This week, it is my great honour to present author Ian D Moore, not only author of Salby Damned but the mastermind behind the Indies for Charity group who are a collection of world wide authors, banding together to create an anthology for charity. Their first title, You’re not Alone, was released last year, with the plans for an additional title this year. Let’s meet the author.
About the author
Tell us a little bit about yourself. (Author Bio)
Born in Sutton Coldfield, England, Ian served with the British Army for four years both here and abroad.
Ian works full time as a national trucker and also owns his own internet based business. Having been writing short stories and poetry for many years his first published novel, Salby Damned, was released in July 2014.
Ian has since written a short story collection book for children, just to see if he could. That book, The Amazing Adventures Of Ken Brown – Australian Wombat is almost ready for publication.
He now lives and works in Goole, East Yorkshire. Ian recently headed the first group anthology created for charity entitled You’re Not Alone, featuring a host of talented authors from this group.
You’ll find it on Amazon so please, help us to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support by buying your copy.
He is currently one of the admin team of the esteemed IASD facebook group.
What are your hobbies?
I used to play a lot of snooker years ago, not so much now. My time tends to be split between writing, reading and my two sons
Which writers inspire you?
Every writer inspires me in some way, with each new title I read I am drawn to style, prose, plots and characters. My list here would be extremely long from the classics right through to today’s emerging writers and those more well-known.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or paper/hard back books?
For convenience, my kindle ebook reader but I do love a good ‘real’ book, indeed my collection grows of signed paperbacks from the IASD group authors, funds permitting. It has become somewhat of an obsession.
What are you reading at present?
The Gambler – Christoph Fischer and Paralyzer – Silas Payton
What is your favourite book and why?
A book called PORTENT – James Herbert because it really made me think about the planet, what we do to it and continue to do to it and where it will end.
What is your favourite film/ series and why?
Film: The Green Mile, powerful, emotional and bitter-sweet. My kind of movie. Series: I really liked a mini-series called The Leftovers. Paranormal and a good insight into what would happen to those left behind should something like “The Rapture” ever occur.
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Having had the humble pleasure to work with so many to create a combined book for charity. I am very proud of that and of those who took part in whatever capacity. It is something I will never forget.
How do you relax?
I sleep. No, seriously… If I’m not sleeping I’m always doing something. Life is manic at the best of times. I look forward to holidays with a passion so that I can switch off for just a short while.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Join the IASD. If you have a story, write it. The ins and outs of getting it polished and out there, we can help you with so don’t be overwhelmed by it. Stay humble, grounded, and focused. Never be afraid to ask for help or guidance, I’m not.
If your friends could use one word to describe you what would it be?
Stubborn… probably, and they would be right.
About writing
What made you realise your calling as an author?
Calling? No, need would be more appropriate. Writing helps me to de-stress, it takes me away from my world and casts me into one I make up. I’m fortunate to have been able to sell such musings with my first book. To those who bought it, my sincere thanks and gratitude.
Where do your ideas come from, what inspires you?
Life experiences, new experiences, people-watching and work are where my main storylines come from. I’ve a slightly dark thought process and while I have optimism for the future, underneath there’s always a story to be created. Most of my, long work shifts are spent mulling over plots, characters or scenes.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It took just 6 weeks to actually write Salby Damned. In reality 60% of it was written on a mobile phone, originally posted in very rough form to facebook. When it got too big, my sister, Helen suggested I write my first novel. THEN I took the path to being a writer, if ever there was a pivotal point. A further 9 months of blood, sweat and a bucket load of tears would pass before I got the book right. Trial and error, mainly error.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I tend to write as it comes to me, or out of me. A little like opening a sluice gate — sometimes it flows in torrents, sometimes it slows to a trickle but there’s always more precipitation in the clouds in my head. It’s just a matter of time.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Constantly questioning myself about whether what I have done is good enough. Followed closely by the dreaded editing.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
There is no easy thing to writing, it is a constant learning curve; something we evolve into that rarely comes naturally at a professional level to anyone. I’m sure I speak for many when I say that I wish it was easy, it is as much about self-perseverance, tenacity and sheer imagination as it is about simply creating a book.
Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so, how do you deal with it?
I tend to write short, daft poems from time to time, never published and never will be. With my work for the IASD group admin team, that tends to focus my mind away from any WIP so I get the chance to regroup if I should get stuck. Distraction is the key.
How many books have you written, which is your favourite?
Written just the one full novel, Salby Damned. It is my baby. Been a party to another novel length anthology in You’re Not Alone as well as another collection called Holes, by Eric Lahti.
What are you working on at the moment?
Sequel to Salby Damned entitled Salby Evolution and another paranormal based idea to be entitled Being Within. I have outline plans for a semi-biography entitled Turbulence, but that’s a long, long way off yet.
About the books
What genre are your books?
Action/Adventure/Thriller best describes them. The Anthology is multi-genre.
What book titles have you released so far?
Salby Damned and You’re Not Alone. Also a children’s book called The Amazing Adventures of Ken Brown which has yet to be illustrated and is back on the bench for the time being.
Where can we buy them?
All titles are available on amazon worldwide and in print via createspace or if you prefer, by contacting me directly.
Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?
Two characters, Nathan Cross, a tough but gentle ex-army widower turned journalist who has a talent for ‘fixing things’ and his shadow, the lovely but mysterious Evelyn Shepherd, a lady with more to her than meets the eye. She’s beautiful, smart and in her own way, deadly. They make a good team and have a growing rapport. There will be much more from those two in the future.
Who is your favourite character and why? (an unfair question I know)
In Salby Damned, I got the most pleasure from creating Colin Snape, his character was one that really set my senses on fire. As a secondary answer, Max Power’s book – Darkly Wood, features a character called Woody, he’s up there in my favourites too.
In what formats is your book available?
You’ll find Salby Damned in both paperback and all ebook formats available worldwide.
When is your next book due for release?
Hmmm, there’s a question. I’m hoping to have it done later on this year. It is a work in progress from which I have taken time out to complete this very interview. It has a new POV and is new ground for me, so I’ll be extremely nervous when it finally comes to release. That said the group has, and I’m sure will continue, to give me advice and grief if it is needed to make it as good as I can.
Book titles and synopsis:
Salby Damned
A small rural town in a ruthless fight between The Shale Gas Fracking Corporation and The Residents Association sees the multi-billion pound energy company drilling beneath the town with catastrophic results. A freelance reporter teams up with a mysterious council leader in a fight to save humanity against one of science’s most fearsome and deadly creations. They must race to find a cure whilst battling against hordes of flesh eating zombies intent on one thing and one thing only………..KILLING!
You’re Not Alone – An Indie Author Anthology
An international group of indie authors, inspired by the personal grief of one, decided to collaborate in the spring of 2015 in a project to create this multi-genre smorgasbord of original short stories, all with the same potent theme – relationships. Some are heartfelt, some funny, some poignant, and some are just a little bit scary – much like relationships themselves. All are by authors fired by the shared enthusiasm to give something back in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer touches us all. It has in some way affected those who have contributed their time and talent here. This is our way of showing that we care. Indie authors carry forward a revolutionary shift in publishing, which allows the author to be creative director in their own work. There are many exceptional, experienced and acclaimed writers who have decided to take this bold step in publishing. In producing this anthology we have also had the inestimable assistance on board of 
artists, graphic designers, and bloggers – all of whom have a place in our acknowledgments. You, the discerning reader, are the other vital part of this equation. By buying this book you are supporting the work of indie authors, as well as discovering their worth. You are also supporting the charity to which we have chosen to dedicate our work. 100% of the royalties earned or accrued in the purchase of this book, in all formats, will go to the Pamela Winton tribute fund, which is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Connect with the author:
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00NDTBUQ8/ref
Blog: Thequillpenwrites (site name)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iandcmoore
Goodreads: Ian D Moore on Goodreads
Twitter: @ianstories
Website: http://ccdgroupftp.co.uk/im/
Nano Site: http://ccdgroupftp.co.uk/im/
K.J's Athenaeum 
Many thanks for this opportunity KJ. Very much appreciated. Truly honoured.
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You’re very welcome, it was a pleasure to feature you.
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