About Norman Turrell:
I was a passionate reader of science-fiction from an early age. I grew up in the 1970’s, an inspirational time for scientific endeavour. Being mathematical by nature, I had an appetite for computing and completed a degree in the 80’s, going on later to receive an Masters degree in artificial intelligence. I spent a lot of time on my career in software, but in the last four years I have turned to writing creative fiction. Being very practical, I run two writers critique groups which provide invaluable insight into the craft and help me with my efforts. My first book ‘Alice in Virtuality’ was published 2012 and ‘Points of Possibility’ followed in 2016. I write continuously.
What inspires you to write?
Reading and watching great fiction inspires me to create stories of my own. I want to tell stories to entertain, to make people think and imagine.
Tell us about your writing process.
There are three types of writer: the plotter, the ‘pantser’, and a hybrid of the two. The plotter methodically plans. The ‘pantser’ works by the seat of their pants, creating on the fly. I always thought I would be a plotter, having a logical mind. I do to some extent, but not hugely. I guess writing for me is a creative experience that is best done outside my structured approach.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
My characters talk to me in the sense most have very clear personalities and ‘tell’ me whether they fit or don’t fit the actions I am describing them taking. In a way, they stamp their feet and say ‘I’m not doing that’. Quite right they are too.
What advice would you give other writers?
To write, just write. Pour your thoughts, feelings and imagination onto the page continuously. Read everything you can on the techniques of the craft. Join writers groups; you can not work in isolation.
But you probably also want to publish, to be successful in that way. I’m afraid that is very difficult. Persevere, because if its what you want, you must.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
My first book was self-published as an experiment in investigating how the process works. My second book was free so I wasn’t interested in trying to get a publisher. My third, a longer novel, will be submitted to publishers as I have found self-publishing to be incredibly difficult to undertake alone. I still expect to have to use the skills I’ve attained with that book also.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think there will be an increase in collaborations of authors, all pursuing self-publishing and who will help each other with marketing. Traditional publishing will remain, but will put more and more pressure on the author to market themselves online and live. The ease of being able distribute will make the market very competitive and only the most dedicated will succeed.
What do you use?: Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: Science-fiction, fantasy, strange
What formats are your books in?: eBook
Website(s)
Norman Turrell Home Page Link
Your Social Media Links
Facebook
Twitter
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.
