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Interview with William Parker


He is a 23-year-old author from Lincoln, United Kingdom. He writes primarily science fiction and fantasy novels; his latest work is called The Cloudscape Chronicles - a comedic punk sci-fi novel set in an alternate world to ours. 

William enjoys historical nonfiction in his spare time; learning about history in general is a bit of a hobby for him. He loves cats, tea (in a stereotypically British fashion), and going outdoors. His writing journey began when he was 12 years old, but the Cloudscape Chronicles is the only novel he has released to the public; however, there will be more coming down the line.


Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know?
A.
My favorite show is The Sopranos. It’s not something I always admit because people who haven’t seen the show tend to assume it’s a mob show and nothing more, but there is so much more to it, especially if you like psychology! Some of the characters from that have certainly influenced my own writing.

Q.2 Are we going to read more from you in the near future? Any new project you’re working on?
A.
I am currently working on a sequel to my work the Cloudscape Chronicles. I want it to be set in a new location with new characters, using the first story as a bouncing off point to explore something different.

Q.3 What inspired you to write The Cloudscape Chronicles?
A.
I wanted to tell a story about a man on the brink brought back from death. I wanted to show how he would change and what motivated him to do so. That was the original ‘light bulb’ moment that led me to create the world of the Cloudscape and the other characters within it.

Q.4 What is the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
A.
Because I am male, I often feel that I am doing my female characters an injustice by not having the ability to work in their shoes completely. That’s why I always strive to make my female characters as real as they can be, and make them integral to the story even if I don’t have a female lead this time around.

Q.5 How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
A.
I tend to get an idea of the beginning and the end of the novel, then begin writing. The middle usually happens organically; I let the story take me in new directions I couldn’t see before I started writing. In that sense, I don’t plan every detail but let the story bloom on its own.

Q.6 How do you see the future of science fiction literature? Will sci-fi maintain its independence or intertwine with other literary genres?
A.
I think science fiction has a challenge in the fact that reality is catching up with it. The technology, therefore, can’t wow us as much as it used to. Sci-fi will only keep its place as a top genre if the dreamers keep dreaming about new futures.

Q.7 How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
A.
It can take me a year and a half to two years to write something, no matter the length.

Q.8 What’s your writing schedule while working?
A.
I like to write at least once a week, but I don’t stick to the mantra of writing every single day as I like to spend time chewing on ideas and letting them grow.

Q.9 Is classic science fiction literature different from modern science fiction literature? Have the key aims of the genre changed considerably or not?
A.
I feel that classic sci-fi focused more on humanity on Earth, be that alien visitors or HG Wells and his inventions like the time machine. Nowadays, space and our exploration into it have taken over the sci-fi genre, The Expanse being a good example. The cosmos is a place people are eager to explore.

Q.10 What do you think are the main reasons of the popularity of science fiction? To what extent has the film industry helped in popularizing the genre?
A.
Films have been key, without them we wouldn’t have the exact pictures we call to mind when thinking about Science Fiction tropes. The main reason for the popularity is sci-fi explores that key question: What if?

Q.11 Is it vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing? Tell us about your marketing campaign?
A.
I tend to write the story from my heart then see afterwards if people will come along, if I worried too much about appealing to specific demographics then I wouldn’t write what I wanted. But marketing afterward is key, and I believe it is a slow process.

Q.12 Science fiction has a long history. Which era do you consider the most influential period in the whole history of the genre?
A. The late 70s, with the release of Star Wars, transformed the genre forever, but we have Isaac Asimov and others to thank for building the bricks that let Star Wars exist.

Q.13 If your book is made into the movie, whom would you like to play the role of Alphie Ateal?
A.
Maybe a younger Timothy Olyphant would fit the role. He usually plays a wisecracking lawman, but I can see him playing someone who has immense intelligence but is down on their luck, like Alphie.

Q.14 Who designed your book cover? How do you select them?
A.
I did it myself, which is where the problem is. I am currently working on a new book cover and will release it in the future.

Q.15 What advice you give to aspiring writers who want to explores themes related to sci-fi in their writing?
A.
I would say that you need to utilize the online space and be willing to invest at a loss to get your work out there. The dream of an audience is something I’m very much still working on, so maybe I’m not best suited to give the advice.

Q.16 How do you select the names of your characters?
A.
I go by the sound and alliteration, something that pops off the page and is memorable.

Q.17 What do you want readers to take away from your book?
A.
I want them to take away a lot of things, but mainly to have hope in the face of impossible odds.

Q.18 Which famous person, living or dead, would you like to meet and why?
A.
I think I would like to have met Terry Pratchett. His world astounds me to this day.

Q.19 What is your favorite book from other authors and why?
A. A Storm of Swords
by George Martin might be close to my favorite, but it’s very difficult to pick just one.

Q.20 Share the experience of your writing journey so far?
A.
It’s been a bumpy road of having the idea but then trying to execute it. I’ve scrapped many ideas, and knowing I had one that was good and carrying it to the finish line was a great experience. Now comes the hard part of getting you all to read it! 


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