Alan McDermott is a good friend. His first self-published novel, Gray Justice, caught the attention of the reading world, propelling him into the bestsellers ranks on Amazon. He has since followed that up with four more novels about Tom Gray and his friends who stop chaos around the world. Now a full-time author, he took a few minutes to tell Written Words what he loves best, and least, about being a writer.
Which element of fiction is most important to you as a writer?
Alan McDermott: There are many things that I focus on when writing a book. First off, the story has to have a believable plot and be fast paced, with as much action as possible. If I can’t throw in a firefight, I try to crank up the intrigue instead. Almost as important is getting the little details right. Knowing the weapons to use is crucial, but when it comes to things like the Brigandicuum surveillance system I created, it had to be realistic. Not so much “likely to happen” as “could happen.” I’ve since learned that the United Kingdom’s Communications Headquarters has much of the capabilities I dreamed up, which I find kind of frightening! The only thing I tend to refrain from is too much sexual detail.
What part of writing do you spend the most time on: research, writing, editing, making coffee or cleaning your work space?
Alan McDermott: Sadly, coffee and Facebook! I get distracted quite easily, which is why I like to spend a couple of days a week at the library with just a pen and notepad. I get most of my work done there, and the rest of the time is spent typing it up and making small edits as I go.
Which of these do you enjoy most?
Alan McDermott: Definitely the library! I usually get more done in five hours than I do when I spend two days sitting at home on my laptop. I think it’s the thought of being in an office-like environment that makes me focus, rather than sitting in the living room with easy access to the TV and other distractions.
What do you wish you had to do less?
Alan McDermott: It is not on the list, but I would say marketing. I’m pretty hopeless at it, but thankfully my publisher does a great job with new releases. Being an introvert, I’m not one to shout about my books from the rooftops. Not a good trait for an author, I know.
Which of your books or other works are you personally happiest with? Why?
Alan McDermott: So far, I’d have to say Gray Vengeance. It is the fifth title in the Tom Gray series, and the one in which I introduced the Brigandicuum surveillance system created by the NSA and used by the British Government. I’ve since learned, through the Wikileaks website, that the UK already has something very close to it, in that they have the ability to hack into phones and computers and effectively take control of them. I’m also pretty excited about my latest book, Gray Salvation, which will be released on March 8, 2016, and my WIP is shaping up nicely, too. There’s a twist in it that I hope few will see coming.
What part of writing or publishing do you think you could help other writers with?
Alan McDermott: Good question! I don’t really consider myself that accomplished that I could offer any kind of advice, to be honest. I realise that I am still learning the trade, and that the huge blockbuster inside me is still a few years off. I know that I’m improving certain aspects of my writing with each new release, but there’s still some way to go before I become the go-to guy for writing advice.
Thanks very much, Alan!
Alan McDermott is a full time author from the south of England, married with beautiful twin daughters. He used to write critical software applications for the NHS, but now he spends his days writing action thrillers.
His debut novel, Gray Justice, has been very well received and earned him membership in http://independentauthorsinternational.org. He was subsequently picked up by Thomas & Mercer, who published his first five books, with another on the way.
Alan is currently working on his seventh novel.
The entire five-novel Tom Gray series will be on sale from Amazon.com for $2 all through November.
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