Interview with Osman Welela

Published 2014-11-27.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The thought of toilet and breakfast, preferably separated.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Reading, watching movies and daydreaming.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Either from my brother or searching on Google for a list of the best books in the genre I want to read.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, it was a misshapen thing born from the things I remembered of a Harry Potter book and a cartoon I used to like at the time. I never finished it, but I'm still fond of it whenever chance drags my eyes to its words.
What is your writing process?
I basically think of an idea and most of the story starts to form in my mind. And then I set a date for my deadline and write until that future date becomes a past, by which time i would have enough guilt to get me through those last dark days of writing that would see my story complete.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
No.
How do you approach cover design?
Just like anything else, from behind.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The Count of Monte Cristo - the first book I truly loved, Les Misérables - the first book that made me want to shed some tears, The Jew In The Box - because it's a really great book, The Descendants - the book that made me want to be a writer, Prince of Nothing - the first fantasy series that I loved even to its ending.
What do you read for pleasure?
Anything. I don't have a fixed type of book I always prefer, but I do have a weakness for fantasy and science fiction books. But I'm always disappointed by them and so love those books most collectively call literary fiction.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My phone.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Self-publishing.
Describe your desk
Blank. I don't have a writing desk.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
Addis Ababa. I have no idea.
When did you first start writing?
Two years ago.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Death and misconception.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Opportunity.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Will let you know when I find out.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Immersion into another world and the characters I get to meet.
What do your fans mean to you?
Nothing, I'm not aware of having any fans.
What are you working on next?
A fantasy book called 'KINGDOM'. It's about magic basically...um...I think? After that is done I hope to start on a monstrous thing called 'Sunshine'. It's a book about a middle aged man who considers suicide after he gives up trying to get over his wife's death which happened three years ago.
Who are your favorite authors?
Paulo Coelho, Emily Bronte, Anne Tyler, Kaui Hart Hemmings, Steig Larsson, Sydney Sheldon, R. Scott Bakker and George R. R. Martin are a few.
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