Category: Literature

Inside the Imaginative Worlds of Drema Deòraich

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The Virginia-based author discusses science fiction, ethical dilemmas, independent publishing, and why compassion matters more than ever

INTERVIEW

Drema Deòraich has been writing for as long as she can remember, but it was only in 2014 that she decided to pursue the craft with renewed seriousness. Speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interview, the Virginia-based author, who holds an Associate’s Degree in Education, recalls how attending a writers’ conference in her city transformed her understanding of storytelling. Over the following years, she learnt how to make her writing ‘tighter, more focused, and more dynamic.’

Her breakthrough came in 2018, when her first published short story, Last Call, appeared in Silver Blade Magazine. The moment remains unforgettable for the writer. ‘I remember being so excited that I danced around my apartment for a solid ten minutes,’ she says with a laugh. More published short stories soon followed, and in 2022, she released her first novel. Soon afterwards came her ambitious science fiction trilogy, a project she had nurtured for years.

A Pandemic Novel Written Before the 2020 Pandemic

Drema’s debut novel, Entheóphage, arrived in 2022 and immediately stood apart for its chilling premise. Though centred on a pandemic, it was not inspired by the global crisis that gripped the world in the early 2020s. In fact, Drema completed the first draft in November 2019 — mere months before reality mirrored fiction in unsettling ways.

‘It was weird,’ she admits. ‘For a few months after the real pandemic began, I could not work on this book, or even look at it.’ The story’s emotional and thematic weight suddenly felt far too close to reality. Yet Drema eventually returned to the manuscript with renewed determination.

She later submitted the novel to the prestigious Pitch Wars competition in hopes of refining it further. Published UK author Anna Kaling selected the manuscript as her Pitch Wars project, and together they strengthened the tension, pacing, and overall marketability of the work.

However, when Drema began pitching the novel to agents and publishers in 2021, the publishing world was reluctant to embrace pandemic narratives. ‘No one was willing to take on a pandemic story,’ she explains. Undeterred, she decided to publish the work independently. ‘The climate message felt too important to put off until agents and publishers would be interested again,’ she says firmly.

Building The Founder’s Seed Trilogy

Drema’s second published novel, Fallen, marked the beginning of The Founder’s Seed, an expansive science fiction trilogy she had spent years developing. The workshops she attended at writing conferences, coupled with the lessons she learnt during Pitch Wars, proved instrumental in shaping the trilogy into publishable form.

The subsequent instalments, Broken and Driven, followed soon after, further cementing her place as a distinctive voice in speculative fiction. Drema later published two novelettes — Jane Doe #7 and Deer in Headlights — both of which are currently available through Kindle Unlimited.

Her latest publication, meanwhile, is a compelling short-story collection titled Murder of Crows and Other Consequential Tales. The anthology gathers stories centred on the idea of ‘consequences,’ ranging from full-length short fiction to flash fiction pieces. ‘I have had a lot of fun with these stories,’ Drema says enthusiastically. ‘They do not encompass all my published short works, but they are all focused on the theme of consequences.’

For readers interested in multiple formats, Drema notes that all her works are available as ebooks. Murder of Crows and her four full-length novels are also available in paperback, while the novels themselves have been adapted into audiobooks narrated by the award-winning Stacey Lind.

Planning, Structure, and the Unexpected

When asked whether she outlines meticulously or writes instinctively, Drema answers without hesitation: she is fundamentally a planner. ‘Writing by the seat of my pants results in stories that wander far and wide from the story’s focus,’ she explains. ‘I prefer to outline and use that as a roadmap.’

Having an ending in mind, she says, gives her a destination towards which the narrative can steadily progress. Yet she is not rigidly attached to structure. If her characters begin steering the story in a different direction during the writing process, she is more than willing to abandon the original outline and begin anew.

Balancing writing with a day job at a local attorney’s office is not always easy, and she often writes whenever time permits. Still, storytelling remains the centre around which her life revolves.

Literary Influences and Ethical Questions

Among the writers who have profoundly influenced her work are Frank Herbert and Ursula K. Le Guin. Drema greatly admires Herbert’s storytelling and praises his son’s continuation of the legendary Dune saga.

What draws her most strongly to Herbert and Le Guin, however, is their willingness to confront ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions through fiction. ‘They wrote stories that asked questions and posed ethical quandaries for their characters to resolve and for their readers to ponder,’ she explains. ‘This is what I try to do in my own work.’

From Private Passion to Published Purpose

For Drema, writing itself was never really a choice. ‘It was always a given that I would write,’ she says.

Publishing, nonetheless, was a deliberate and conscious step. She acknowledges the immense labour involved in independently producing books that are professionally edited, polished, and well-presented.

Be that as it may, she ultimately felt her stories carried themes and emotional truths worth sharing with readers. ‘I decided to stop writing stories just for myself and share them with others,’ she reflects.

Finding Joy in Nature

Outside literature, Drema finds peace and inspiration in the natural world. She enjoys observing birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife in their native habitats, often gravitating towards ponds and streams in hopes of spotting turtles and water birds.

She also maintains a small garden focused primarily on native plants, hoping to create sustainable habitats for local wildlife. Watching caterpillars thrive on the plants she has cultivated gives her immense satisfaction.

‘It is quite rewarding when I see caterpillars from the butterflies growing and thriving on plants I placed in our yard as an offering!’ she says warmly. Daily walks and spending time with her two cats also remain among her favourite pursuits.

New Worlds Still to Come

Drema is currently working on a new trilogy tentatively titled The Nexus, which will serve as a continuation of The Founder’s Seed universe. Characters who once occupied secondary roles in the earlier trilogy will now take centre stage. Where the previous books explored acceptance, survival, and the meaning of humanity, this new series will focus more deeply on trafficking and the complicated bonds of family — both biological and chosen.

Book One has largely been written and now awaits revision, while the remaining instalments are already mapped out. Alongside this trilogy, Drema is also developing a novella titled Cleanup Crew. The story follows a protagonist who is unknowingly immortal, gradually uncovering truths about systems of power and control that silence dissenters and eliminate challengers.

Advice for Indie Writers

Having navigated the unpredictable terrain of independent publishing herself, Drema deeply understands the discouragement many writers face when their work struggles to gain visibility. ‘You are not alone,’ she says reassuringly. ‘Most of us are in the same boat at one time or another.’

She strongly encourages aspiring and independent writers to seek out supportive writing communities, whether online or in person. Such groups, she believes, can provide not only emotional encouragement but also practical assistance — from beta readers and ARC reviewers to marketing advice and creative guidance during difficult periods. ‘Sometimes all you need is someone who can listen and understand,’ she says. ‘Author groups can fill that space.’

A Final Reflection on Compassion

As the interview draws to a close, Drema is asked what one thing she would change about the world if she could. Her answer is thoughtful and measured. ‘It is not easy to pick just one thing,’ she says, acknowledging how difficult it can be to predict the long-term consequences of even the best intentions. Yet if forced to choose, her answer becomes beautifully simple: ‘I would change hate to compassion. We need more of that in this world.’

Before signing off, she leaves readers with one final appeal — a reminder of how vital reviews and ratings are for independent authors, particularly on platforms like Amazon. Even a brief review or star rating, she explains, can dramatically improve a book’s visibility and help connect writers with potential readers. And for lower ratings, she urges readers to explain their criticisms constructively. ‘We writers can usually take constructive criticism,’ she says with sincerity. ‘And so, we appreciate it!’

With her profound love for storytelling and her unwavering faith in compassion, Drema Deòraich continues to create worlds that challenge the mind, stir the conscience, and linger in the reader’s imagination long after the story ends.

Sometimes all you need is someone who can listen and understand. Author groups can fill that space.

~ DREMA DEÃ’RAICH

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Writing Beyond Retirement

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At 67, Maurice Perkins is turning personal memories and hard-earned life experience into compelling fiction

INTERVIEW

Author Maurice Perkins wrote short stories at school in the 1960s and had others published during the 1980s. Nevertheless, he says writing was never his primary profession for most of his life. ‘My writing career for many years was limited to business development and submitting tenders for contracts,’ he lets on, speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction. The 67-year-old, who currently lives at Stockport in Greater Manchester, the United Kingdom, says it took the Covid pandemic in 2020 to reignite his passion for storytelling. Spending more time reflecting on life encouraged him to return to creative writing after decades away from it. ‘It took Covid in 2020 to reignite my passion for sharing stories,’ he shares.

Turning Real Life into Fiction

Speaking about one of his latest books, Revenge, Maurice says the story was inspired by something he witnessed years ago. He says he expanded the idea dramatically to make it more gripping and intense. ‘Old ex-military men with dormant skills stumble into a gang turf war with disastrous consequences,’ he shares, revealing that several characters in the novel are based on real people he knows personally.

Although the individuals do not possess the dangerous skills seen in the book, he borrowed their personalities and mannerisms to shape the characters. ‘It allowed me to incorporate all of their idiosyncrasies into some humorous dialogue. They also acted as the initial beta readers. It is quite brutal and has some tough dialogue,’ Maurice lets us know.

Many Thanks to Social Media

The author says social media unexpectedly played a major role in his return to writing. He had been sharing personal experiences online, many of them funny, difficult, or emotional, and people encouraged him to document them properly. According to Maurice, that support made him realise his stories deserved a more permanent home.

‘It also made me realise that my grandchildren may never hear me tell those raucous stories as they grow old enough to hear them and I remain compos mentis enough to tell them,’ he says. That thought eventually pushed him to write three books based on his life experiences. ‘So, I wrote three books about my life so far, told through a series of funny and sometimes sad stories. It was so they could hear them in my own words and not retold by others,’ he lets on.

Building Worlds and Characters

Maurice admits he never expected his books to become as successful as they have been. The positive response from readers gave him the confidence to pursue larger fictional ideas that had remained in his imagination for years. One of those ideas became his dystopian novel Quest.

The novel explores survival in a world where resources are steadily disappearing. ‘A motley group travels west in search of answers while trying to survive against the odds,’ Maurice explains. ‘However, there are others, from a different time and a different place, who are also trying to survive. The futures of both groups are inextricably linked.’

Taking Unexpected Directions

Asked whether he carefully plans his plots or writes more instinctively, Maurice says he begins with a rough structure. He usually creates a simple outline featuring the chronology of events and the key characters he believes the story requires. From there, the process becomes far more flexible and organic. ‘I then overlay that with set-piece scenes or events that I want included,’ he explains.

The notes are either pinned to the wall in front of his writing desk or organised on a spreadsheet displayed on a separate screen. Even then, he says the original structure rarely survives unchanged. ‘It could be that the chronology does not work or I need to introduce another character, or eliminate one during editing,’ he tells us. According to Maurice, stories naturally evolve during the writing process and often take unexpected directions. ‘The story then evolves as it must to create the image I want the reader to understand,’ he adds.

Inspired by Lee Child & Frank Herbert

Lee Child, creator of the Jack Reacher series, happens to be Maurice’s favourite writer. He admires Child’s ability to combine dry humour with action-packed storytelling and problem-solving. Maurice says those qualities strongly appeal to him as a reader and writer. ‘I also like Frank Herbert, who wrote the Dune series, recently adapted into films again,’ Maurice shares, adding that the scale of Herbert’s fictional universe and its theological depth left a strong impression on him.

Maurice, who usually writes only when he feels genuinely inspired and prefers to work away from distractions, insists becoming an author was never part of a long-term plan. Instead, he describes it as an accidental consequence of sharing stories online and discovering that readers connected with them. Even now, he admits balancing writing with family life and friendships can sometimes be difficult.

‘Remain Creative and Be True to Yourself’

Currently, Maurice is preparing a rough outline for another novel while also gathering ideas for a fresh collection of humorous personal stories. Despite his growing readership, he insists writing remains a passion project rather than a business venture. ‘I am retired and being an author is a hobby,’ he says, adding that he has set the price of his books at a modest level and therefore it will never become a sustainable source of income. According to him, financial success was never the motivation behind his work. ‘It is about sharing the stories in my head,’ he tells us.

For aspiring indie authors, Maurice believes authenticity matters more than perfection. He encourages writers to trust their instincts and avoid overthinking the process too early. ‘Remain creative and be true to yourself. Write what you want to write and, somewhere out there, you will find the right audience,’ he says.

Final Say

Maurice also believes excessive research can sometimes damage creativity instead of strengthening it. ‘You need to write the story down as you see it and then check it afterwards,’ he explains. ‘If you spend too much time researching when you should be writing, it can limit your creativity, in my humble opinion.’

Finally, when asked what he would most like to change about the world, Maurice’s answer is immediate and deeply personal. He says he would eliminate wars of every kind because innocent people are always the ones who suffer most. ‘It is always the innocent who suffer in wars, rarely the people who start them. People in the military can only do what they are commanded to do,’ he says, signing off.

If you spend too much time researching when you should be writing, it can limit your creativity, in my humble opinion.

~ MAURICE PERKINS

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‘If You Want to Write, Do It; Push Through’

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INTERVIEW

Tony DiGerolamo has been writing since childhood although not quite in the way most literary careers begin. ‘When I was in first grade, the school had a short story contest for a McDonald’s hamburger,’ he says, beginning his interaction with Literary Harbinger. ‘I kept winning until the school asked me to stop entering so one of the other kids could win,’ he adds.

It is the kind of origin story that feels strangely perfect for a writer whose work thrives on absurdity and chaos. Beneath the punchlines, however, lies something more enduring: decades of commitment to storytelling and relentless creative output.

Thirty Years in the Pine Barrens

For more than three decades Tony has immersed himself in the folklore of South Jersey, particularly the mythology surrounding the Jersey Devil. That fascination eventually evolved into The Pineys, a comedy-horror novella series centred on a family of hunters tracking the monstrous kin of the Jersey Devil through the wilds of New Jersey.

‘The Pineys books are kind of the culmination of that,’ he explains. Through the series he introduces readers not only to monsters and mayhem but also to the folktales and strange cultural textures of South Jersey itself.

The premise is deliberately outrageous. He describes the series as ‘Ghostbusters only with drunken hillbillies and guns in South Jersey.’ Yet behind the irreverence lies careful worldbuilding and long-term planning.

Building Stories Backwards

Unlike writers who discover stories entirely as they write, Tony often begins with endings. ‘Normally, I come up with an ending, then start at the beginning and work my way there,’ he lets on.

With The Pineys series specifically the process has become increasingly interconnected. While finishing one book, he is already considering the next so he can plant clues and narrative threads ahead of time.

Other projects operate differently. His Wokeistan series, for example, remained dormant until he recently discovered what the third installment should become. ‘Now I have to find time to write it,’ he remarks.

The Writers Who Lit the Fuse

Among the authors who shaped him most are Kurt Vonnegut, Hunter S Thompson, William Goldman, Frank Miller, and several others whose work blends sharp storytelling with distinctive voice.

‘I guess they inspire me because I feel good after a reading and then I want to create something kinda like that,’ Tony tells us.

These days, however, time for reading has become increasingly scarce. Writing, promotion, and production consume most of his hours.

The Night Shift

Tony writes late at night when distractions finally disappear. ‘At night, when the phone and the emails stop,’ he says, adding, ‘Very late with iced tea.’

The image feels almost cinematic: a writer hunched over scripts and manuscripts while the world sleeps around him.

Currently residing in Laurel Springs the 58-year-old author holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. Unlike many writers who stumble unexpectedly into publication, he speaks with certainty when asked whether becoming an author was a conscious decision.

‘Yes.’

Writing, Politics, and Monk-Like Discipline

Outside fiction his interests orbit around politics, which he follows ‘like sports.’ He also creates YouTube videos, both as creative outlet and promotional tool.

‘I live like a monk and mostly spend time writing and selling my books,’ he says.

That discipline is perhaps unsurprising considering the sheer variety of projects attached to his name. Long before The Pineys Tony built an eclectic writing career spanning comics, television comedy, websites, and games.

Among his most recognisable credits are writing for The Simpsons Comics published by Bongo Comics, contributing jokes to Politically Incorrect hosted by Bill Maher, and scripting material connected to Space Ghost Coast to Coast.

He has also written for comic books, games, Comedy Central, and Cracked.com.

No Patience for Half-Hearted Writers

When asked what advice he would give aspiring writers struggling with rejection or poor sales, Tony responds with ruthless humour.

‘Quit. I do not need the competition.’

What follows is less comforting pep talk and more verbal provocation. He dismisses the fantasy of literary glamour and argues that genuine writers persist because they cannot imagine doing otherwise.

‘Many people do not want to be writers. What they want is a room full of people asking for their autograph and calling them clever,’ he says. ‘If you want to write, do it; push through.’

Then comes the line that perhaps encapsulates his entire philosophy: ‘WHY AREN’T YOU WRITING RIGHT NOW?!’

Life in Repetition and Controlled Chaos

His daily routine unfolds with relentless repetition. Writing scripts for The Webcomic Factory, organising signings at libraries and breweries, making YouTube videos, responding to freelance opportunities, and continuing work on The Pineys series all compete for space within a single day.

Somewhere in between come walks with the dog, dinners with his parents, and attempts to sleep before beginning again the next morning.

Four to six times a month he also conducts live signings to support himself financially.

Folklore, Humour, and South Jersey Madness

If there is one thing Tony wants readers to understand, it is that The Pineys was designed to be fun. Fast-paced, comedic, and unapologetically strange the books function almost like episodic television while remaining steeped in regional folklore.

Readers unfamiliar with South Jersey need not worry, he insists. The stories are accessible to everyone while still preserving the flavour of the place that inspired them.

For a writer who once dominated elementary school hamburger contests relentless productivity appears to have been the point all along.

Many people do not want to be writers. What they want is a room full of people asking for their autograph and calling them clever. If you want to write, do it; push through.

~ TONY DIGEROLAMO

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C R Helix on Writing, Worldbuilding, and Survival

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INTERVIEW

Author C R Helix knows well the distance between an idea and a finished novel. ‘It took me twelve years to get Sanguine from an idea into a publishable form,’ they tell Literary Harbinger, reflecting on a writing journey shaped as much by persistence as imagination. Before stepping into the world of sprawling fantasy epics, they mostly wrote flash fiction, stories compressed into only a few thousand words. Expanding from brevity into the architecture of a full-length novel required an entirely new discipline.

‘You do not realise just how much organisation is necessary to keep a story angling straight over the course of a hundred thousand words,’ they remark. The solution came in the form of notebooks. ‘A lot of notebooks.’

From Flash Fiction to Fantasy Worlds

Their debut long-form work, Sanguine: The City of Spires, released only a few years ago after, as they put it, ‘sitting on the shelf a bit too long.’ Set in the dangerous city of Vesper, the novel follows Zahra, a young woman forced to survive after the murder of her brother throws her into the brutality of the streets.

Though the novel embraces classic fantasy elements such as magic, monsters, and sword fights, C R Helix deliberately shifts focus away from the genre’s usual obsession with royalty and prophecy. ‘I try to keep the story focused on more average folks instead of the usual focus on kings and princes, chosen ones, and heirs to the throne,’ they explain.

The book forms the opening chapter of The Longshadow of Jera series, a larger world populated not by legendary heroes but by ordinary people attempting to survive amid political intrigue and chaos.

Writing Between Structure and Discovery

When asked whether they begin with fully formed plots or discover the story while writing, the answer is somewhere in between. Some stories arrive almost complete before the first word is written, while others emerge unexpectedly and demand attention before explanations can catch up.

Their work, The Phoenix King, began exactly that way. ‘I knew basically nothing about it before it demanded to be written,’ they say. The first scene came through a dream, becoming the spark for an entirely new narrative.

This spontaneity makes writing feel ‘more lively and spontaneous,’ though it also creates complications. ‘You tend to write yourself into corners,’ they admit. To balance freedom with coherence, they rely on what they call ‘waypoints’, loose narrative landmarks that guide the story without suffocating it.

Inspired by Vast Worlds and Strange Horrors

Among the writers who have influenced them most is Peter F Hamilton, whose science fiction novels they admire for their immense scale, worldbuilding, and terrifying alien concepts.

More recently, they have developed a fascination with horror short fiction, especially works connected to the SCP Foundation universe. One particular favourite is There Is No Antimemetics Division by qntm. ‘It is mind-bending stuff,’ they say. ‘Conceptually amazing.’

Their admiration lies not only in the ideas themselves but in the intricate way such stories are constructed. ‘I wish I could weave my writing together like that.’

On Unfinished Drafts and NaNoWriMo

There was once a time when writing happened every single day. Though that routine has slipped somewhat in recent years, publishing Sanguine represents an attempt to return fully to the craft. ‘I have too many unfinished drafts just sitting there, waiting to be pummelled into something readable,’ they joke.

For years they participated in National Novel Writing Month, commonly known as NaNoWriMo, where writers attempt to draft an entire novel during November. Much of their unfinished work originated there. Beyond productivity, the event provided something equally important: community. ‘It is a really supportive community,’ they say.

Life in Scotland, Law, and… Chickens

Currently based somewhere among the old mining towns of Scotland, C R Helix describes village life with a mixture of humour and affection. Winters may be bleak, but they also provide space for observation and storytelling. ‘You hear a lot of stories from people that can end up being the basis of something.’

Though they describe themselves as having ‘not much schooling,’ they are currently pursuing a law degree part-time. Having already obtained a diploma, they are now working toward a bachelor’s degree. ‘The closer I get to the end of it, the further away it seems,’ they remark.

Beyond writing, animals occupy a major place in their life, especially chickens. Fancy breeds with feathers atop their heads are a particular favourite. At one point, they owned twenty-three of them. ‘You can teach them some pretty neat tricks,’ they say enthusiastically before describing the peculiar joy of ordering fertilised eggs through the post and hatching them at home.

There is also a cat, occasional oil painting and a love for travelling through natural landscapes and historical ruins. ‘Nothing better than wandering the winding streets of an ancient city or leaving your footprints on a desolate beach.’

Building Worlds Beyond Sanguine

At present, they are editing the second volume of The Longshadow of Jera, continuing Zahra’s story beyond The City of Spires. Alongside it sits The Phoenix King, a radically different project involving tyrannical angels, stubborn turtle people, and a post-apocalyptic desert world.

Though becoming a full-time author remains uncertain, they continue pushing their stories outward in the hope that readers will discover them. ‘I can only imagine!’ they say when asked about becoming a full-fledged author.

Success, they believe, should not be measured solely by recognition or sales. ‘As long as you have someone reading your books, you are successful,’ they insist. Writing for fame alone, they feel, is a mistake.

Average Village Life, Extraordinary Imagination

Asked about their daily routine, they laugh at how ordinary it sounds. ‘Writing, not the fun kind either. Then I will be reading tomes of law where I can barely pronounce the words.’ Somewhere in between, there is usually the matter of tripping over the cat and trying to make progress on their own fiction.

If there is one thing they would change about the world, however, the answer turns serious. Humanity’s continued dependence on fossil fuels and the destruction of habitats deeply troubles them. ‘Honestly you have got to wonder whether it is not too late for us already,’ they reflect, before linking the issue to wider economic inequality.

They speak English, though when asked about other languages, they reply with dry humour: ‘Do you count Scots?’

Before signing off, C R Helix mentions having a partial map of the world of Sanguine, a detail that feels fitting for a writer so invested in journeys and the architecture of imagined worlds.

As long as you have someone reading your books, you are successful.

~ C.R. HELIX

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‘Fulfil Your Dream, For Your Time Is Shorter Than You Realise’

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INTERVIEW

Author Gavin Prinsloo did not begin writing with publication in mind. Writing emerged instead from a deeply personal struggle during one of the most uncertain periods in recent memory. ‘I started writing in 2020 with the pandemic after suffering a mental health challenge,’ the South African poet tells Literary Harbinger. What began as an emotional outlet gradually transformed into a prolific literary journey rooted in imagination and introspection.

From Emotional Catharsis to Published Poetry

Since beginning his writing journey, Gavin has authored four books, all centred primarily on poetry and free verse. The series, Pieces of My Mind, is available on Amazon and spans an eclectic range of themes and moods. Volume One explores a mixed genre approach, while Volume Two delves into gods, myths, and legends. Volume Three, Eros Awakened, ventures into more sensual and adult territory. A fourth volume, Philosophy & Sharp Stones, is nearing release.

Alongside these collections, he has also recently published Souls Desire, a collaborative hardcover project that combines original colour photographic art with descriptive poetry. The work stands apart for its visual-literary fusion and high-end presentation, reflecting an ambition to create poetry not merely as text, but as immersive experience.

Writing Without Maps or Blueprints

Unlike authors who meticulously outline plots and characters before writing, Gavin’s process is instinctive and immediate. ‘No, I publish what comes to mind,’ he says simply. There are no elaborate frameworks or carefully engineered structures behind the work. Emotion leads, and the writing follows.

This spontaneity is perhaps what gives his poetry its rawness and immediacy. Rather than constructing stories from a distance, he allows thought and feeling to arrive unfiltered onto the page.

Influenced by the Masters of Melancholy

Among the writers who have left a lasting impression on him are Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Frost. ‘The pinnacle of poetic skills,’ he calls them.

The admiration is unsurprising. Both poets are remembered for their emotional intensity, rhythmic command and ability to confront darkness without losing lyrical beauty — qualities echoed subtly in Gavin’s own outlook toward writing.

An Emotional Writer Without a Schedule

For Gavin, writing is not something confined to a timetable. ‘I write all the time. I am an emotional writer,’ he explains. Inspiration is not summoned artificially but emerges organically from lived experience and emotional states.

This refusal to compartmentalise creativity has allowed writing to become inseparable from daily existence rather than merely another task to complete.

Life in Cape Town and Beyond Literature

Currently residing in Cape Town, the 56-year-old writer describes himself as ‘56 years young.’ Outside literature, much of his emotional energy is devoted to helping others. He spends time on TikTok and speaks warmly about his affection for his dogs.

Becoming an author, however, was never part of a carefully designed plan. ‘Not actually,’ he says when asked whether it was a conscious decision. Encouragement from poetry groups gradually persuaded him to take his work seriously and move toward publication.

Between Poetry and Fiction

Even now, Gavin’s literary ambitions continue expanding. He is currently completing a fifth poetry collection while simultaneously working on two novels. Though unemployed at present, he remains open to wherever writing may lead him. ‘Let’s see what happens?’ he remarks with characteristic openness.

For aspiring writers discouraged by poor sales or lack of recognition, his advice is both practical and philosophical. ‘You don’t publish a book for sales; you publish to realise a dream,’ he says. ‘After that, book sales are a bonus.’

The Purpose of Writing

Gavin believes authenticity is what ultimately connects writers and readers. ‘Write for YOU, then readers will find you in the characters.’ His reflections on life itself carry the same contemplative weight.

If there is one thing he would change about the world, it would be humanity’s relationship with time and legacy. ‘Life is hazardously short,’ he says, adding that leaving something meaningful behind matters far more than accumulating wealth.

Final Thought

As for routine, he laughs at the very notion of it. ‘Lol… what routine? The bonus of trying to be a writer is that your time is your own,’ Gavin, who also speaks Afrikaans and ‘a smattering of Xhosa’ says, reflecting the multilingual texture of South African life.

He leaves readers with a final thought that encapsulates both his philosophy and his journey as a writer: ‘If you have a dream, don’t let anyone wake you up to ‘reality’. Fulfil your dream, for your time is shorter than you realise.’

You don’t publish a book for sales; you publish to realise a dream. After that, book sales are a bonus.

~ GAVIN PRINSLOO

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‘I Follow My Dopamine With Writing’

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INTERVIEW

Author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh began writing long before the idea of publication took hold. ‘I have been writing for as long as I can remember,’ she says, opening up in an exclusive interaction with Literary Harbinger. Childhood for her was filled with writing plays and getting cousins to perform them. But writing took on a deeper role during adolescence. ‘As a teenager, I used writing as a coping strategy to deal with my depression,’ she shares, hinting at the emotional roots that continue to inform her work.

From Basement Pages to Published Books

Her journey into publishing began unexpectedly in 2017. While cleaning out a basement, she found poems written during her teenage years. ‘I thought they were pretty good,’ she recalls. Rather than letting them sit again, she decided to publish them, resulting in her first book, Thoughts of a Wanderer. The experience proved transformative. ‘After that first book came out, I was so excited and wanted to keep going,’ she tells us.

Her work, Good-bye Too Soon, released in May 2023, takes a deeply personal turn. The book deals with the death of her brother due to a drug overdose. It marks a shift toward non-fiction while retaining the emotional intensity that defines her voice.

Letting the Work Find Its Own Shape

When it comes to writing process, Randi-Lee does not adhere to rigid structures from the outset. ‘I usually start with the concept and let the book take me where it is meant to go,’ she explains. Once the direction becomes clearer, she develops a more defined structure.

She recalls working on Embracing Me, a book centred on mental health stigma. ‘I wasn’t 100% sure where it was going,’ she admits. ‘But halfway through, I knew exactly where it was heading.’ That moment of clarity led to outlining chapters and refining earlier sections to align with the emerging direction.

Writing on Impulse, Not Obligation

Unlike many writers who follow strict schedules, she prefers a more instinctive approach. ‘I follow my dopamine with writing,’ she says candidly. Writing happens when inspiration strikes. ‘When I force the writing, it always needs more edits than when I wait for the right time.’

This approach allows her to maintain a genuine connection with her work, even if it means moving through periods of writer’s block.

Life, Work and Everything In Between

Currently based in Ontario, Canada, Randi-Lee holds diplomas in Pre-Community Services and Community and Justice Services from Niagara College, along with further studies in psychology. Now 37, she describes herself as ‘loving life.’ Balancing writing with daily responsibilities comes naturally. She works part time, supports her child’s education, hosts interviews for her YouTube venture the ‘Write or Die Show’ and still finds time to write. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family and animals and, until recently, kickboxing.

A typical day begins early. ‘I wake up around 7am when my puppy bugs me to go outside,’ she says. From breakfast and dog walks to conversations over coffee with her child, the day unfolds in a rhythm that dovetails domestic life with creative work.

On Becoming an Author and Staying One

Becoming an author was not initially a conscious ambition for Randi-Lee. ‘I always loved writing but never thought it would be my career,’ she admits. Yet looking back, she expresses no regrets about the path she has taken.

She continues to expand her body of work. Alongside Good-bye Too Soon, she is working on another children’s book in the ‘Woofie’ series, awaiting artwork before publication. With many ideas lined up, she remains hopeful about eventually becoming a full time author.

Advice, Perspective, Purpose

For aspiring writers struggling with motivation, her advice is simple and direct. ‘The more you do, the better you get. Not everything you write will grow huge but giving up means you will never do well.’

If given the power to change one thing in the world, her answer is immediate. The perception of mental health. Through both her writing and her YouTube platform, she aims to foster openness and dialogue. ‘The more we talk about it, the more impact we can make.’

She signs off with a message that reflects both her journey and her purpose. ‘Just remember to speak openly and honestly.’

The more you do, the better you get. Not everything you write will grow huge but giving up means you will never do well.

~ RANDI-LEE BOWSLAUGH

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Stories Among the Stars

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INTERVIEW

Croatian author and composer Valentin Sarić began writing in high school after encountering Roger Zelazny’s Nine Princes in Amber, a novel that awakened in him a flood of imaginative possibilities. Speaking with Literary Harbinger, the 32-year-old writer recalls how the book inspired him to transform his ideas into stories of his own. Today residing in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, Valentin balances literature with an equally passionate devotion to composing classical music. A self-published author, he has released multiple short story collections, speculative fiction novelettes, and a science fiction romance novel, while simultaneously composing symphonies, concertos, and sacral music. His creative world, rich with philosophy, satire, romance, fantasy, and futuristic speculation, continues expanding across both literature and music.

SPECIAL & EXCLUSIVE

Between Symphonies and Stars

B Sudharsan: It is a pleasure having you with us, Valentin. To begin with, could you tell us about your published works? How did they happen? Also, what is your latest book about?

Valentin Sarić: I have published four short story collections, one sci fi horror satire novelette, one sci fi transcendence novelette, and a sci fi epic romance novel. Since they are self-published, their publishing happened because of my own intent and determination to publish them. That way of publishing currently sits well with me. My latest work is an epic sci fi romance novel titled Carmania. It is set in a utopian society ruled by an AI on a planet named Galanthris, located twenty-one light years away. The story follows a young racetracks builder who falls in love with his mysterious neighbour while slowly realising that his parents may not actually be dead and that the woman he loves may not even be human.

B Sudharsan: That certainly sounds ambitious and cinematic. Before you begin writing a book, do you already know your characters and plot, or do you discover them along the way?

Valentin Sarić: Before I start, I usually have only a vague idea of the characters, but the plot itself is solid. I mostly know how the story will unfold. Still, while writing, I allow myself many detours and upgrades to the narrative. The destination remains largely the same, though the journey becomes richer with unexpected adventures gathered along the way.

‘Fantasy, Humour, and Alien Civilisations’

B Sudharsan: Are there any authors who particularly inspire you?

Valentin Sarić: Yes. My favourite authors are Roger Zelazny, Ursula K Le Guin, J R R Tolkien, and Lee Child. Roger Zelazny inspires me because of his humour and his descriptions of magic and atmosphere. Ursula Le Guin is extraordinary when it comes to portraying alien societies and psychologically believable cultures. Her endings are immensely hopeful and emotionally devastating in the best possible way. Tolkien impresses me because of the sheer depth of the world he created. Geography, lore, languages — everything feels complete and alive. As for Lee Child, I admire his telegraphic style and the addictive rhythm of his storytelling. Jack Reacher is such a compelling vehicle for adventure that I sometimes wish Lee Child would place him inside a fantasy setting.

B Sudharsan: Fascinating! There is no denying the sheer depth and intricacy of Tolkien’s worlds. And Jack Reacher wandering through a grim medieval kingdom or a morally fractured fantasy world with the same cold precision and razor-sharp intuition would make for an unforgettable read. One can almost imagine him dismantling corrupt kings and mercenaries with the same ease with which he handles criminals in the modern world. Be that as it may, do you follow a strict writing schedule, or do you write whenever inspiration arrives?

Valentin Sarić: I generally write in the evening or at nightfall. I try to write daily, though sometimes I miss a day or two. There are also moments when I suddenly brainstorm a completely new idea and begin writing spontaneously.

Music as the Other Half of Creativity

B Sudharsan: Was becoming an author a conscious decision for you?

Valentin Sarić: Very much so. I consider writing a balancing act to my composing efforts. The two are different sides of the same creativity. To maintain harmony within myself creatively, I need to continue doing both.

B Sudharsan: And how do you manage writing alongside composing and your other responsibilities?

Valentin Sarić: My most cherished hobby is composing classical music. I have composed concertos, symphonies, symphonic ballet fantasias, and sacral music for children. Usually I compose earlier in the day and write later in the evening. Even while working a regular job, I try to maintain that rhythm consistently.

B Sudharsan: Tell us a bit about your current works in progress. Do you see yourself becoming a full-fledged author someday?

Valentin Sarić: I recently began writing two fantasy novelettes. One deals with multiverse themes while the other explores love between two humanoid species. As for becoming a full-fledged author, I am still thinking about that possibility.

‘Reach a Critical Mass’

B Sudharsan: What would you like to tell budding authors who lose motivation if a few of their works do not perform well?

Valentin Sarić: If you are self-publishing, promotion is essential because without promotion there is almost no visibility. I would also advise writers to experiment with other genres for a while because doing so sharpens one’s skills. When they eventually return to their primary genre, they often become much stronger writers. Another important thing is quantity balanced with quality. Two or three books may psychologically appear insufficient to readers, whereas five or six works create a stronger sense of reliability. I think authors need to reach a kind of ‘critical mass’ where both quality and consistency inspire trust in readers.

B Sudharsan: If there is one thing you would like to change in this world, what would it be?

Valentin Sarić: I would like more chemists, musicians, and philosophers to become political leaders. Too many politicians seem devoid of imagination and flexibility. Without creativity and humanistic understanding, societies become trapped in old patterns of division and conflict. I strongly believe that peace with neighbouring nations should become a foundational ethic for humanity. Otherwise, I struggle to imagine civilisation surviving long enough to truly spread among the stars.

To achieve harmony within creativity, I must compose and write equally often. One balances the other.

~ VALENTIN SARIĆ

PS: Besides writing fiction and composing classical music, Valentin Sarić also writes satirical ‘mega-haiku’ works under the pen name Brighty Salamander. He has additionally launched a collaborative pen name, Wilfried Wott, alongside his father, a retired professor specialising in the sociology of religion. Through it, the two intend to merge speculative fiction with sociological, political, and cultural inquiry.

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PS: The remaining books written by the author can be found here.

From Monsters to Falling Worlds

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INTERVIEW

Writing does not always begin as a chosen path. Sometimes it reveals itself early, almost quietly, before it is ever understood as a craft. Author Kathleen McCluskey fits into that space where instinct precedes definition. ‘My very first “book” was one I made myself,’ she recalls, speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction. ‘I was eight. It was called The Monday Monster. It was a Father’s Day gift,’ she adds. The story was simple in concept but vivid in imagination. A creature lived under beds and bit ankles every Monday morning to make people grumpy. What sounds playful now was already an early sign of something deeper: an imagination that did not wait for permission. That imagination did not fade with age, mind you. It simply expanded outward into school publications, college journalism, and later, short fiction. ‘Over time, writing stopped being an activity and became a natural extension of thought itself,’ Kathleen shares.

From Short Fiction to Worlds That Refuse to End

Before novels came short fiction. Before short fiction came experiments. Kathleen, remember, has published across magazines and anthologies in both national and international spaces. She also writes regularly for a blog where a single image must be transformed into a complete story under 500 words. ‘It sounds simple,’ she says. ‘But it forces a different kind of thinking. A novel lets you expand. A prompt forces precision.’

That contrast between expansion and compression eventually shaped her most ambitious work, The Long Fall. What began as a single idea about a vampire origin story gradually expanded into a trilogy involving celestial war and fallen angels besides the reinterpretation of myth itself. ‘I did not plan a trilogy,’ Kathleen admits, adding, ‘I started at the beginning and it kept growing. It became something much larger than I first imagined.’

Writing Without Maps Or Outlines

Planning is not part of her process. Structure comes later, if at all. The first stage is vision. ‘I do not work from outlines,’ Kathleen reveals. She goes on, ‘I see scenes. It unfolds like a film in my head, and I write what I see.’ This method creates a writing rhythm that is immersive and intense. Once the process begins, time becomes irrelevant. Hours disappear without awareness. She describes entering a mental state she calls ‘the Zone’, where external reality fades into the background.

‘There are moments when I am so absorbed that I do not notice anything else happening around me,’ she lets on. ‘It becomes continuous,’ she adds. The result is prose that does not overexplain. Instead, it suggests. It allows space for the reader to complete the world rather than receive it fully defined.

The Influence of Horror And Human History

Ask about her reading life and it is rooted in horror and speculative fiction. Richard Laymon, Bentley Little, Jack Ketchum, Clive Barker, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz. Stephen King remains a major influence although with a preference for his earlier works. ‘His earlier novels had a different kind of intensity,’ Kathleen notes.

Beyond fiction, there is a strong pull toward history, particularly the European theatre of World War II and the American Civil War. These are not casual interests but thematic echoes that inform her understanding of human behaviour. She says, ‘History shows you what people are capable of. Not always in a good way.’

The Discipline of an Undisciplined Life

Despite the chaotic energy often associated with creativity, Kathleen lives within a structured daily rhythm. Early mornings define the start of the day. Work and responsibilities follow. Writing arrives later, when the mind is ready rather than when the clock demands it. ‘I wake up early. I work through the day. And I write when I can,’ Kathleen says simply.

Alongside writing is family life, reading, yoga, and a steady presence in digital literary communities. Creativity is not isolated from life but woven into it. ‘Writing does not replace life,’ she stresses. ‘It comes from it.’

On Failure, Persistence, And the Act of Continuing

For emerging writers, her advice is stripped of sentimentality: Keep writing. That is all there is.

Rejection is not treated as a setback but as a structural reality of the craft. ‘Not every reader will connect. Not every story will land. That is not failure but distribution,’ she explains, adding that one person not liking one’s work means nothing in the larger picture. ‘Another person might connect with it completely,’ she tells us. Clearly, persistence, not perfection, becomes the defining requirement.

‘I Observe Something And It Becomes a Story’

There is a quiet certainty in the way Kathleen speaks about becoming a writer. It is not framed as a choice made at a single moment but as something that was always unfolding. ‘I was always writing,’ she states. ‘Always imagining. It was never a decision. It was just what I did.’

For her, writing is not construction but translation. Experience becomes narrative almost automatically. Observation becomes story before it becomes thought. ‘I do not write stories first,’ she explains. ‘I observe something and it becomes a story.’

The Final Question

When asked what she would change in the world, the answer is immediate and unembellished. ‘World hunger. It should not exist at this stage of human progress.’

It is a simple statement placed at the end of a conversation filled with angels, wars in heaven, vampires, and mythic collapse. The contrast is striking but intentional. One world exists in fiction. The other exists in reality. In the end, Kathleen’s work moves through darkness and apocalypse. But her final concern remains grounded in something far more human.

Writing does not replace life. It comes from it.

~ KATHLEEN MCCLUSKEY

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Finding Meaning in the Current

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INTERVIEW

Some writers plot every twist with precision. Others dive in and let the story carry them. S S Turner belongs unapologetically to the latter. His work rises from lived experience and a restless engagement with life’s uncertainties. It echoes the rivers that shape his fiction. His journey began early. ‘Way back when I was at school my English teacher advised me I was a natural writer,’ Turner says in an interaction with Literary Harbinger. The instinct stayed. ‘Ever since I have written stories, novellas, screenplays, and children’s stories as a way to make sense of the world,’ he adds.

The Birth of a River Story

That search finds form in his debut Secrets of a River Swimmer, published by The Story Plant in the United States. It is a story of transformation and the pursuit of meaning. We meet Freddy on the edge of a Scottish river in the dead of winter, staring into despair. ‘He is ready to jump in and end his less than fulfilling life. But what happens next is not what he expects.’

What follows is not an ending but a beginning. ‘From the moment he enters the river Freddy begins a journey which is more beautiful and funny than he could have imagined on dry land,’ Turner says. Along the way Freddy encounters others who are just as lost. ‘Eventually they all unite in their quest for an answer to the biggest question of them all. Will the river take them where they want to go?’

Themes of Meaning and Discovery

Readers have drawn parallels with The Alchemist and Life of Pi. Turner does not resist the comparison. ‘It is an exploration of the pathway we all follow towards living a meaningful life,’ he tells us.

The novel is rooted in memory. Turner, now based in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Australia where he lives a quiet life with his family, traces the idea back to his years in Scotland when he felt unmoored. ‘One of my closest friends was in the same boat, so we decided to meet up for an adventure to spice things up.’ They chose the River Tweed. The shock was immediate. ‘We were shocked by how cold the water was and how large the white water rapids were.’ They went in anyway. ‘It turned into an uplifting and glorious experience.’

That first swim became a ritual that lasted seven years. ‘Every time we entered the river we were inspired and uplifted,’ Turner recalls, describing encounters with gillies and aristocrats that lent texture to those journeys and eventually to his fiction.

Writing Without a Map

Turner writes much like he swims. He begins with intent but lets the current take over. ‘I generally start writing with a written plan for the novel’s plot and characters. However, I am a pantser by nature and usually within about 20 pages the plan goes out the window.’ What matters is movement. ‘I love writing in flow without knowing exactly what is coming next. I find that when I am writing in flow my stories feel like they are jumping onto the page like living beings.’

Discipline still plays its part. ‘I am a big believer in writing every day,’ he says, though he has learned not to force the process. ‘Writing when you are in flow is a lot more productive and enjoyable than writing on the days when the words do not come so easy.’ These days he adjusts his pace, often rising early and fitting writing around other work since, as he puts it, ‘most writers need to generate additional income beyond their writing.’

Among his influences, Mark Twain stands out. ‘He creates a world which is so remarkably accessible due largely to the authenticity and strength of the narrator’s voice.’

A Shift in Genre

His next novel The Connection Game moves into psychological suspense. ‘It is a unique psychological thriller which delves beneath the surface of the human condition amidst a broader mystery,’ Turner shares. Early praise has followed, with Bill Fitzhugh calling it ‘a one of a kind tale and a surprising and entertaining piece of work.’

For Turner, the label of ‘author’ arrived gradually. ‘It was more a realisation than a decision,’ he reflects, adding, ‘It was only when my first novel was about to be published and others started referring to me as a writer that I realised that what was deep inside my heart was now front and centre in my life.’

Meaning is not found at the end of the journey but in the courage to step into the current.

S S Turner

Final Word

His advice to aspiring writers is simple and firm: Keep going. Rome was not built in a day. He stresses the value of feedback and persistence. ‘I would recommend seeking as much feedback as possible on all of your works which do not succeed.’ He also draws from Stephen King. ‘Once you have written your first draft and given it some space, it is prudent to delete around 10 percent of the words when you edit it.’ For Turner, that discipline is essential. It strips away excess and leaves clarity behind.

Beyond writing, he finds joy in travel reading paddle boarding hiking and time with friends, while holding a quiet wish close. ‘I would love to be able to protect all the animals of the world from humans,’ he states categorically.

In the end, SS Turner writes like the river he once stepped into. His stories move with uncertainty and force. They invite the reader to let go of control and trust the current, where meaning is not fixed at the destination but revealed along the way.

PS: S S Turner blogs at https://ssturnerblog.com

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‘Music Is Important to My Writing’

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INTERVIEW

Author Mark Everglade began writing as a child; he would often rewrite X-Men comics and what today people term fan fiction. Soon after turning ten, his tiny hands flurried across the typewriter while alternating Metallica and Schubert on the tape player as each scene required a different tone, and thus, different music to accompany it. Speaking with Literary Harbinger, Mark said he began writing soundtracks to go with his stories. ‘The music and the writing fed off one another,’ he stated. Nonetheless, as technology began modernising, the author became more intrigued by its possibilities, shortcomings, omens, and false promises and began exploring the cyberpunk works of Gibson, Stephenson, and others. Working a daytime job, Mark takes care of his family. Surprisingly, he has almost never watched TV; however, he may only see a movie or one TV show a year, preferring reading and the arts over watching television.

SPECIAL & EXCLUSIVE

No Cypher for This Cyberthriller

B Sudharsan: It is a pleasure having you with us, Mark. To begin with, could you tell us about your published works? How did they happen? Also, what is your latest book about?

Mark Everglade: I publish through two traditional publishers. My latest novel, Inertia, is about a young woman, Ash, and her father; they are trying to solve the global warming crisis in space. Hacking government servers, they uncover a conspiracy to alter the planet’s rotation in order to control its economy and cast half the world back into complete darkness. Ash’s life is put at stake when she uncovers sensitive, classified data, so she must solicit help from her father, Severum. The trouble is that he does not know she exists, so while the book is a cyberthriller, it is also about their relationship.

B Sudharsan: Well, that does sound ‘thrilling’ to say the least. A lot of planning must have gone into writing the book, or… are you a pantser?

Mark Everglade: At first, I did not plot at all, but for every hour of planning, you save about 10 hours later on, so it is definitely worth doing a ten-hour outline.

‘Creativity Knows No Time or Place’

B Sudharsan: I cannot agree more. Do you derive inspiration from any authors? 

Mark Everglade: My favourite authors are Iain M. Banks, Charles Dickens, Haruki Murakami, and Catherynne Valente. All four understand culture and character and merge the two so that others can see the intersection with poetic prose. 

B Sudharsan: Time I told you Murakami would remain one of my most favoured writers. And that brings me to my next question: Do you, like the Japanese author, follow a rigorous schedule, or do you write when you feel the need to pen down your thoughts?

Mark Everglade: The creative process does not know your place or time and does not conform to your schedule. I make notes throughout the day; I am always writing a line here and there. Writing, therefore, is simply weaving those individual threads, those passing moments in life, together until a cohesive narrative emerges.

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Dealing With the In-Betweens

B Sudharsan: In that case, was becoming an author a conscious decision?

Mark Everglade: Yes. After the 9/11 incident in America, movies and books radically changed. Any publication with characters that were ‘shades of grey’ was immediately a failure. Americans wanted an absolute bad guy and an absolute good guy, so art adapted to its audience. Unfortunately, this ‘good guy bad guy’ mentality has become so strong and polarising in our rhetoric that I decided we needed literature to unite and mobilise the masses from the ground up. So, I wrote books with characters who were all shades of grey from various walks of life, books like Song of Kitaba. Nowhere is the shade of grey protagonist more valued than in the dystopian sub-genre cyberpunk, where anti-heroes roam the pages. 

B Sudharsan: Fascinating! How do you juggle writing and other tasks, by the way? What are your hobbies and interests besides writing?

Mark Everglade: I am a musician first and foremost, and music is important to my writing. When I need to write with a certain rhythm, I turn on Red Hot Chili Peppers. When I need to write a lamentable scene, I turn on the indie metal band Soen. My first book, Hemispheres, is actually named after a Rush album.

B Sudharsan: Wow! Tell us a bit about your works in progress. Do you plan on becoming a full-fledged author?

Mark Everglade: I am working on the third and final novel in the Gliese Trilogy, tentatively named Hydrosphere. It will be released in three years and is similar to the Kevin Costner movie Waterworld, but set in space with tons of cybernetic technology.

‘We Write Since We Have To’

B Sudharsan: And is there anything you wish to tell the budding authors who lose motivation if a few of their works do not do well?

Mark Everglade: If you are doing this hobby for the money, then do not. Even the bestsellers who are hitting number one in numerous Amazon categories are not making even a month’s bills after paying advertising, retail, and royalty fees. If you write, write for your own creative expression with a message that will make the world a better place and inspire others. Authors write because we have to; the act is a fountain of emotion that must be expressed and a labour of love.

B Sudharsan: If there is one thing that you would like to change in this world, what would that be?

Mark Everglade: Inequality. For instance, at Disney World, a custodian would have to work 2,000 years to make as much as the C.E.O. made in one year. The level of poverty that so-called ‘first world’ nations allow is a blight upon the potential of our species. The current system allows for the wealthy to exist in a predatory relationship with people whose income is below the poverty threshold, exploiting them to their own ends.

If you write, write for your own creative expression with a message that will make the world a better place and inspire others. Authors write because we have to; the act is a fountain of emotion that must be expressed and a labour of love.

MARK EVERGLADE