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Interview with Chris Deggs

Published 2018-07-19.
What are you working on next?
I am revising a book called 'Ziggurat - the real agenda in Iraq
What's the new book about?
It's mostly about mind control and manipulation by harmful alien and human agencies.
It sounds exciting. So what is it like working on a story with another author?
It's the first time I have done this, so it's a brand new experience. I worked out the plot and characterisation. Patty is helping to refine and develop the story.
How is that working out for you both?
It's great fun but also quite challenging at times. The critical thing for me is to be flexible about the characters and the storyline.
You have written many books over the years covering various subjects. How would you describe your genre in a single sentence?
Oh, that's a difficult one. I guess I would say something like, my stories are adventures about conspiracy, corruption and control.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean a great deal to me. It's satisfying to know people enjoy my stories
Who are your favorite authors?
Terry Pratchett
Ian Rankin
Nelson de Mille
Michael Chrichton
Dan Brown
Val McDermot
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
To write, Paint and enjoy friends
How do you approach cover design?
A certain degree of uniformity with font and layout
I design simple covers that stand out, Sometimes I use elements of my art
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Painting, week end market stall to promote my writing and painting
So, you write every day?
Yes. I can't wait to get started.
That's very Impressive. So, when you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Painting, going on beach and bush walks with Patty and running a market stall to promote my writing and art.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
yes I do
What is your writing process?
Nor sure how to answer this.
First the idea, Then character building. Then an outline
What's the story behind your latest book?
A quest in a race against time to discover ancient ET technology
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
the UK but I don't think it influenced my writing. I am influenced by ethical science and philosophy a sreflected in my stories
What are your five favorite books, and why?
LOTR as mentioned, because it's the best fairytale ever
MC State of Fear
MC Micro
MC The Swarm
TP The Bromeliads
What do you read for pleasure?
I find serial killer detective stories fascinating
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Promotion at local markets
Websites like smashwords
When did you first start writing?
25 years ago
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I have more control over the whole process from writing to marketing.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords has contributed hugely by publishing and promoting my books, I have nothing but the highest praise for great work of promoting authors that Smashwords does.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I guess researching the little details and coming across useful discoveries randomly adding zest to my stories
Should a book offer more than what is written on the page?
In my case I believe an underlying positive message helps my stories
What's the new book about?
It's mostly about mind control and manipulation by harmful alien and human agencies.
What inspired you to become an author?
I enjoy writing books because I enjoy creating characters and astage for them to play on. It also gives me an opportunity to exprees what I believe to be an important underlying ethical message
Why do you like writing fiction?
Fiction gives me a whole universe to play with. It allows me to present ideas that have an element of truth about them woven into a fictitious story. Fiction puts the fate of my characters in my hands.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The fact that I'm still alive and able to write my stories. I don't have a problem getting up early to work. I'm usually up and writing around 2:30 am.
Who are your favourite authors?
Oh, well Terry Pratchett, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Nelson de Mille and Michael Crichton would have to be at the top of the list.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean a great deal to me. It's satisfying to know people enjoy my stories. It's very encouraging to receive testimonials from my readers.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Oh, that was a very long time ago. I made many attempts over the years. My first serious work as an Indie author was 'Ziggurat, the real agenda in Iraq'
What is your writing process?
First I need an idea for a plot. This usually occurs while I'm writing another story. So I typically have vague concepts waiting in the wings. Then I decide on my caste. I Then develop this kernel of an idea into an outline.
Do you remember the first story you ever read and the impact it had on you?
No, but Lord of the Rings had the most significant impact on me.
How do you approach cover design?
I have a graphic design background and design my own covers. At first, I gave my book covers a degree of uniformity with font and layout. Of late I have become more flexible in my designs giving each book it's distinctive flavour but with some elements to reflect a brand.
What are your five favourite books, and why?
Lord of the Rings as mentioned, because it's the best fairytale ever. Michael Crichton's State of Fear, Micro, and The Swarm are my favourites because they tackle contemporary and controversial scientific subjects. Terry Pratchett's The Bromeliads pays attention to detail about tiny people in a human-sized world.
What do you read for pleasure?
I find serial killer detective stories fascinating. I also enjoy political thrillers, courtroom dramas and spy stories.
What book marketing techniques are most useful for you?
Publishing and distribution Platforms like Smashwords and Feedaread. Promoting my books at local markets and bookshops
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in England, but I don't think it influenced my writing. I am mostly influenced by ethical science and philosophy, as reflected in my stories.
When did you first start writing?
Seriously about 15 years ago
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest published book is a good versus evil trilogy, called Entropicus, about Artificial intelligence takeover.
What motivated you to become an Indie author?
It's the simplest and most effective way to get my stories published and out in the marketplace.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords makes it easy for me to publish and market my books.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The whole process, from the initial story concept through to the final draft. I enjoy the mixture of artistic and formulating aspects.
Should a book offer more than what is written on the page?
It all depends on the reader. Some are just happy with a good story. Others may want to delve deeper. This is why I provide links to research sources at the end of the chapters.
What inspired you to become an author?
I have always had a vivid imagination, so writing stories allow me to explore fantasy worlds in real settings. I enjoy creating characters and the stage for their performance. Being a fiction novelist also gives me an opportunity to express what I believe to be an essential underlying ethical message.
Why do you like writing fiction?
Oh, fiction gives me a whole universe to play with. It allows me to present ideas that have an element of truth about them woven into a fictitious story. Fiction puts the fate of my characters in my hands.
How does your writing differ from others in its genre?
I write in more than one genre, but my favourite one involves conspiracy stories. However, my conspiracy stories, which are generally about technology gone wrong, contain an underlying ethical message about human survival.
One last question Chris, why do you write?
That's a biggie. I write for many reasons, but when it comes down to it, I guess I write because it gives me a sense of fulfilment. Writing is mostly a solitary pursuit. I love the independence of book and the enjoyment I get from discovering new things during the research stage. Often the research gives me an idea for another writing project. I see writing as producing a verbal movie in which I play all the roles from directing, producing, starring and setting the scenes etc. I love writing fiction because I am God of my own creation. However, the main reason love to write stories is the pleasure it affords me.
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