About Arthur McMahon:
Arthur McMahon is an independent author of fiction and non-fiction, publisher, and outdoor adventurer.
Arthur’s passion for writing began as a child when he found that he preferred writing essays to taking exams. Having graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Arthur enjoys recording the world which surrounds him. His backpacking journeys and other escapades have been recorded in numerous articles and in his own published trail journal, Adventure and The Pacific Crest Trail.
Fiction never loosens its hold on Arthur’s thoughts, especially the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Frostarc is Arthur’s debut novel, and his Silhouette novellas are set in the same space-pioneering universe. Reviews have praised Arthur for his suspenseful writing and exciting action.
As a self-proclaimed nomad and traveler, Arthur will always have new stories to tell. His latest works can be found in print or as ebooks on Amazon. You can stay up to date on Arthur McMahon’s latest projects at ArthurMcMahon.com or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
What inspires you to write?
It started when I a kind and discovered that I enjoyed writing essays more than taking exams. I’ve always enjoyed writing. I graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism, but creative writing has always been my true passion.
I travel to see new vistas in real life, and I explore far-off worlds in my imagination. The possibilities of our future intrigue me.
Tell us about your writing process.
It stars with jotting down some basic ideas and trying to put together a setting and some interesting characters. Once I have those basics I start writing a first draft without much of an outline to go by. I figure out the story as I go, letting the world and characters direct the flow through their personalities and desires.
I consider my first draft to be an outline. I don’t edit it for grammar or plot holes. Once the first draft is complete I put together a more structured outline of the story and throw the first draft away. I begin the second draft with a much better understanding of the whole and this is where the true work begins. I write this draft to completion and edit it like there is no tomorrow.
I recently picked up the Scrivener program for writing and I love it. It truly helps me organize my story.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Since I let my characters direct the flow of their stories I am always listening to them. I cannot force them to go down a path that they would not choose themselves. I create the characters, but they create the story.
What advice would you give other writers?
Don’t panic. Do it for love, not for money.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I’ve worked enough in management that I’ve become fed up with having others tell me how to do my work, and so I chose to pursue self-publishing over tradition publishers.
That is not to say that I do not appreciate my editors and critical readers, because I do, but I am more interested in pursuing my own goals, building my own business and career.
I would advise new authors to explore whichever direction their heart pulls them in. Traditional publishing can be of great benefit to many people, but it is not what I wanted.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think the line between what is a book and is not a book is going to continue to blur. With technology continuing to advance as it is we are going to see authors create stories that involve interchangeable images, interactive elements, shareable features, social connections and more. Printed books will always have an audience, but the meaning of the terms ‘book’ and ‘author’ are going to continue to expand. We will see more experimentation from independent authors followed by slow transitions by the big publishers.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: science fiction, horror, dark fantasy
What formats are your books in?: eBook, Print, Both eBook and Print, Audiobook
Website(s)
Arthur McMahon Home Page Link
Link To Arthur McMahon Page On Amazon
Link to Author Page on other site
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Instagram
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
