Second Andrew R. Williams interview

On September 6th, Wings author Andrew Williams had an interview posted with AllAuthor. You can read it here.
Where have you spent most of your childhood? Which is your fondest childhood memory?

As a child, I was a latent pyromaniac. Not surprising really; my father regularly dragged me out of bed and told me to get dressed. When I asked why, he’d say “Come on quick. There’s a big fire in town; flames going up two hundred feet. We need to get there before the fire brigade put it out.”

My early childhood was spent in Droylsden, a town in Greater Manchester, England. Being afflicted with latent pyromania, bonfire night – (Guy Fawkes Night , 5 November) was the event of the year.  Bonfire night was made even more exciting because my parent’s house had a corner plot (bigger than the average as Yogi would say) and it had been chosen to host the annual event.

For those not familiar with British traditions, Guy Fawkes was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The attempt failed but celebrating the event still continues. Secretly, most English people wish it had succeeded; opinion polls held in England suggest politicians are held in very low esteem. They are even lower than journalists.

In my childhood, the run up to bonfire night was as important as the event itself. During the two weeks leading up the big event, lorry loads of old wooden railway sleepers would arrive and be carried into the back garden by very willing adults.

“Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen (Smugglers) go by!” – Rudyard Kipling

Where the sleepers came from nobody knows and if they do, they’re not telling. The night itself was great. Fireworks by the score, treacle Toffee, potatoes cooked in the fire and Lancashire Hot Pot appeared by the bowl full.

What were some of your hobbies as a child? Do you still enjoy the same things or have your tastes evolved since then?

When I wasn’t being a latent pyromaniac, I was mad about prehistoric monsters. Maybe that’s why my novels are also populated by some very nasty creatures too. One hobby still remains. I like reading. At first W E Johns and then I progressed to writers like Dennis Wheatley, H G Wells, John Wyndham, Stephen King, George Orwell, Vladimir Peniakoff, Constantine FitzGibbon and  Charles Portis (and many more)  which probably accounts for my interest in action, the unexpected, the occult and things that go bump in the night.

Now I also like writing.

Ah! I nearly forgot, I’m still a latent pyromaniac and let off Fireworks on November 5^th and New Year. Well that’s a hobby isn’t it?

How would you describe your experience as a Chartered Surveyor?

Some people do a job because it feeds them and they look forward to retirement. I have been lucky. My vocation is more than just making money. I had a customer put an entry on my website saying “I’m glad I employed Andrew Williams. He gave me an honest opinion.” Comments like that are worth their weight in gold.

Was writing your first book a struggle? What kept you motivated?

My first book was “Domestic Building Surveys,” Published by Spon. I wrote it because when I was learning the trade; I couldn’t find books that really helped me. I decided to base the book around several surveys I’d carried out. It wasn’t difficult; it was a labour of love. Judging by royalties, people still like it.

Have you ever Googled yourself? What did you find?

Andy Williams (my namesake in case you haven’t noticed) was a very popular singer and even though he’s deceased, his recordings are still very popular. Googling Andrew R Williams does provide a better personal result. Thankfully, I find a lot of references to my surveying practice and my books.

Why are your novels set in the Fantasy genre? In which genre do you enjoy writing the most?

Sci-fi, Fantasy. You say tomato and I say tomato. I think of it as future history. Most things that sci-fi writers invent eventually become reality. Take George Orwell’s 1984. It was a future history. Aren’t we there; facial recognition cameras on every corner in major British towns and cities.

Arcadia's Children is an exciting fast paced science fiction thriller. What was the biggest challenge while portraying an exciting and adventurous story of an alien invasion "Arcadia’s Children?"

Writing Arcadia’s Children was one of the best experiences of my life but it didn’t just happen. I have written ten versions of Arcadia’s Children. Nine went in the bin because I wasn’t happy with them. Then suddenly, all my efforts came together and my alien world became a fictional reality.

How was your experience of writing a practical guide showing how to undertake a domestic building survey, "Domestic Building Surveys"?

After writing the first edition of Practical Guide to Alterations & Extensions, writing Domestic Building Surveys was just something I had to do. During my learning years most books I read seemed to provide an insight into home surveys but nothing more. I decided to show by example and included old reports into the book and then say why I had formed my conclusions on the various properties.

How did you come up with the idea for your book, "Spon's Practical Guide to Alterations & Extensions"?

The most recent Guide to Alterations and extensions was really a follow on to Domestic Building Surveys; as I regularily submit applications for small extensions, providing a guide seemed appropriate. The first edition was very short and then I enlarged the topics as Planning and Building Regulations changed.

Who inspired the character of Mick Tarmy in "Arcadia’s Children: The Fyfield Plantation?" How would you describe him in five words?

Mick Tarmy evolved in my mind. Where he came from nobody knows; even I don’t really know. Mick is casehardened; tough on the outside; soft in the middle. That’s why the women love him.

What were some misconceptions you had about the book and publishing industry before you became a published author?

When people said it could be difficult to get your work published I thought they were exaggerating because I was lucky. With my first book, the first edition of Practical Guide to Alterations and Extensions was complete, I found a small publisher involved in the construction industry and he wanted to publish my guide. The small publisher was then gobbled up by Spon. Spon decided they wanted to publish my other technical books.

The novels were a different story. It was over a year before my first novel was accepted and only after I had sent it to at least fifteen publishing houses.

What kind of tactics do you use to ensure a more productive writing session?

I like to start writing around 7am when the telephone or mobile is unlikely to ring, beep or otherwise conspire to into my concentration. Most of my writing is carried out in a box room. Although I have a small office, the box room is my “happy space.” and I try to set aside time each day and write until the ideas stop flowing or the blasted telephone starts ringing.

What more sci-fi themed books are you planning to writer in the near future? What are you currently working on? 
I am currently working on two novels, Arcadia’s Children 3 and a current day novel which has the working title of Jim’s Revenge which is set in the North of England.

What are your top five writing and marketing tips that you would share with the young writers out there?  
I am still trying to master the art of marketing. At the moment I am using the shot-gun approach. Spread it wide and you might just hit something.

I am with AllAuthor and Amazon .

I have an Arcadia’s Children website.

I use Facebook (Personal and an Arcadia’s Children site.)  Twitter @ArcadiasChildre  and @arcadiaschildre  @plans2extend

Instagram 

How were you introduced to AllAuthor and what some pros and cons of the website, according to you?

Joining All Author was a total accident but it has raised my profile. Thanks, Allauthor.

An interview with Andrew R Williams

Andrew R. Williams

Where are you from?

I’m English, but the politically correct would say I’m British. I was born in Warrington, England, but I have moved around quite a bit. I spent my pre-teen years in Droylsden near Manchester. My father and grandfather had a small building contracting company and when they started developing a site in Frodsham (at the time a small Cheshire Village) my father decided to design his own house on part of the the site. Once the house was built, we moved to Frodsham and I spent most of my teenage years there.

Once I married Geraldine, for logistical reasons we moved to Rainhill, near St Helens. (For the geographically challenged that’s not far from Liverpool.) We have lived in Rainhill for more years than we care to remember. Historical Note: Rainhill is famous because of the 1829 Rainhill Rail Trials where rival locomotives were tested out on the partially completed Liverpool and Manchester railway. The Rainhill Trials are notable because they mark the start of the steam railway era. The trials are also notable because it had the first railway accident. William Huskisson, MP, attended the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. Huskisson stepped onto the railway line greet the Duke of Wellington. Unfortunately, the locomotive Rocket came up on on the parallel track. Huskisson was unable to get out of the engine's way in time and his left leg was crushed by it. After the accident, the badly injured Huskisson was taken by a train (driven by George Stephenson himself) to Eccles, where he died a few hours later. The monument where his remains are buried is the centrepiece of St James Cemetery, Liverpool. The local library has a railway coach parked behind it with an exhibition of the Trials.

When and why did you begin writing?

For me writing is a bit of a compulsion. It’s something you have to do. Some people want to ruin a good walk by chasing golf balls. I like to create. If I’m lucky people want to read what I have created.

The serious writing started when I decided to write Domestic Building Surveys. Published by Spon. As a surveyor I had read a number of technical books on surveying. As most of them only supplied an outline of home surveys, I wrote a book that gave more detail. I have been led to believe that several British Universities are recommending the book to their students. I think that’s a win! My next project was A Practical Guide to Alterations and Extensions also published by Spon which also had good reviews. With two books under my belt, I decided I wanted to write sci-fi.

What inspired you to write Arcadias Children: Samantha’s Revenge and the sequel Arcadia’s Children 2 : The Fyfield Plantation?

Once I had completed my two technical books I became infected by the writing bug. As indicated above, I particularly wanted to write Science Fiction. Arcadia’s Children: Samantha’s Revenge is not the sort of book written over night. It evolved over time. The sequel took less time because I had developed the framework of places and characters.

Which authors have influenced you?

In my childhood, W E Johns; in later life Dennis Wheatley, H G Wells and John Wyndham. Vladimir Peniakoff’s war time account Popski’s Private Army certainly had an influence. One of my characters has a shortened version of his name; I hope Vladimir’s relatives won’t be offended. Vlad Pen is one of the good guys who finds himself ensnared by the evil Samantha. Although cowboy novels aren’t my thing, I enjoyed reading True Grit by Charles Portis. I’m sure my reading must have influenced what I now write and must have helped me.

What are your current projects?

I am now working on Arcadia’s Children 3: Pushley Escapes. I am also working on a novel called JIM. At the same time, I am also trying to find a script writer / TV company who would be interested in adapting my novels. I have been told by a number of people that they would make good all-action movies/ TV series. If anyone out in there is interested, please get in touch. Email me at info@arcadiaschildren.com -- I am also working on a modern day novel called Jim’s Revenge

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

The simple answer is no because Science Fictions/Fantasy is in the mind, but I use the internet a great deal to look for places on Earth that I can adapt to create local colour. I let my fingers do the walking as Yellow Pages used to say... In Arcadia’s Children 2: The Fyfield Plantation, Awis Oasis was invented from an internet excursion I took into the Sahara Desert.

What was the hardest part of writing your sci-fi novels?

“In real life” I’m a surveyor and spend most of my time using technical English. Technical English is very precise and plodding by nature and it took some time for me shrug it off when in novel writing mode. I had to take “go faster pills” and make my novels all-action.

Who designed the covers?

I have chosen my book covers from the selection provided by SelfPubBookCovers.com and I will probably continue to use them for the foreseeable future because they have some very skilled cover designers working for them.

Do you see writing as a career?

The cover of one of my books says “In real life, Andrew R Williams is a Chartered Surveyor. When twilight falls, he starts writing.” I intend to write more novels if people want to read them but at the moment it is still a hobby.

Andrew R. Williams' Amazon Page

Andrew R. Williams on GoodReads.

Read another interview with Andrew R. Williams.

Sample from Arcadia’s Children 2: The Fyfield Plantation (out Feb 2019)

Klaien Mygael glanced at the SSIAT building and took a deep breath. Even though she knew there was a protection droid ready to come to her aid if anything went wrong, she still felt very exposed. Having lived a sheltered middle class life until then, being asked to break the law didn’t come easy.

Psyching herself up, she slipped on the distortion collar Alton had given her and walked towards the tall building. Crossing a pedestrianised area, she glanced at a reflection of herself in a nearby window and was pleased to note the collar had totally altered her appearance; it had also made her look twenty years younger.

Reaching the main entrance of the SSIAT building, she saw one of the outer shutters was still retracted and a lift door was visible. Activating her percom, she locked onto the building’s external comm’s port and waited. A few seconds later, a power bubble formed and the image of a droid appeared, an Alpha 300.

Without prompting, the machine said, “It’s after hours, the facility is closed.”

Klaien hadn’t been anticipating a robotic response and a mild wave of panic ran through her; something had gone wrong. She was seriously considering abandoning her mission when the bubble content suddenly changed and Unnan Vardis’ image appeared.

“Sorry about that, the automated system cut in.”

“Have you got the money?

Klaien held up a large brightly coloured paper bag. “It’s in here.”

The contents of the bag moved slightly. She realised Rover was getting restless from being cooped up and hoped Vardis hadn’t noticed. “Are you going to let me in?”

“Okay,” Vardis replied. “Come up.”

There was a slight whirring noise and an outer lift door opened. Once inside, Klaien was whisked up to one of the upper floors. When the doors opened, she found herself in a lobby.

A woman waiting there said, “Come this way. Unnan’s through here.”

As she pushed her way through a set of fire doors, the woman glanced back and added, “I’m Marci, by the way; I’m Unnan’s partner.”

The comment surprised Klaien because during previous conversations, Vardis had implied he lived alone. Marci led the way through an open door into a spacious living area. Klaien caught a glimpse of a charging unit though the slightly open door of an adjacent room and immediately worked out the truth. Although Marci looked human, simple logic implied she was a humanoid.

 Noting the expression on Klaien’s face, Marci glanced towards the open door and  said, “Ha! I see my little secret is out. I hope you’re not offended.”

“Why should I be?”

A male voice said, “Some people are.”

Glancing around, Klaien saw Vardis standing in a doorway. “Well I’m not. I was just surprised because you said you were single.”

“In the eyes of the law I am,” Vardis replied. “Marci and I are partners but it’s not recognised.”

Getting straight to the point, he added, “So let’s see the money.”

Klaien nodded and pulled out two large denomination money cards but kept a firm hold onto the bag. Vardis gave her a sharp look, “That’s only half of what we agreed.”

“You’ll get the other half once the job’s complete,” she said, passing over a sheet of plastimetal paper. “Those are the teleport co-ordinates.”

She glanced at her watch, “As agreed, in a few hours, two separate groups of people will come here. The first group wants to teleport to Salus Transporter Nine and the second group wants to go to Awis Oasis.”

“I want the rest of the money first,” Vardis growled.

 “Very well,” she said, “It’s in the bag.”

As Vardis was about to reach into the bag, it rustled and a small rugby ball-shaped droid emerged.

“What’s this?” Vardis sounded startled.

“My insurance policy,” Klaien replied. “This is Rover. He has the other cards in his internal safe and has orders to pay you the balance once we’re all safety teleported.”

Vardis gave her a hostile look. “Don’t you trust me?”

“I once heard of a teleport operator who cheated a group of people,” Klaien replied. “He promised to teleport them if they gave him a large sum of money. He took their money but instead of teleporting them, he put them into stasis. He then called the police and denied receiving any payments.”

Vardis clicked his fingers and gestured towards Marci. “And she’s my insurance policy.”

Glancing round, Klaien saw that Marci was holding a stun gun and it was levelled at her.

Vardis said, “Now get your droid to hand over the other money cards.”

Klaien gave Vardis a sharp look, which made him smirk. “You were right. I have no intention of getting your people out of here. Illegal teleporting is a criminal offense.”

Preparing for a book signing

Preparing for a book signing

I’ve read a number of articles concerning engaging with readers.  With this in mind I decided I would try to set up a few “meet the author” events.  I also decided to engage the help of my BNI group. 

I have held one book signing with my group.

I then came to the conclusion that if I ran a “meet the author” event I would need a banner to attract possible buyers. Unfortunately my BNI banner maker didn’t have the skills to carry out the necessary artwork.

Eventually, I found a good graphic designer and the problem was solved.

See below.

BNI is going to be may safe testing ground for my new banner because I have a 10 minute spot booked on 7^th December 2018.

Wish me luck. 

Andrew R Williams

Author of Arcadia’s Children: Samantha’s Revenge.

Out Feb 2019 Arcadia’s Children 2: The Fyfield Plantation

A Review of Arcadia’s Children: Samantha’s Revenge

Arcadia’s Children:Samantha’s Revenge

https://www.arcadiaschildren.com

by Andrew R. Williams is a fascinating sci-fi novel filled with adventure and action. Written in the third person perspective, the book alternates between various characters.

The story takes place on a planet named Arcadia and a moon called Arden. Arcadia is an Earth type planet so it is capable of supporting life. However, colonization on Arcadia is restricted because dangerous pathogens could transfer from Arcadia to other planets. Only archaeological teams and paleontologists are allowed to travel to the planet, but the native people of Arcadia, known as the Ab, are not allowed to travel outside of the planet.

In Arden, a sudden noise in Ord Morley’s house causes him to get up from his bed and go downstairs. As he searches around his house, he finds the cause of the noise. The intruder is a protection droid named Alex who makes Morley connect to a recreational thought transfer cartridge(RTTP) which captures the thoughts or experiences of someone and allows someone else to view them. In this case, the RTTP has the experiences of Mick Tarmy, a detective corporal, who was ensnared in a plot to destroy the Great Ones. The Great Ones and the spettri are mind readers who are searching for a way to leave Arcadia and take over Arden. When Tarmy is blackmailed to join Samantha, a humanoid, in her quest to destroy the Great Ones, he learns a shocking secret that forces him to rethink his actions. With no choice but to do Samantha’s bidding, he risks his life as he travels to the restricted planet known as Arcadia.

The author does a great job building the suspense and there were some surprising twists to the plot. There were many subplots that were integrated into the main storyline which made it complex, but interesting. The story starts off in the present and flashes back to all the events recorded in the RTTP. There were multiple characters in the novel, and all of them played an integral role in the plot. The author vividly described each of the characters and how each of their choices impacted the rest of the characters. Even though there were so many characters introduced in the book, I found it easy to keep up with the names and roles of each one. Mick Tarmy was one of the most realistic characters in the book. He had many faults and doubts, but he manages to overcome them.

Overall, I would rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. I throughly enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to follow and the ending made me want to read the next book of the series. I would recommend this book to those who like to read sci-fi/fantasy books.