Welcome to the Author Interview. This time, it features the lovely Paul Nelson, author of Through Fisher’s Eyes.
If you’re an author who’d like to take part in the series, email me: debbie@myrandommusings.co.uk
Now over to Paul:
1 Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m retired. I’m a proud autism dad. My son, Michael, and I live in central Pennsylvania. He is autistic, and is the inspiration for my writing and for many of my characters. I’m a widower.
2 Tell us a little bit about your books
I started writing after my wife died. I wanted to share some of my experiences about being a caregiver for her, and being an autism dad. I tried writing a self-help book. It was awful.
I started a novel from my point of view. It was worse. So, I began Through Fisher’s Eyes, a novel told from Michael’s point of view. He is non-verbal, so I had to write it like a memoir/diary.
3 Where do you find your inspiration for your books?
My autistic son, and the autistic community. Autistic people have amazing, almost magical, abilities of the mind. So, I write autism fantasy to try to get people to appreciate those with disabilities for their abilities.
4 What, for you, is the best thing about being a writer?
I love to create worlds and encourage imagination. As a former teacher, I find we aren’t encouraging creativity, curiosity and imagination in young people.
5 And the worst?
Getting the words down on paper.
6 If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?
I’d love to be able to move things telepathically.
7 Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to write their first book?
Be a sponge. Learn from everyone and from every experience. Don’t be in a hurry. Whether you go through a book publisher or write as an indie, make sure you write quality work. There is no room for bad writing. It also gives indie writers, in particular, a bad name. Have lots of people read your work. Have your work edited professionally, and make sure you have a killer professional cover and great title.
8 Tell us one random fact about you
I absolutely love potato salad.
9 Who is your favourite author?
John Steinbeck
10 And your favourite book(s)?
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
11 What book are you reading right now?
A horror/fantasy collection by lots of classic authors…H.G. Wells, Lovecraft, Bradbury, etc.
I’m always reading great fantasy/sci-fi authors as research for my books. I love the classic authors, nothing against modern fantasy authors, but I’m from the old generation. I think Wells, Lovecraft, Bradbury, and Harlan Ellison were masters.
12 Where is your favourite place to write?
My dining room table, with my dogs and cat (Bingley, Lily and Ivy).
13 Do you prefer to write in silence or do you have a writing soundtrack?
I wish I could write to music, but I can’t. I have to have silence. I’m actually being tested for autism myself right now. I am completely unable to multi-task.
14 What can we expect from you next?
I would like to take my latest book, Burning Bridges Along the Susquehanna, and write a series. I think the next will be entitled Ghosts Along the Susquehanna, and will include many of the same characters.
15 Anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am blessed to be part of the autism community. I truly don’t do this to get wealthy, although breaking even would be nice. I have yet to do that.
I really want to open people’s eyes, and get those with more severe disabilities included in fiction, TV, film and society. It’s a personal mission, and my son and I are a team.
16 Where can we find you? (Links to your Amazon page and social media)
My Amazon author page and Twitter.
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