What genre are you most comfortable writing? I really don’t think in terms of genre, but I have to go with sci-fi and fantasy because everybody else does. I just like to write about interesting, surreal, post-modern, wacky things within a plot structure.
What made you want to be a writer? When I was nine I had this awful teacher who frightened me. She was why I decided to be a writer. I recount the story in my short story ebook. Is it OK to mention my short story ebook? It’s called MotherCraft. It’s 99c on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/MotherCraft-ebook/dp/B008APKGHE/
What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? Easy. Sticking at it.
Do you intend to make writing a career? Oh, if only.
Have you developed a specific writing style? Absolutely. To me, that’s what ‘voice’ is – a composite of a number of things, such as choice of syntax, content, theme, risks taken …
What is your greatest strength as a writer? My unpredictability. In my writing and in my plot. I hope so anyway.
Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it? Nah. I’ve never had it because I don’t believe in it. Complete rubbish. Thank about it, what does that mean, writer’s block? I may not always be able to write what I want to write, or to the standard I am striving for, but I NEVER have not been able to write something. If anyone tells you they have writer’s block, just tell them you know the answer. All they have to do is sit down and start writing again.
Can you share a little of your current work with us? Do you mean my latest published book? It’s called MonuMental: The Hack’s Back and I absolutely loved writing it. I strove to make it as full of thrills, humor and thought-provoking ideas as I could. It features a number of the same characters and the world as described in EleMental: A First-person Shooter. But while I am still exploring a futuristic form of video gaming, this time instead of looking at addiction I am examining identity. The tagline, I think, says it all: ‘Do I exist or am I just a video game character? … In the future, things can get confusing.’
If interested, the book is available at Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/MonuMental-The-Hacks-Back-ebook/dp/B00BK5ZOFA
Whether you buy it or not, I’d love you to check out the fabulous dragonbot on the cover!
Who designed the cover? Apart from the cover of my short story ebook (MotherCraft) which is based on a picture by my son, all of the artwork for my paperback and my two ebooks is by Aaron Pocock. I feel very lucky that he agreed when I approached him. His artwork is truly amazing.
Of all the art he has created based on my story ideas, I think he most enjoyed depicting the dragonbot from MonuMental (dragonbot, you ask? yep, half dragon, half robot). Totally off his own bat, he produced a YouTube video of himself drawing the dragonbot: http://stevenoconnorwriting.com/creating-a-monumental-dragonbot-2/
And I also sincerely recommend you check out his website and fabulous artwork, you won’t regret it. His site is called That Space Between and you can access it here: http://aaronpocock.wordpress.com/category/aaron-pocock/
Book 1 of the young adult sci-fi fantasy series.
The future. It’s all about friendship, love … and dangerous video games.
Launched at the Melbourne Writers’ Festival by the Australian of the Year, 2010.
(This is the kindle ebook edition of the previously trade-published paperback EleMental.)
Winner of the Young Adult Fiction for manuscript development at Varuna Writers’ House (Australia’s only national writers’ center).
Bookseller+Publisher review:
‘… a fantastic and exciting debut novel by Steven O’Connor … entertaining mix of futuristic sci-fi, horror, action and angst … this reads like Philip K Dick for teenagers. With the narrative sneakily shifting between the real and virtual worlds, O’Connor explores some fairly complex and sophisticated issues in a thrilling and accessible way.’Bookseller+Publisher, June 2010.
The story:
Willis, a loner not by choice, is gradually drawn into friendship with Zeb – cool and reckless – and into love with Arizona – bold and untouchable.
Set in 2050, the three teenagers encounter a deadly new virtual reality game called EleMental. Deliberately designed to be highly addictive, to control rebellious asteroid miners, EleMental has a byproduct no one was ready for: gameblur. One moment, you’re at your desk, the next, you’re battling something half-dinosaur, half-tank.
What Amazon reviewers are saying:
- 5.0 out of 5 stars. ’Clever, fast-paced and brilliant. A masterpiece from a genius in this genre. I highly recommend this book.’ (G. Bachelard)
- 5.0 out of 5 stars. ’I bought EleMental for my 11-year-old son and he loved it. Intrigued, I read it myself. Highly recommended.’ (Euan Mitchell)
- 4.0 out of 5 stars ‘I got this when it was in paperback. I really liked it. Now I see it’s on Amazon as an ebook … I’m getting it again.’ (Angry customer)
If you enjoy fast-paced action, strong characters, and a fun writing style, then EleMental: A First-person Shooter is for you! Download a sample or buy the book today.
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre – Young Adult / Science Fiction
Rating –PG
More details about the author
Connect with Steven O’Connor on Facebook & Twitter
Website http://stevenoconnorwriting.com/
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