Chat with Ian Gessey!

I met Ian Gessey when he put a call out for reviews of a short story - which I took a chance to read. BOY was I happy [and slightly agitated] I responded! You can read my review here, and see why I was ever so POSITIVELY disappointed: The Assignment. [ HINT: IT WAS TOO SHORT!]

Ian has released yet another short story, and I am yet to read it, but be assured once I do, you will get my honest review ... I do love the man's work! In the mean time, I kinda stalked him into having a chat with us! You can thank me RIGHT after you read his new work too!

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written/want to write?
Well first of all my chosen profession is not "author"; I work full time in Telecoms and have only recently started writing fiction.

I have four beautiful children, a crazy Cavachon puppy and a very supportive wife.
To date, I have three short stories out there, but my intention is to get into double figures as soon as I can!

Me: You know, I feel the same way about the word 'author'. AND I had to look up what a Cavachon puppy is! The cutest damn things is what they are!

What Genre do you write, and what genre do you enjoy reading?
I love thought provoking stories with a twist - ones that you have to re-read to fully understand the characters motives and influences.

I dont like graphic violence, sex or swearing in literature for personal reasons - having four young girls I want to feel that they can read my work if they really want to...in fact my eldest "test reads" my books.
I guess we are all so busy, finding time to read a novel can be a challenge - that's why I choose to write short stories that can generally be read in about an hour.
Growing up I read a lot of James Herbert novels - The Magic Cottage is a particular favourite of mine.
If I'm honest, I prefer non-fiction as I love reading about real events in people's lives.

Me: Well, you write what you read - at least, that is the perception I got from the short of yours that I've read! I also LOVE that you keep your work access friendly to your kids! That is amazing and very rare these days [unless specifically for children]. 

What is the name of your latest book/s and what inspired it?
The latest book "The Haunting of Mark Swift" was inspired by a dream I had...without giving too much of the plot away, I wanted to explore the notion of where a dream ends and what effect it has on your day.

To cram it into a short story was a challenge and sacrifices were made, but as with all my fiction, I want the reader to extend my created world in their own mind; to provide their own motives for the characters I create.

Me: I love, LOVE how you think - and can't wait to get into this one... but honestly Ian, I also want to encourage you to expand, if by writing a series of shorts on the same topic! The last work had me REELING! 

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Binge writing!

I tend to have a sudden flow of ideas, then i am faced with having to get them down while they are fresh in my mind.
I can go all week without a conclusion, then it comes to me and I can't write fast enough!

Me: HAHA!! THIS is the BEST thing about it... and I admit to not having heard anyone mention this before! I suppose at some point we all turn into a bit of a 'Nutty Professor' types. 

What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Herbert was a big influence, as was Sebastian Jungers' fascinating work "The Perfect Storm"

Me: Never read Sebastian, and now I have a new person added to my TBR list. This is one of my favourite thing about meeting other writers!

What are you working on now?
At the moment I am still working on fictional short stories - ideas are coming thick and fast so I just have to control them!

Me: Just let the flood gates open, do it, doooo iiiit!!!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have only tried Twitter and Facebook at the moment; there are lots of free channels so hopefully my work will gain momentum.

Me: I hear you! Marketing can be time consuming to set up - but I also say that you shouldn't be fussed by it until you're ready to give it the deserved attention. I am 'old fashioned' about my marketing and prefer not to automate/spam - I'll spam manually haha.

Do you have any advice for new authors like yourself?
Enjoy what you are writing - there is no point "labouring" over a book - it has to come to you.

Dont be afraid to ditch an idea if its not workable.
Self publishing is a great way to get your work out there. Just make sure it's grammatically accurate and spell checked as the audience you pitch to can be quite critical - too right, especially if they are paying for your work!

Me: ABSOLUTELY LOVED this. Thank you Ian!


What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Slowly tap the Ketchup bottle

None will come, then a lot'll

Me: Laughs - I think that about sums it up!

From beginning to end, how long does/did it take you to write your book?
"The Cornish Coast" took about six months as i needed it to be as accurate as possible.

Fiction short stories - generally a week to ten days if I am on form!

Me: Oh that is superb!! And yes, research can be taxing on time!

What are you reading now?
Umberto Eco's "The Name of The Rose" - I saw the movie years ago and decided to compare. Loving it so far.

Me: Oh sooo many new things for this Dutchie to check out! Will get to that too!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to keep the fiction coming and I want it to be priced right.

99p or 99c is perfectly adequate for a short story...I don't want to undervalue my work, but I don't want to put people off either.

Me: I really love that, and your ideals are solid - I think for the shorter writing the 0.99c is perfect - though I admit, I think your writing is worth more than that.

Tell us something very few people know about you! [Like, I suck my thumb when I am about to kill off someone!]
I once hid behind a cupboard for a double lesson of English for a dare while we had a drunk supply teacher - my school friends passed me my work books and a hand held game, so I was happy!

Me: OH mai greatness! I snorted so hard about this! Fan-tastic!

What is your favorite book of all time?
Fiction - The Magic Cottage  ---  Non Fiction - Withnails - Richard E Grant

Where can we get your blog/books or writing?
My books are available from Amazon only - the easiest link is

Amazon Link to Profile: iangessey.uk

You can follow me on Twitter @Ian_Gessey if you REALLY want to!

And that folks, in a nutshell, is the humble, funny and very sweet Ian Gessey. Thank you all for reading, and I hope you will check out his work. It is well worth it!
Thank you all for being here, and supporting the Indie Author communities too... without you, we'd have a little less reason to write!
xxx
Adri