{Below is an interview done recently with Owen Quinn, author of The Time Warriors.}
Hi Scott, thanks for talking with the Time Warriors today.
First up, can you tell our readers a little about yourself?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of a mathematician mother and basketball loving father, and so naturally my passion became writing!
It all began as a youth when I wrote tales to go with the computer game Oregon Trail, creating stories to go with Jimmie getting typhoid or Susie getting small pox. Oh the fun of younger days... but one must advance. From there I tackled poetry and received a $100 prize in High School for winning a poetry contest. In college I earned degrees in Journalism and Public Relations.
Later I married my wonderful wife, Laura, and we now have an amazing daughter that fills our lives with such joy! Just before I met Laura the idea came to me to write a Fantasy story based on the story of Noah's Ark in the Bible. It was a 'what if' tale centering on Maanta, a merboy who descends from people who, instead of drowning in the flood, adapted to be mer people. Because of Noah's age when he died in the Bible that also left things open for me to incorporate Noah in the book as well. Thus 'The Ark of Humanity' was born.
Since then I have been inspired by other things and have gone on to write Eden Legacy and Lazarus, Man. Eden Legacy is another Fantasy work and Lazarus, Man is the story of Lazarus of Bethany, told through tale and tribulation.
I've joined forces with other authors as a member of Breakwater Harbor Books and am enthusiastic about the worlds and stories to come!
My family is my most treasured achievement.
I don't just choose to write. Writing is a part of me.
Were you a Sci-Fi fan growing up? What shows did you watch?
Wow, yes I was always and always will be a Sci-Fi / Fantasy fan. I loved Star Trek, Sliders, and anything Star Wars, but my all time favorite Sci-Fi / Fantasy show is Far Scape! There was just something about that show that was so fantastic. It had humor, plot, love and intelligence.
What books did you read as a child that have stuck with you?
I don’t know if I was technically a child at the time, but my first Fantasy read was Tad Williams’ Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series. Tad is such a master of our craft and I devour anything he writes. An excellent Sci-Fi book series by him is ‘Otherland’. Anyone who hasn’t read it yet is really missing out.
What made you want to write? Was fantasy the genre you felt most comfortable in?
I don’t really know what made me want to write. It is in my bones, my soul. If I was the only one left on earth, I’d still write. It is such an un-severable part of me.
You wrote the Ark of Humanity and put it on Authonomy. How did you find that platform; was it useful to you?
It was, but not because of HarperCollins. I made so many excellent contacts there that have taught me what it really takes to be a high quality author and how to achieve my goals. I met my first editor of The Ark of Humanity on Authonomy. She was an ex-english teacher and taught me so much during that first edit. She has since passed away, but I will always be eternally thankful to her for all she showed me.
I also reached the top five on Authonomy and received a review from HarperCollins, using their advice to better my work. The key here though is that HC is not where the value of Authonomy lies, but instead what you do with the contacts you make on the site and the advice given by fellow authors there. Here is part of the HC review that I’m using as advertising on Amazon and in other sales avenues.
"I can see comparisons to Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' trilogy in some of the themes raised [in The Ark of Humanity]. As with Pullman's 'daemons', the relationship between the beings and their companions who transport them is particularly enjoyable, a relationship which also reminded me of the dragons in the film 'Avatar'. I can see this as a fantastic storyboard for a Pixar film." - HarperCollins
I found the changes they made to the rating system detrimental. Did you?
I did and I didn’t. It was detrimental to me making the desk earlier, because it stalled out my efforts temporarily. It did cut down on the site’s useless spam and made people focus more on helping each other. So I guess I’m torn. It probably helped me more in becoming a higher quality author, though.
Tell us all about Eden Legacy?
I’ll give you my pitch for the book. It’s a good representation and teaser for what Eden Legacy is all about. I’ve been told by many of my fans that Eden Legacy is their favorite of my works.
{In the land of Cush, Princess Lilya suffers under the rule of her father, until the day when young King Thomas of Havilah invites her away to his lands. There, she hopes to find peace she has never known.
But Thomas has been drawn to a foreign land, to figs he hopes are from Eden and the Tree of Life. When he eats them to heal his wounds things change within him, distorting him in ways he could not predict.
Now Lilya must make a decision. Does she stand by Thomas's side or act to dispel the evil consuming his soul?
Amidst this world Lilya has befriended a dragon. There are secrets within the beast that could determine all their fates.}
What was your inspiration for it?
I’ve always been fascinated with biblical history, from Noah’s Ark, to the story of Lazarus of Bethany rising from the grave and the story of Eden. Eden Legacy is loosely tied to that Eden story. I was inspired by the story of Pandora’s Box as well. I wanted to write a fantasy book where I could put the Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Heavenly Virtues to good use. Eden Legacy was born out of that.
Are you a regimented writer or like me just go with the flow when the zone takes you?
I get the basic outline in my head and then just let the story lead me, plotting out each new chapter completely before I actually enter it.
Star Wars or Star Trek?
STAR WARS! When are the next three being released and can I have more Ewoks and Jawas?
What do you think of the current sci fi/ fantasy offerings compared to ten years ago?
In regards to movies, I think it’s a huge step up, mostly because of graphics. The new Star Trek movie was fantastic and the next one to be released is looking to be such a well put together film. But T.V. wise, I just don’t see the well thought out quality I used to see in shows like Star Trek and Far Scape.
I love the cover of Eden Legacy. How did that come about?
My best friend David Lockhart has actually created all of my books covers. He is such an amazing artist, with a great love of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Comic Books. He’s been working in graphic art for years.
How do you promote yourself?
I have taken some great advice from another Author by the name of Mike Lee and will be giving away my Kindle books for free soon for six months to build up a reader base, then bring the price back up after that time. Mike followed the same strategy I am following and he is currently ranked #2 in Sci-Fi Military sales on Amazon.com for his new release of StarFire. I highly suggest the read.
I’ve also co-founded a self published author group that is quickly gaining ground. We promote each other’s works in our books, along with the group itself. We are Breakwater Harbor Books. Our site is www.breakwaterharborbooks.weebly.com
If you could write for any show, what would it be?
A modern ‘Sliders’. So much can be done with that premise. It has infinite possibilities.
Can you tell us about Breakwater Harbor Books?
Breakwater Harbor Books is a group of self-published authors coming together in a unified effort to promote each other’s works and assist each other in becoming the best authors that we can be.
Our members are all either self published or looking to self-publish soon. Mike Lee is one of our Sci-Fi writers and is currently ranked #2 in Sci-Fi Military paid Kindle sales for StarFire.
What are you currently working on?
Would you believe a Nicholas Sparks style romance novel called Hearts of Avon? My wife loves that sort of thing and so I’m doing this to write a book that will really appeal to her.
My editor says it’s my best book yet, but I can’t wait to finish it and dive in to the Sci-Fi / Fantasy book I have plotted out to write when I’m done with this one! My cover designer is actually helping me with plot and character creation for that book right now.
What would you tell other budding writers?
Do this for you. If you do that, your work will pay dividends to your life that you could never have dreamed of before. And self publish. The few authors that HarperCollins has actually picked up from Authonomy are selling less than I am right now, and HC is taking a good cut. Self-publishing is the way of the future. Take hold of your future and run with it!
Scott, thank you so much!
No, Owen, thank you. This has really been a pleasure and an honor to do with you today!
Hi Scott, thanks for talking with the Time Warriors today.
First up, can you tell our readers a little about yourself?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of a mathematician mother and basketball loving father, and so naturally my passion became writing!
It all began as a youth when I wrote tales to go with the computer game Oregon Trail, creating stories to go with Jimmie getting typhoid or Susie getting small pox. Oh the fun of younger days... but one must advance. From there I tackled poetry and received a $100 prize in High School for winning a poetry contest. In college I earned degrees in Journalism and Public Relations.
Later I married my wonderful wife, Laura, and we now have an amazing daughter that fills our lives with such joy! Just before I met Laura the idea came to me to write a Fantasy story based on the story of Noah's Ark in the Bible. It was a 'what if' tale centering on Maanta, a merboy who descends from people who, instead of drowning in the flood, adapted to be mer people. Because of Noah's age when he died in the Bible that also left things open for me to incorporate Noah in the book as well. Thus 'The Ark of Humanity' was born.
Since then I have been inspired by other things and have gone on to write Eden Legacy and Lazarus, Man. Eden Legacy is another Fantasy work and Lazarus, Man is the story of Lazarus of Bethany, told through tale and tribulation.
I've joined forces with other authors as a member of Breakwater Harbor Books and am enthusiastic about the worlds and stories to come!
My family is my most treasured achievement.
I don't just choose to write. Writing is a part of me.
Were you a Sci-Fi fan growing up? What shows did you watch?
Wow, yes I was always and always will be a Sci-Fi / Fantasy fan. I loved Star Trek, Sliders, and anything Star Wars, but my all time favorite Sci-Fi / Fantasy show is Far Scape! There was just something about that show that was so fantastic. It had humor, plot, love and intelligence.
What books did you read as a child that have stuck with you?
I don’t know if I was technically a child at the time, but my first Fantasy read was Tad Williams’ Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series. Tad is such a master of our craft and I devour anything he writes. An excellent Sci-Fi book series by him is ‘Otherland’. Anyone who hasn’t read it yet is really missing out.
What made you want to write? Was fantasy the genre you felt most comfortable in?
I don’t really know what made me want to write. It is in my bones, my soul. If I was the only one left on earth, I’d still write. It is such an un-severable part of me.
You wrote the Ark of Humanity and put it on Authonomy. How did you find that platform; was it useful to you?
It was, but not because of HarperCollins. I made so many excellent contacts there that have taught me what it really takes to be a high quality author and how to achieve my goals. I met my first editor of The Ark of Humanity on Authonomy. She was an ex-english teacher and taught me so much during that first edit. She has since passed away, but I will always be eternally thankful to her for all she showed me.
I also reached the top five on Authonomy and received a review from HarperCollins, using their advice to better my work. The key here though is that HC is not where the value of Authonomy lies, but instead what you do with the contacts you make on the site and the advice given by fellow authors there. Here is part of the HC review that I’m using as advertising on Amazon and in other sales avenues.
"I can see comparisons to Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' trilogy in some of the themes raised [in The Ark of Humanity]. As with Pullman's 'daemons', the relationship between the beings and their companions who transport them is particularly enjoyable, a relationship which also reminded me of the dragons in the film 'Avatar'. I can see this as a fantastic storyboard for a Pixar film." - HarperCollins
I found the changes they made to the rating system detrimental. Did you?
I did and I didn’t. It was detrimental to me making the desk earlier, because it stalled out my efforts temporarily. It did cut down on the site’s useless spam and made people focus more on helping each other. So I guess I’m torn. It probably helped me more in becoming a higher quality author, though.
Tell us all about Eden Legacy?
I’ll give you my pitch for the book. It’s a good representation and teaser for what Eden Legacy is all about. I’ve been told by many of my fans that Eden Legacy is their favorite of my works.
{In the land of Cush, Princess Lilya suffers under the rule of her father, until the day when young King Thomas of Havilah invites her away to his lands. There, she hopes to find peace she has never known.
But Thomas has been drawn to a foreign land, to figs he hopes are from Eden and the Tree of Life. When he eats them to heal his wounds things change within him, distorting him in ways he could not predict.
Now Lilya must make a decision. Does she stand by Thomas's side or act to dispel the evil consuming his soul?
Amidst this world Lilya has befriended a dragon. There are secrets within the beast that could determine all their fates.}
What was your inspiration for it?
I’ve always been fascinated with biblical history, from Noah’s Ark, to the story of Lazarus of Bethany rising from the grave and the story of Eden. Eden Legacy is loosely tied to that Eden story. I was inspired by the story of Pandora’s Box as well. I wanted to write a fantasy book where I could put the Seven Deadly Sins and Seven Heavenly Virtues to good use. Eden Legacy was born out of that.
Are you a regimented writer or like me just go with the flow when the zone takes you?
I get the basic outline in my head and then just let the story lead me, plotting out each new chapter completely before I actually enter it.
Star Wars or Star Trek?
STAR WARS! When are the next three being released and can I have more Ewoks and Jawas?
What do you think of the current sci fi/ fantasy offerings compared to ten years ago?
In regards to movies, I think it’s a huge step up, mostly because of graphics. The new Star Trek movie was fantastic and the next one to be released is looking to be such a well put together film. But T.V. wise, I just don’t see the well thought out quality I used to see in shows like Star Trek and Far Scape.
I love the cover of Eden Legacy. How did that come about?
My best friend David Lockhart has actually created all of my books covers. He is such an amazing artist, with a great love of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Comic Books. He’s been working in graphic art for years.
How do you promote yourself?
I have taken some great advice from another Author by the name of Mike Lee and will be giving away my Kindle books for free soon for six months to build up a reader base, then bring the price back up after that time. Mike followed the same strategy I am following and he is currently ranked #2 in Sci-Fi Military sales on Amazon.com for his new release of StarFire. I highly suggest the read.
I’ve also co-founded a self published author group that is quickly gaining ground. We promote each other’s works in our books, along with the group itself. We are Breakwater Harbor Books. Our site is www.breakwaterharborbooks.weebly.com
If you could write for any show, what would it be?
A modern ‘Sliders’. So much can be done with that premise. It has infinite possibilities.
Can you tell us about Breakwater Harbor Books?
Breakwater Harbor Books is a group of self-published authors coming together in a unified effort to promote each other’s works and assist each other in becoming the best authors that we can be.
Our members are all either self published or looking to self-publish soon. Mike Lee is one of our Sci-Fi writers and is currently ranked #2 in Sci-Fi Military paid Kindle sales for StarFire.
What are you currently working on?
Would you believe a Nicholas Sparks style romance novel called Hearts of Avon? My wife loves that sort of thing and so I’m doing this to write a book that will really appeal to her.
My editor says it’s my best book yet, but I can’t wait to finish it and dive in to the Sci-Fi / Fantasy book I have plotted out to write when I’m done with this one! My cover designer is actually helping me with plot and character creation for that book right now.
What would you tell other budding writers?
Do this for you. If you do that, your work will pay dividends to your life that you could never have dreamed of before. And self publish. The few authors that HarperCollins has actually picked up from Authonomy are selling less than I am right now, and HC is taking a good cut. Self-publishing is the way of the future. Take hold of your future and run with it!
Scott, thank you so much!
No, Owen, thank you. This has really been a pleasure and an honor to do with you today!
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