Interview with Simon Fox

Simon Fox

Interview Date: 5/1/2012


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I’ve always been a scribbler, ever since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. It’s in my blood, I guess!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would be reasonably "powerful.")

Tricky one! “With great power, comes great responsibility ...” Maybe I’d wish for the ability to hear things at great distances. Then I could listen in on the secret conversations that politicians/bankers/corporate leaders have and expose their skulduggery to the world!

Kev's response:  Ewww, I have a bad feeling that's just asking to become depressed, once you hear about some crazed plans and realize you can't alter them.  (Note:  I didn't say altar them!  No sacrifices here!  (Unless I plot them out....))

Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

There are days when I’d like to be Spiderman, and just soar above everything. Other days, it would be good to be the Incredible Hulk. No one messes with him!

Kev's response:  Aye, but no one mentions WHICH Hulk!  There were several "smart" versions of him in the comics.  I'm partial to the green version, where he was intelligent.  That would be pretty cool.

Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

I’ve been inspired by a wide range of sci-fi writers (e.g. John Wyndham, Arthur C. Clarke, Clifford D. Simak) and many sci-fi TV series (Star Trek, obviously, but supremely, Babylon 5 – the best sci-fi series ever made, in my opinion). I’m motivated by a desire to think big about the world and the future, to escape the tedium of “normal” life here and now.

Kev's response:  Oooh, I'm going through all the various ST episodes now on Netflix.  I may just have to do Bab5 after that, it was a wonderful series!

Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

A bit of both, actually. I know where I want my stories to end up, but I don’t micro-plan the actual route to that destination. I find that in order to really get a sense of what will make the story entertaining, you need to get right into it first.

Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

If I wrote only when “inspired”, I would never get much writing done! There’s always a laziness factor to confront. I find that once you grit your teeth and start writing, breaking through the initial pain barrier, your imagination fires up and you start to have fun writing.

Kev's response:  Yes, when I start watching ST episodes, I don't get a lot of writing done.  Hmm....

Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

Sci-fi, without a doubt. And I mean hard-core sci-fi with aliens, space travel etc. I like to read Tolkienesque fantasy too, but I would never want to write about elves, orcs etc. And vampires, werewolves and zombies just send me to sleep, frankly.

Kev's response:  Err ... does sci-fi have to be hard-core to include aliens and space travel?  I've got that in the fourth (and on) novels in my superhero series, and wouldn't call them hard-core.  (Does that mean they are soft-core?  o.O)

 

What do you enjoy the most about writing?

There is a great joy in giving free rein to your imagination. There’s extra joy in seeing those imaginings crystallize into coherent prose. And there’s yet more joy in releasing the edited, finished product to a (hopefully) appreciative world.

Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

No, not really. It’s all one big buzz to me! … Well, OK, sometimes starting a story can be a bit tough, but as I said before, all you have to do is get through that short pain barrier, and then the fun starts.

Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

Wow, there’s an awful lot I could say here … Last year I found that, in addition to the hairs growing inside my nose, I was growing a big dark one on the outside too. How scary is that?!

Kev's response:  Mutant!!  (Or simply a precursor to Bigfoot ... we'll see.)

Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

I usually have several story ideas fermenting in my head at any one time, but I’m very methodical when it comes to actually writing. One story at a time, folks. That’s the way to get results.

Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

Interesting. I think there will always be a paper book market, but in future it will be somewhat smaller. The ebook market will continue to expand rapidly for the foreseeable future, especially as ever better e-readers come onto the market. The great thing is, millions of people around the world are now reading much more than they used to, because e-readers make it so easy and affordable.

What are your current projects?

I’ve just started writing “NewIsska”, Sequel 3 to my sci-fi series “The FirstLord Chronicles”. And then I have ideas for several additional stories to be inserted into the existing timeline of the series. That lot should keep me busy for years!

Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

Don’t give up!! As Winston Churchill used to say, “KBO” (sanitized meaning: “Keep Battling On”). If you believe in what you’re doing, keep at it. Don’t let life’s circumstances deter you. And ignore those people who tell you (either directly or subtly) that you’re wasting your time.

Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

I don’t have a blog or website as such. I just market my books through Twitter. But here are some links for “The Throne of Crowns”, Part 1 of the FLC: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005F0WPOY http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-throne-of-crowns/id467136741?mt=11 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-throne-of-crowns-simon-fox/1107392076?ean=9781447866633

 

 

I hope your readers will find this interesting, Kevin. Thanks!

Kev's response:  I'm sure they will.  If nothing else, Bigfoot hunters may be knocking on your door soon....  Good fortune on the series! 



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