottom of the interview.
What started you off writing?
As with all good stories it was a girl and I tried writing poetry. Yes, it did not end well. I never tried my hand at writing anything longer but took a chance on a web series and things just took off from there.
Which writer do you feel inspired you the most to yourself become an author?
Clive Cussler. The way he told a story and made us care about his characters. The emotional resonance is so important when writing. If the readers don’t care, then cut bait and run.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Films mostly. I take a lot of inspiration from Tarantino and the other masters. I love how they play with emotional texture and color.
Do you have a favourite book which you couldn’t put down or have reread several times?
I always adored Roald Dahl’s books especially Fantastic Mr Fox. That and Cussler’s Dirk Pitt series. So good!
What is your writing process like?
Like a bad day in Bosnia. Utter chaos. I write when the mood takes me and I half ass it from there. Zero process.
Tell us a little bit about your most recent book?
Working on a historical fantasy set in Feudal Japan. It follows the journey of a simple servant girl as she strives to become a Samurai. All the while caught up in an ancient battle between the light and the dark.
What did you find the most challenging aspect of writing ‘The N Days’?
Strangely enough, this book absolutely flowed. I was young and idealistic 😛 But seriously, it was the most fun I ever had writing a book.
What books would you say everyone should have in their personal libraries?
Lord of the Rings, On the Road and the Bible for sure. Great wisdom in those words.
Where do you write and do you have any idiosyncrasies or specific writing area that has to be just so?
On my delightful ass on the bed and it must be grave level silent. I cannot work with any music or noise. Oh, and facebook must be close by. Yes, I know its bad but I don’t care. It’s how I roll.
If you could yourself climb into any book and take on the mantle of a character which book and which character would it be?
I would love to climb into On the Road. Always dreamed of seeing Big Sur and California. America in general like Kerouac described it so vividly.
What upcoming works can we expect from you and do you have a timeframe for them?
Book 1 of The Venom Protocols should hopefully be released this year and then I’ll take it from there. No process remember? 😉
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7480193.John_Murray_McKay
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