Interview with Johan M. Dahlgren
Published 2015-02-13.
When did you first start writing?
I always wrote stories as a kid, but then I grew up and I forgot about it. Then, the other year, I decided to see if I could still do it, and I sat down and wrote Under a Dark Sky.
Apparently it's like riding a bicycle.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
It may not be the first one, but the earliest one I do remember was a story I wrote about the adventures of two of my cuddly toys. I still have it somewhere.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
The chance to get my story out there.
I love to write, but writing for an audience of one is like singing in the shower. It's fun, but the most feedback you can hope for is someone pounding on the wall and yelling for you to get on with your life.
Who are your favorite authors?
Richard Morgan, Ian M. Banks, James S.A. Corey, Ian McDonald, Gavin G. Smith
How do you approach cover design?
Like everything in life: It's all a big mess of trial and error.
I like to get my hands dirty, so I try to do as much of the design work done myself. I am lucky to have graphically talented friends and colleagues who pitch in with feedback.
What's the story behind your latest book?
What would happen if someone claimed to be one of the most famous people humanity has ever known and had the evidence to back it up?
Mayhem and violence, is my guess, and that is exactly what happens in Under a Dark Sky when it looks like the second coming is upon us.
What do you read for pleasure?
Violent science fiction and books about quantum physics and black holes.
Describe your desk
There's a laptop, two screens, lots of speakers, headphones and a cuddly mammoth.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I like to go downhill skiing, sampling locally brewed beer and Scottish whisky, watching movies and TV series. And building websites.
What are you working on next?
I am writing the sequel to Under a Dark Sky, currently titled Under a Winter Sun.
It's more of the same fare, but this time we will get to travel to another planet in the Hope system. And there will be lots of strong female characters that will get to kick Asher Perez around.
And Wagner will be back, bigger and badder than ever.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
