Welcome back for the conclusion of our chat with H.G. Howell, author of The Spark.
Read Part One here.
Read Part Two here.
Read Part Three here.
Airship Ambassador: What story would you like to write but haven’t, yet?
H.G. Howell: A hard sci-fi thriller/horror. I have a basis of an idea but need to find a greater inspiration to drive the plot beyond a chapter.
AA: Writing can be a challenge some days. What are some of your methods to stay motivated and creative?
HGH: Not being afraid to just take a break for a day or so. Sometimes those hard days happen due to creative burn out and you just gotta let the brain relax. Other times I will just sort of pick at the chapter with a paragraph or two a day until I get the second wind.
AA: In your experience, does it seem like readers prefer a print or electronic format? Do you have a preference?
HGH: I can’t speak for my readers, but for myself I prefer print. Yes I appreciate the trees but there is something simply unnatural about eReaders.
AA: Have you been affected by electronic piracy of your work? Aside from the loss of a sale, how does this affect you/make you feel?
HGH: I have. I come across sites with downloads of my book. At first I was upset but now I realize it is actually a good thing. Why? Because at this stage in my writing career I just need to get my name out there. If someone is taking my work and letting others get it for free…well than that is just my name getting out there.
AA: Most of the authors I’ve talked with have some type of day job and that writing is their other job. What has that situation been for you and how has it helped/hindered begin a published writer?
HGH: I work in the Canadian Wine Industry and that has impacted me on such a deep level that it has spilled over into the narrative. Wine is featured quite heavily in this book.
AA: Looking beyond steampunk, writing and working, what other interests fill your time?
HGH: Spending time with my family, road trips, golf…a rather simple list of interests.
AA: How do those interests influence your work?
HGH: Outside of the importance of my family I wouldn’t say my other interests influence my work.
AA: What is on your to-be read or watched pile right now?
HGH: Right now Dickens. Absolutely in love with Mr. Charles Dickens. Best writer ever.
AA: What event or situation has had the most positive impact in your life? What has been your greatest challenge?
HGH: The day I became a father.
AA: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
HGH: If you want to be a writer then be one.
AA: Three quick-fire random questions – what is your favorite flavor, pattern, and movie theme?
HGH: Pink, Solid and a toss up between the Hans Zimmer Man of Steel theme or Dark Knight theme.
AA: Any final thoughts to share with our readers
HGH: You can’t live your dreams whilst your sleeping.
Thanks, H.G., for joining us for this interview and for sharing all of your thoughts. We look forward to hearing about your next projects!
Keep up to date with H.G.’s latest news on Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook.
You can support H.G. and our community by getting your copy of The Spark here.
Airship Ambassador 
Leave a Reply