Author Interview With Stephen Massie
Today we have an interview with Stephen Massie; he tells us about his book ‘When Dreams Converge’ and tells us about his favourite books and author.
What exactly do you write? (Fiction? Genre? Novel? Short story? Series? Technical or nonfiction? Articles? Reviews?)
“When Dreams Converge “, is my first novel it is an action adventure suspense thriller with a touch of intrigue. The book has received great reviews both by American and British readers. This has inspired me to write a sequel.
How would you describe yourself in a short third person bio?
Through out my life, I have had a thirst for knowledge. I have many interest including writing, engineering, sailing, nature and business.
I have travelled to many parts of the world. In fact I have visited all the locations mentioned in my novel. I have a very good imagination which I found of benefit when designing machines as an Engineer. I spent most of my life solving engineering problems within the automotive industry. My career with Ford Motor Company spanned 35 years in which time I developed from being a toolmaker to a product development manager. It enabled me to see many aspects of life. Many of these experiences I use to enhance my stories, from meeting the corporate heads of the Russian car industry to children begging on the beaches of Chennai in India.
Do you have a day-job (other than writing)?
Since retiring from Ford, I have pursued my interests in sailing, writing and business.
What made you initially want to write? Has your motivation changed since then?
I have always nurtured a desire to write a novel. Two years ago my wife and I set off in our yacht to explore the French coast and Channel Isles. It was during these voyages the inspiration to write “When Dreams Converge” transpired.
What do you think is the most important part of writing?
It is creating a piece of work that others read and enjoy. I like writing a novel that is aimed at audiences who enjoy anticipating the direction of a plot and derive pleasure from the unexpected twists in a tale.
Tell us an interesting fact about you.
This is a difficult question. What I might think is interesting is very subjective. I like the rest of humanity is interesting through existing in the first place.
Do you prefer a physical book or an ebook? Why?
To me it doesn’t matter how a story is delivered it’s the content of the story.
Are you a self-published author/indie author or did you go down the ‘traditional’ publication route? Why?
“When Dreams Converge” is my first novel. I had no idea in the structure or system of the publishing industry. I notice I could download my book into Amazon Kindle and thought it would be a good way getting reviews from readers.
Tell us a little about book When Dreams Converge.
When the dreams of wealth, power and freedom converge the nightmares begin. After a dramatic life changing event in the Dominican Republic, Luke, a keen amateur sailor, persuades his wife, Tina, to abandon their home in England. They set sail in their classic yacht to pursue dreams of adventure and freedom. As they plan for the future, a jewel thief escapes to sea with a precious medallion stolen from a ruthless terrorist leader. Buried deep in the jewel is a device which could have huge international consequences. A chance encounter with the thief thrusts Luke and Tina into a world of robbery, terrorism and murder of epic proportions. Friendships are betrayed and alliances broken in pursuit of the jewel with its hidden purpose. A web of deceit and intrigue begins to close in on the couple. But how long will it be before they realise the peril in which they are in? Their vulnerability and innocence is in stark contrast to the cold-blooded brutal world of the criminals, resulting in intense tension which grabs the reader’s imagination. In this modern day sea thriller there are many unexpected surprises. The excitement and anticipation increases as all hope appears to be lost in stopping the professional criminals from achieving their ultimate goal.
Which projects are you working on at the moment?
As I mentioned earlier I am currently working on a sequel to “When Dreams Converge”.
How has writing changed your life?
I find it inspirational. I enjoy the process of writing and being able to share my imagination with others.
Have you ever written under a pseudonym?
No, never occurred to me to do so.
Where do you get inspiration for writing from? Do you listen to music whilst writing or have a ‘writing cave’?
From day dreaming and life’s experiences. I write in complete silence. I am absorbed by the characters and the plot. I find writing very exciting.
Is there a particular form, style or genre that you’d like to have a go at writing? Why?
At present I enjoy the style I have developed in “When Dreams Converge”.
Do you think it’s necessary to have a degree (in English or another subject) in order to be a writer?
I do have an engineering degree and a MBA, however I don’t think they are necessary in writing a story. I think the main attributes are a good imagination and an awareness of life.
Favourite book and/or author(s)?
The Hound of the Baskervilles, Jaws, Lord of the Flies and many more. My favourite author is Alexander Kent
What would you say to those who want to become a writer?
There is no point in doing it if you don’t like it. If you like it what is stopping you?
Buy When Dreams Converge (UK)
Buy When Dreams Converge (USA)
Stephen Massie’s Twitter
