Author Interview: Barry K. Nelson
I am fresh off my blog tour and release party, that took my away from any Author Features in May. But I am ready to jump right back in with an author interview. Today I have Barry K. Nelson, author of the McKenzie Files series. I am glad to have you here Barry. Start by telling me a bit about yourself.
BKN: I currently live in Clairton PA. A small town in the Pittsburgh PA area. I’m 54 years old. Born on July 10th, 1959. My interests are X-box gaming, movies, gardning.
RF: When did you start writing?
BKN: I first started writing when I was in high school. I was always very good with it. On a professional level I started about fourteen years ago when I penned my very first novel.
RF Tell us about McKenzie Files.
BKN: McKenzie Files is the first book in a series. It’s a series of adventures involving my main character Colin McKenzie, Diane Christy, and Kelly Lytton. Three characters who are genetically engineered beings called Reploids. Reploids look human and blend into human society. Some Reploids are just like norman humans. But others, like my three charaters, have superhuman powers. My story takes place in the far future when a viral outbreak forces the human race to abandon Earth and seek a new home out in deep space. They establish an empire of colony worlds called the United Protectorate. After a while the United Protectorate makes contact wit ha hostile race of aliens called the Brelac, and a war breaks out. I like to think of mcKenzie Files as a cross betwen Star Wars and Marvel Comic’s X-Men.
RF:Who do you find to be a huge inspiration?
BKN: Rod Sterling, Steven King, Gene Roddenbury, Stan Lee.
RF: What are you reading right now?
BKN: As far as books are concerned nothing right now. But I do keep up with the new Marvel comics. Spider Man, Hulk, X-Men.
RF: What is the most embarrasing mistake that you’ve made as a writer?
BKN: I wouldn’t exacly call this a mistake. But a year ago I was invited to make a presentation on stage with a group of other writers. In spite of spending a full day rehersing what I wanted to say when my turn came up I only managed to get out twenty words or so. Then I had to walk off. That day the embarasment level was in the high numbers.
RF: What is the one thing that always gets in the way of your writing?
BKN: I’d have to say my addiction to my X-box games. And my overconfidence that I can get my work caught up the next day. At times the next day ends up being the next week.
RF: Are there any more projects that you’re working on? And when might we see them?
BKN: I’ve recently completed the third installment in my McKenzie Files series. Obliteration, McKenzie Files Book Three. I expect my publisher to complete their editing and release it soon. In the meantime I’m working on McKenzie Files Book Four. And I’m also wrking on a fully animated movie of my first book. I’m also starting work on a graphic novel. I’m trying to get all three projects done by the end of the year. I have a lot to keep me busy.
RF: What secrets would you share with aspiring writers?
BKN: Be persistent and don’t let rejections discourage you. And if you’re a first time writer then try to look for the smaller or new publishers to submit your work to. I found that you are least likely to be rejected.
RF: This is one of my favorite questions to ask writers. You’re throwing a fiction character party. What fictional characters would you like to invite? And why?
BKN: I’d like to invite Bruce Banner from the Hulk comic series. I think that it would be interesting conversing with a man who has such a destructive alter ego. But I’d keep him away from the booze. And possibly James Bond. Maybe he’d give me a few dating tips.
Alright, thanks so much to Barry for stopping by my blog. You can have one of my author features too. They are free and a great way to let me help you spread the word on your books. Find out more here: LINK