Interview with author Paul Byers and Multiple Version Giveaway!

Thanks Paul for visiting today!


1. What inspired you to write Arctic Fire? 

 The threat of nuclear holocaust, invasion from aliens and bio terrorism, while if done right is exciting and action packed, but it has been done over and over again. I was looking for a new and creative way to take over the world. I keep a file of ideas that I think would make a good book. The ideas come from articles I’ve read, news stories that have pique my interest, anything that starts me thinking and wondering, hum, would that make a good story? I saw a program on the History Channel and it sparked one of those thoughts. So, I took a “what if” imagination, combined it with a lot of research and hard work, and when it was done, Arctic Fire was born.

2. How long did it take you to write it?

 Between my family, the “real” job and life in general, my first novel, Catalyst took me three and a half years to write. I was able to put the experience I gained from writing it and apply it to Arctic Fire, so the process was trimmed down to two and a half years. My next novel is tracking to be about a year and a half, so I am getting better and faster.

3. I could definitely see Arctic Fire on the big screen. If you could choose, who would cast as Nigel and Cain? 

Choosing the right actor to play Nigel Cain was easy, Tom Cruise. Now I know you are probably thinking that I’m just throwing out a big name star here, but Tom really is the best choice. He’s charming and likable and Cain is all those things in the beginning and throughout most of the book. But as the story progresses, Cain’s character subtly begins to change as we begin to see what is really at stake. I believe Tom would be the best actor who could transform the likeable man into something far more sinister. So Tom, have your people call my people and we’ll make a film! Gabriel Pike, however, is a different story. His character is much different from Cain’s and no one name jumped to the top of the list. Jake Gyllenhaal, star of the Price of Persia, Jarhead and Day After Tomorrow is one actor that I think could do a good job of playing the reluctant hero. Josh Hartnett, star of Pearl Harbor and Blackhawk Down, among other films, is also another choice. I need a Gary Cooper, type actor who can grow Pike’s character. He needs to show that Pike has weaknesses, but that he is not a weakling.

4. Are you currently working on a new novel? If so, can you give us a hint about it?

Yup, sure am. It’s an action thriller set in the South Pacific. An oil exploration vessel discovers an uncharted island that is inhabited by natives that have never seen outsiders before. The natives are in awe of the technology that seems like magic to them and they immediately think the strangers are gods. The ship’s captain quickly seizes upon the idea, thinking it will help in the negations if they find oil, but the first officer is not so sure, not liking the idea of deceiving the natives. But all is not as it seems on this tropical paradise as deception runs deeper than meets the eye and it holds deadly, unforeseen consequences. I hope to have it out by late summer.

5. Do you have any advice for those fervently trying to get published? 

Write your story, rewrite your story, then polish it, then polish it again. Your success won’t come in writing the book but in rewriting it. Have a thick skin and don’t be discouraged that everybody in the world doesn’t love your book. (even if your mom does) Above all, be persistent! If one publisher doesn’t like it, have another envelope ready to send it out to the next one. Keep at it! There are few things in life as rewarding and humbling as to know that you are a published author and that people you don’t even know will take their hard earned money and spend it on something that you wrote!

http://www.paulbyersonline.com

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