Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for years, but only recently decided to try the cutthroat world of self-publishing. An Audience of Corpses is my second published book, but I have two others in various stages of editing and another three half-finished. Someday, hopefully, they will all see the light of day.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
An Audience of Corpses was heavily inspired by a love of private detectives and a love of the city of London. Jack Hornby and his narration is obviously inspired by film noir, whilst the murder mystery is something that has a timeless appeal. I lived in London while writing it, and now reside in Sydney. The locations visited are all very nostalgic for me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best at night, after my wife has fallen asleep, laying in bed beside her in the dark. It’s when my best work comes, with fewer distractions.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up, I devoured books by both Stephen King and Terry Pratchett. I think they’ve both had a profound influence in my own work, perhaps most notably through the combination of horror and humour. I don’t believe I have a favourite genre- not to read and certainly not to write. Romance, Action, Drama, Thriller… influence is everywhere.
What are you working on now?
Two big projects. One is an episodic sci-fi adventure series, heavily inspired by the Star Treks and Stargates I adored growing up. The other is a tropical fantasy about an evil, omnipotent wizard who steals magic.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Pubby worked well for me in terms of getting reviews, but not so much sales and promo. Twitter, likewise, is hard work. You really do have to spend money to make money and pay for ads and promos.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going. Don’t be disheartened. Putting a book out there is admirable and worthy of praise and admiration, but it’s just the tip of the self-publishing iceberg. The months following release are sometimes even harder work that writing the damned thing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just edit. Don’t keep putting it off. No one enjoys it. But the difference each round makes is so large you’ll kick yourself for not doing just one more, for making the book that much better.
What are you reading now?
The Last Resort- a Thriller set in a marriage counselling resort. Not something I would necessarily have picked up myself, had it not been on the shelf at a great price. Jury’s still out, but enjoyable so far.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I made a resolution- to publish three books in 2020. It’s now almost July, and I’ve only done one. I’ve got some catching up to do.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Impossible to choose! Depends on my mood when asked.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Maygrove Website
John Maygrove Amazon Profile
John Maygrove’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account