Interview with Daniel Gibbins

Published 2014-04-15.
What do you read for pleasure?
I read all kinds of books, often dystopian fiction, end of the world sci-fi. I also read alot on wild plants as foraging is a key skill which I enjoy learning.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Actually I use my laptop most of all.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
This is all new to me, I had a website years ago but it never really took off. I am finding blogging is useful and Smashwords has already increased my public visibility.
Describe your desk
aha! My desk varies since I am Nomadic and rarely in one place. I especially enjoy quiet libraries, but at the moment I am sat an old wooden table which once came from a railway station!
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Somerset, UK. I don't know that this really influenced me at all, although I did used to read alot of adventure stories which may have been something to do with living in a tiny village where very little ever happened!
When did you first start writing?
I can remember writing when I was about 9 years old and again about 13, but back then I didn't have the patience to finish anything. I had grand ideas but no life experience on which to base them, so it wasn't until I went to Uni and took a degree in Peace Studies that my writing really took off.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I love being self-employed and in control of my work so it seemed the natural course to take.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Immersing myself in the creation of a fictional world, often utopian by design.
What do your fans mean to you?
I really appreciate feedback and it means everything when my writing resonates with someone who reads it. the readers are afterall the reason I write. I hope my ideas inspire other people and when they do I am totally stoked.
What are you working on next?
I am currently working on non-fiction book - a critique of contemporary consumer society with suggestions for future solutions.
Who are your favorite authors?
I go on books rather than authors, some of my favourites are; The day of the Triffids, Natures End, The long dark Tea-Time of the Soul. There are heaps more but those are all I can remember just now!
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Books by This Author

Freeology
You set the price! Words: 4,480. Language: English. Published: May 30, 2014 . Categories: Essay » Sociology, Essay » Political
All the issues which afflict people and the planet: climate change, pollution, inequality, conflict, oppression, lack of freedom, consumerism and capitalism, have but one solution; a return to the land and simplicity of life. 'Freeology' is a challenge to the corporations and governments who put profit before people and the environment. Download for Free! Donate if you enjoy. Review if you like!
Fruitopia
Price: $3.35 USD. Words: 3,330. Language: English. Published: May 19, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Children's Books » Adventure & Adventurers, Nonfiction » Children's Books » Science & Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection
Fruitopia is set in a parallel reality where the world has been affected by super-storms. Oscar, a young boy finds a door in the back of his mind through which he enters a parallel reality where the roads have been turned into cycle paths,and planted with fruit trees and herbs. There is no school, no work and time is Art. Oscar surfs everyday, forages for food and picks fruit in the bio-domes.
Jeff the Hedge - Landless Not Homeless
Price: $3.35 USD. Words: 9,800. Language: English. Published: May 10, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Travel, Fiction » Inspirational
Jeff is a homeless man living rough on the streets, sleeping in doorways and begging for food. Life is a struggle, made worse by the endless harassment he gets from the homeless patrol brought in to clean up the image of the town. One day he finds a tent discarded beside a bin and leaves town. His life then becomes an unexpected journey of self discovery and understanding of society.
Urban Fox and the Wild Woods
You set the price! Words: 3,800. Language: English. Published: April 16, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Animals » Foxes, Fiction » Children’s books » Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
This story is set long after oil has run out and people have returned to living as tribal hunter gatherers. A wise elder narrates this story about a fox who lived in the cities surviving on food scraps he finds in the bins. He describes to the children (who have never seen a city), what life was like and takes them on an adventure as Urban Fox journeys to the Wild Woods.
Free Wi-Fi
You set the price! Words: 2,670. Language: English. Published: April 3, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Utopias & dystopias
Ted was a computer technician when he became concerned about the health implications of Wi-Fi. Researching the effects led him to the conclusion that not only was Wi-Fi radiation unsafe in the human environment but it also had more sinister uses. Ted sets out on a journey to escape the effects and expose the truth. (Some strong language.) Please review and donate to support the artist.