Author Interview

Author Interview with David Welsh, Author of  Legend Unborn - One of the books in my giveaway.

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was originally born in Wales in the UK but now call Los Angeles (Venice area) home.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

My book is called, ‘Legend Unborn’ and is the first in in the’ Key of Souls’ Series. Now, to sum it up in 30 or less? I’d go for, ‘An edgy and sometimes dark fantasy adventure with unique characters and splashes of humor set in a world on the brink of darkness.’

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

Ha, this is a great question! They’d probably tell me to give them a break once in a while, let them win, or at least come out on top for a change. They’d also tell me to get different cookies because I always go for the simple, oatmeal ones. Silvanus has a penchant for chocolate-chip ones.

I’m not crazy, I promise! I just carry out conversations with my characters in my head at times. :)

Although, I must admit that as the stories progress, I look at them more like friends. Does this make sense?

Do you have plans for a new book?   Is this book part of a series?

 I do. Book 2 is well under way at the moment. I’m hoping to get my first draft done before Christmas, if my day-job allows me that is.

What or who inspired you to write?  And how long have you been writing?

I had a teacher when I was a wee kid who always encouraged us to write the most crazy, far-out stories we could imagine. She was awesome! So, in some regard, I’ve been writing on and off now for around 30 years. *gulp*

Would you like to give away a copy of your book on this blog?

 Of course, no problem! :)

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

I knew I wanted the cover to tell give the reader a hint of what actually happens in the book, so I continuously came up with inane pictures (my drawing skills leave a LOT to be desired) and actually created a scene purely by accident.

As for the title, this was something I thought long and hard about. This may sound strange, but I wanted the titles to sort of tell a story in their own right. So book 1 is all about the unknown, the finding exploration of things yet to unfold. As the other books come along, each one will give a hint of what is to come.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

 I’ve always loved reading about the underdog, when someone or something comes through the worst and against all odds. I always feel inspired when I read these stories so this is certainly a source of inspiration.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

 The Culture novels by Iain.M Banks, Lord of the RIngs, The Eight by Katherine Neville and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

Each of these has incredible character development and complexity. This is something I hope to inject into my works.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

Far too many to name but if I were to really get the opportunity, I’d love to meet Iain Banks. That guy is a certified crazy, awesome, amazing genius! When I was given the Wasp Factory to read and then moved onto his ‘Culture’ sci-fi novels, I was hooked.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

I have to admit I do prefer a paperback. I know this is almost stone-age in this day and age but, for me, you can’t beat the feeling of opening a new book for the first time, sitting down opening it and smelling the ‘new-book’ scent and reading it. I’m kinda weird that way.

Also, I get to continue reading on a plane when everyone else has to switch off their ‘books’ :)

Where do you prefer to buy your books?

 Amazon or my local Barnes & Nobel.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

I am! Woot! :)

Have you ever read a book more than once?

Yes. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, the Lord of the Rings (3 times, sigh) and the original Culture trilogy.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

Hmm, you know, I think this has never actually happened! I’m always disappointed when I see the movie of a book. I think the reason for this is that it never looks as it does in my mind, or they take some ‘creative liberties’ and change things beyond belief.

However, in saying that, I did love ‘The Watchmen’. What they changed in that was very good and I’ve seen that film quite a few times.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

I’m currently reading Surface Detail by Iain M. Banks (another Culture novel) and yup, you guessed it, paperback.

What book do you know that you will never read?

Hmm, I’m not sure about this because I like to think I would read any and all the books I come across. Ok, that is a pretty tall order but I love to read, I love any genre, so I think it will be pretty difficult to find a book I don’t like.

Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?

I loved Linda Hawley’s ‘Dreams Unleashed’. A really great read with awesome characters!

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

I think I’ll have to get back to you on this one. I’m still trying to digest the fact that I actually finished it! :)

Who designed the cover of your book?

A friend of mine in New Zealand called Alistair Baxter.

Do you have a book trailer?

No.

What are your thoughts on book trailers?

I’m not so sure to be honest with you. I don’t think I’m really sold on them because a book is completely different to a film. For me, a book is personal and I want to form my own opinions and images of the characters, the settings etc, and if I get a glimpse of a book trailer, I feel it would disappoint me somewhat.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just keep at it. Write, write and hey, guess what, write some more!

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?

Pretty much what I tell everyone else! heheh :)

Do you write under a pen name?

Now, that is a secret I cannot divulge ;)

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

Hell yeah! Don’t we all? If not, you should!

What are your pet peeves?

I really dislike laziness in people, it really gets my riled up I must admit. I also don’t like when someone drags their feet along the floor. Always sends a shiver down my back! 

Cats or dogs?

Dogs beyond a shadow of a doubt! I used to own the most amazing golden Labrador and I can safely say he was my best friend. I love dogs.

White wine or red?

I’d have to go for a white wine. However, I know bugger-all about wines! I just go for taste and when I lived in the UK I found a wine for only two pounds which was amazing!

Coffee or tea?

Tea, specifically Earl grey.

Favorite food?

Ok, this would be a looooong list. However, I do like a steak. As raw as you can possibly have it, seared on the outside with some salt. No sauce, that only spoils it :)

Vanilla or chocolate icecream?

Vanilla. When you get a great vanilla ice-cream, you just can’t beat it. Also, mix in some honey and it’s a party in your mouth!

What do you normally eat for breakfast?

I’m just a cereal and tea kind of person. But I always put loads of fruit on my cereal. I think I’m officially addicted to fresh blueberries!

What are 4 things you never leave home without?

My little notebook and pen to jot down ideas. I MUST have this with me and I feel lost without it. A song in my head. Yes, yes I know, that’s weird. But if I leave the house without being able to hum a tune, it feels ‘wrong’ somehow.

And finally (yup, only three I’m afraid), my clothes! Heheh, can never leave without these. I did once and, well, let’s not go into that! :)

Laptop or desktop for writing?

I use a laptop now. I used to own a desktop but when the thing went to the great PC desktop in the sky. After that I decided that a laptop would serve me fine.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

Because my day-job is pretty busy, most of the times I have to take what I can I’m afraid. So, I usually write at home in the evenings.

If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

Leonardo Da Vinci, Confucius and Einstein. Can you imagine the conversations we would have!

One of your favorite quotes -

This would be, ‘War does not determine who is right — only who is left.’ Whenever I read or see this, it always sends a shiver down my spine because it is so true.

List 3 of your all time favorite books?

Use of Weapons (Iain.M Banks), Lord of the Rings (Tolkien) and I’d actually have to say ‘The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho.

List 3 of your all time favorite movies?

Arghhh!! I LOVE movies and this gave me headaches! Can I make it 5, please? Ok. Here goes, not in order.

The Shawshank Redemption

Blade Runner

Chinatown

Dr Strangelove: or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb

The good, the bad and the Ugly

I’m sorry, I have way too many films on my list!

An actor you have a crush on -

Sarah Michelle Geller. Got to admit, she is pretty awesome and yes, I’m STILL a huge Buffy fan.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?

I love the Walking Dead. Just watched the 1st episode of series two and I’m loving it. However, I also just got into American Horror Story and, must admit, this is shaping up to be weird/awesome! But, (only one more, I promise) I’ve also just recently discovered ‘Revenge’. This is surprisingly very good.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Ha, please feel free to stalk away. Here I am:

Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/worksofdgwelsh

Facebook Book page: http://www.facebook.com/LegendUnborn

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/D_GWelsh

email: davidwelsh@keyofsouls.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055674J4