Interview with Gary Paul Stephenson
I live in a very rural area and so I can relate to a lot of things Gary writes about.
Tell us about your latest novel or project:
The Charles Langham Series. We live in a world in crisis. A world where greed turns the wheels of state. A world where environmental concerns take a back seat to the vast machine of global commerce. Billionaire ecophilanthropist Charles Langham is determined to change that. Langham implores the United Nations General Assembly to take a more active role in combating famine and the deforestation of rainforests, reversing extinction rates, and promoting alternative fuels. But this environmental plea has teeth. Langham gives the U.N. one week to comply, or he will force their hand. U.S. President Mike Read, calling Langham an eco-terrorist, has found the excuse he needs to remove Langham from the equation. Permanently. Langham will stand against the might of a nation, and uncover whatever sinister forces pull its strings and threat from the Worlds distant past.
What got you started writing?
On retiring decided to pick up a project started in my twenties.
What challenges did you face when you first started writing?
Fatigued caused by my Multiple Sclerosis.
Do you ever get the opportunity to travel for your writing? Either to market or to research.
I have travelled extensively in the past on business throughout Europe, America, the Far East and the Pacific Islands to draw on a depth of knowledge.
Who in your life is your greatest cheerleader or support in your writing?
My wife, Davina, plus my agent and publisher.
What is it like writing in New Zealand that would be different if you lived anywhere else?
Getting distributors and book stores to stock book.
Where do you get your ideas? Is there anything about New Zealand that has inspired you to write?
The fate of our endangered species and the real lack of support from our Government to really take notice and put money second to extinction rates.
Why do you think readers are fascinated by books written about New Zealand?
My main character is a New Zealander who is not scared to take on authority at any level which epitomises our country
What advice would you give for other writers in New Zealand?
Enjoy the pleasure of writing, if you do not enjoy it, have a rethink and do not give up.
Do you get to network or meet up with other New Zealand authors?
Only at book festivals. I have joined the NZSA but not attended a meeting yet.
What was the first thing you did after your first book was published?
I was too busy working on and researching the second to really worry.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you handle the good and the bad ones?
I have only had one bad review which puts more weight behind the good ones.
It seems like everything has Easter Eggs (surprise reference to your other work) do you have any Easter Eggs in your books?
Yes, I reference well known sayings that people will recall from films plus all the facts are real.
How long does it take you to write a book?
18 to 36 months.
Where did you get the idea for your first or latest book?
The damage we are doing to the planet. We are the biggest pest and danger to the future of the planet and mankind.
Do you have any writing rituals?
No. I write what I see in my mind as the story develops.
What is your best experience meeting a fan?
His honesty on what he liked about the book and the one criticism he had.
If any of your books was to be made into a film, which one would you pick and who would you have play the main characters?
The first book in the series, The Pacific Affair. The main character would be Keanu Reeve
How important do you think marketing is for authors today?
Extremely important and more so nowadays. You have to work closely with your publisher on a strategy.
Do you have any book you have written that won’t ever see the light of day and why?
No.
Many authors have a word or a phrase they automatically use too often. Do you have one?
Most of what I read myself are 70's and 80's adventure fiction and I do not recall any repetitive phrases. It is something you have to be careful of when writing.
What quirk or trope of your genre do you like or dislike?
I like the use of real research and factual data rather than facts that you know cannot be true.
Often writers get to approach some serious subjects. Which serious subject are you most proud to have written about or was the hardest to write about?
Environmental issues. It is heart breaking to see what we are doing to the planet and the creatures were have and are driving to extinction.
Thank you so much for sharing some of your story and good luck with your projects.
