Author Spotlight with Anthony Whelan

Name: Anthony Whelan
 
How long have you been writing?

To answer this question properly, I feel I have to give you some background about both my personal history and the writing process itself, so please bear with me here.  

I was born into a semi-rural family farm in North County Dublin, Ireland.  My upbringing was characteristic of the Ireland of the time, with a solid and loving family unit that was steeped in the traditional values that were then typical.  

One notable element of our family life that I remember to this day was the hard-fought debates every weekend, where no subject was taboo, and as teenagers of course we often took a contrarian view to our parents’ traditional beliefs simply because we were, well, teenagers! I received a good education, and was destined to be a farmer for life, working with my now-deceased Dad on the family farm, mostly growing potatoes (how Irish can you get?!).  

But when I was in my early twenties, I had a serious accident on the farm, breaking both legs quite badly (I was less than impressed when a succession of surgeons told me how lucky I was to have survived the fall!).  But this was one of my big learning experiences – as I lay for weeks in a hospital bed, in severe pain and fear, I saw patient after patient moving through the orthopaedic ward.  And it slowly dawned on me that the surgeons were right – I was lucky!  I was alive.  I was not paralysed.  I would (eventually) be able to walk again.  

Lesson #1 – No matter how bad it gets, it could be worse (and probably is, for someone not too far away).
And so I had to quit the manual labour of farming and move to an office job.  I set up an IT business with my then wife, and we had a family – three of the most incredible young adults when I look at them today.  We eventually sold the business and got 9-5 jobs, and life rolled on relatively uneventfully.  Unfortunately, the marriage then ended, and that was another time of pain and hurt for all involved.  But as we all struggled to cope with a difficult situation, I slowly learned another lesson, though it may have taken me a long time to hear it clearly.  

Lesson #2 – We can survive, no matter how damaged we are.  Things can get better.  There is always hope.
It was during that difficult time that I began searching for another purpose in my life.  I am a parent, which I consider to be one of the highest callings, and that gives me value and fulfilment.  I was working in a desk job, which in truth gave me no real satisfaction, being a means to an end (paying the mortgage!), rather than an end in itself.  And as I flailed about looking for a new reason for my existence, it came to me like a bolt out of the blue.  It wasn’t a gradual dawning; it was that famed “Eureka” moment.  I sat in my car in rush hour traffic on the M50 on the way to work one morning in late 2004, wondering “What am I going to do?”  And the answer arrived in a single instant, fully formed “I am going to write a book”.  The idea was fully formed, but if I’m honest, I was doubtful.  What?  Write a book?  Who, me?  How?

Many people feel that they have a book in them, if they could only write.  At different events, I have had people beyond measure say to me “That’s amazing, that you wrote a book.  I wish I could do that.”. 

Lesson #3 – Anyone can write a book.  You don’t even have to be very good at spelling or vocabulary or anything like that – those elements can be addressed by a good editor.  The essence of any book is its story, and anyone can tell a story.  If you want to write a book, I say to you … “Go for it”.  Sit down, and whether you handwrite it or type it, just start writing.  See what happens.  In the hope that it might be of some support and guidance to you, allow me to tell you the story of how I wrote my first story, Laura’s Legacy.

So, I had the Eureka moment in 2004 – I’m going to write a book.  In some ways, the process is a complete mystery to me.  I know after eight years of writing that to write new material (as opposed to editing something I’ve already written), I need to get away.  I don’t need peace and quiet, but I do need to be away from my usual environment, preferably for at least a month each time.  I think my mind needs to clear itself of all the humdrum day-to-day trivia of office job, commuting, housework, paying the household bills, etc.

Once I get away, I sit down at my laptop (I have to type, because my handwriting is atrociously bad!) and start typing.  I don’t know where the story comes from – once I clear my mind and relax, the story simply arises.  When I start typing, depending on what is happening at that point in the story, I might or might not have a vague idea of what is about to happen.  Nevertheless, I am regularly surprised by the twists and turns that the story takes, despite being the person writing the story.

And that is why I say if you want to write a book, go for it.  It doesn’t matter if you don’t know what to write, if you don’t know how to start the story.  Just sit down, clear your mind and relax, and start writing.  If it takes a few false starts, there’s no harm in that.  At least you are writing.

So my creative writing was done in blocks, when I could get at least a few weeks away from work and home, usually abroad.  That inevitably meant that there were long pauses between writing phases, and Laura’s Legacy took me probably four years to write, although the actual time spent writing was probably closer to four months.  When I had it written, I read and re-read it, correcting all the typing mistakes, polishing the wording, fine-tuning the story wherever I felt it was needed.  Then I got some close family and friends to proof-read it for me, relying on them for honest feedback.  After that, I hired an editor to professionally edit it, and the editing process, in stops and starts, probably took another year or more before I decided that I now had the finished product ready for publication by 2010!

I then sent the manuscript to literary agents in Ireland and the UK.  Some of them sent back very nice letters, saying it was an excellent book and well-written, but that it didn’t quite fit the type of literature that they represented (in other words, they very nicely said “NO”!).  The others didn’t reply.  And so I decided to publish my masterpiece independently.  I engaged Choice Publishing in Drogheda, Ireland, and the book was officially launched in 2010.  And I thought the writing and editing and publishing were hard!!!  

Lesson #4 - For an independently-published novel, the hard work really begins the day you launch it.  I held a series of Regional Launches around Ireland and in London, to get media interest and coverage.  With the support of family and friends, I got good local coverage, and I have sold (so far) about one thousand copies of Laura’s Legacy, which I’m told is exceptional for an independently-published novel in Ireland.  But I haven’t given up the day-job just yet!

I started writing Amy’s Amazon in Autumn of 2010, and wrote the bulk of it in three phases over two years, wile on different trips to Spain and Australia.  Editing began in Autumn 2012, and has just finished in December.  It will go to the publisher in early January 2013, with the Launch date planned for March 2013 J
 
Who has most influenced or inspired your writing?

I want to truly connect with people through my writing, and I hope that our heroine’s journey will help you on your journey through life.  I write to fulfil my personal goal of helping people, with gentle suggestions as to how we might be able to make our own lives happier and more fulfilling, as well as submitting proposals for your consideration on how we can evolve our society to a more just and equitable way of living.

When I decided that I want to write in this vein, I had to take an honest hard look at myself.  I’m no guru, no saint.  I have made many mistakes, and I’m sure I continue to do so.  I am not an expert in philosophy or any of the sciences.  And so I wondered, what could possibly give me the right to throw out these ideas on how we might better live our lives?  And yet, I believe I have learned a few things during my life thus far in this world.  I have suffered, as have most of us, both physically and emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  And as is often the case, I think it is in suffering that we can most clearly see the lessons that life is laying before us, which we can accept or reject as we choose.  I think I have largely taken these lessons on board, though I am by means perfect at executing them and putting them into practice!

And so I decided to write in the fictional genre, so that it is hopefully easier for people to peruse these ideas without feeling that there is any preaching going on.  I don’t mind if people agree or disagree with the notions presented – for me, the important thing is that we are at least asking ourselves these questions, and considering the alterative answers, which are often unique to each person.  It was this desire to write about the important questions of life, combined with the decision to do so in a fictional setting, which led me to Thrillosophy.  

I used writer’s privilege to coin this new word, a combination of Thriller and Philosophy.  I was surprised to find an entry in Wikipedia for “Philosophical Fiction”, which is defined as “works of fiction in which a significant proportion of the work is devoted to a discussion of the sort of questions normally addressed in discursive philosophy”; but I would be honoured to be counted amongst the literary giants noted in that article as having written Philosophical Fiction; though some of my influences such as Paolo Coelho and Mitch Albom are surprisingly absent from the list.

Other influences on the philosophical side range from people as diverse as Plata and Augustine to Deepak Chopra, The Upanishads, Eckhart Tolle and Oriah Mountain Dreamer.  On the thriller side, my single biggest influence was undoubtedly Robert Ludlum, whose books I devoured as a teenager.
 
 
What is your most favourite book and why?
 
It’s so hard to pick a single book!  If you had to take a journey from doubt and confusion to find a clearer and better place, I would say these three, in this order:

1.     How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, by DaleCarnegie
2.     The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman VincentPeale
3.     The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle
 
Stephen Hawking’s more recent works are fascinating, blurring the boundaries between what is and is not possible, pointing to hard scientific evidence that alternative realities and universes may indeed exist!
 
As a young teenager, I read The Killing Anniversaryby Ian St. James, which taught me that there are always two sides to a story, and even when you disagree with someone’s point of view, you should still seek to understand how they came to that point of view.
 
On the fantasy side, I always loved The Lord of theRings, long before it was mainstream, and also The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever by Stephen Donaldson. 
 
And on the thriller side, again long before it was mooted as a movie, The Bourne Identity was my favourite book by Robert Ludlum, my favourite thriller writer.
 
What is the worst book you have ever read and why?

I honestly can’t answer this one!  I have started some books and not finished them, but I usually assume that’s because I’m not in the right frame of mind for that book at that time.  I would hesitate to be overly critical of anyone’s creative work – for example, I sometimes look at paintings that are worth a small fortune, and think to myself that any one of my kids could have done a better job when they were pre-schoolers, so what do I know?
 
What are you currently working on?

I have just finished the editing of my second book, Amy’s Amazon, due for release in March 2013.  In this new book, three years have passed since the end of Laura’s Legacy, and Laura has changed her name to Amy Williams.  She has been hiding from her deadly enemy in the Amazon, where she has started to fight to save the rainforest.  US corporations descend from trying to frustrate her environmental activism to attempted murder, eventually joining forces with her nemesis in their efforts.  Amy and her comrades are in constant danger, being hunted by malevolent forces who will stop at nothing in their attempts to kill her.  Amy senses that fighting for the Amazon will cost the life of at least one loved one, and she wrestles with the moral choice of saving the Amazon while risking the lives of other people.  Amy’s Amazon is a breakneck page-turner as we race to an uncertain outcome.
 
As the tension ratchets skywards, the reader considers questions about the true nature of the environment and the possibly unlimited potential of the human being.  An alternative view of the natural world and our place in it is considered.  There are views on sustainable living that cover the spectrum from the individual to corporations to society as a whole.  Readers will (I hope!) find themselves reassessing their view of the environment, and rethinking how they interact with the natural world and with each other.
 
I am currently doing the cover design, and the book will go to the publisher in early January for a planned Launch date of March 2013.
 
What is your favourite genre to read and to write?

I read anything and everything, when I can get the time.  From old westerns (anyone out there remember J.T. Edson?) to thrillers to drama to fantasy to philosophy to biographies, and on and on it goes.  But probably the most constant genre over the past three or four decades has been science fiction.  I loved Isaac Asimov and Arthur C Clarke in particular – their stories pushed the boundaries of possibility, mixing fiction with a real understanding of science.  Many of their stories also involved challenging moral and / or philosophical choices and decisions for both individuals and societies. 
 
What tips would you give readers when choosing a book?

Pick mine, pick mine!!!!!  

But seriously, I think the most important thing is actually to vary your reading.  Similar to trying to get your daily news from different sources, I think it is good for our minds and our hearts to read different genres, from fiction to non-fiction.  And of course, nothing beats the recommendation of a close friend, as they know us best.
 
What tip would you give authors when promoting their books?

Get ready for a slog.  

A lot is dependant on time, and if you know anyone who has ever worked in the media, they are now your best friend!!!  A good website is a must – www.anthonywhelan.ie was my attempt for my first book, but it is currently being rebuilt from scratch, with a full e-commerce solution – I believe this is a must.  You have to be able to sell your own book, in paper and electronic format, from your own website. 
 
I think your mindset as you begin has to be that if you break-even financially on the venture, then that is a huge success!  Very few authors can make a full-time living from their writing, and even fewer become the J.K. Rowlings of this world.  Social Media is a must for spreading the word, and you have to cajole everyone you know to spread the word about your book. 
 
You need to be prepared to put a lot of time into it.  Social Media, Blog, media, bookshops – they all need time and attention.  Having said all that scary stuff, there are few greater joys in the world as an author than to walk into a bookshop and see your books on the shelf J
 
In the movie of your {most recent} book who would play your characters? {Please give us the name of the book and the name of the character each actor would play}

I’ll beg to defer this question, as I’m terrible at remembering names of actors.  Having said that, when Amy’s Amazon is launched in March 2013, I’ll be delighted to get suggestions from more knowledgeable move buffs than me – read Amy’s Amazon, and then email me on Anthony@anthonywhelan.ie to suggest names for me. 
 
Other than writing do you have any other passions/ hobby's or jobs?

To be honest, not really.  Having said that, while I wouldn’t describe them as a hobby or a job, the single most important thing in my life is my kids.  I am fortunate to have three children who are a pride and joy, and trying to be as good a father as they deserve is hugely important to me.
 
What's your dream?

I have many dreams, as do we all.  I dream of having a happy, fulfilling life, where I contribute to the world around me and do my little bit to make it a better place.  I dream that my three children will continue to grow and develop as they have through their childhood and teenage years – good, responsible, caring and loving people.
 
But in the context of this Blog, my dream is to be a full-time writer.  Not to be wildly successful, that’s irrelevant really.  But to be able to write full-time, to be able to dedicate myself in my working life to helping people through my writing, that would be incredible.  So please, tell everyone to visit www.anthonywhelan.ie when Amy’s Amazon is launched in the Spring and to buy the bookJ  Email me on Anthony@anthonywhelan.ie, and I’ll let you know the exact date of the Launch once it is confirmed …
 
Tell us something few know about you?

I don’t believe in secrets, so I don’t tend to keep information about myself to myself, so I’m trying to think of something for this section.  How about this – when I was in my late teens, I was a terrible driver.  I drove far too fast, and was lucky to escape a number of road accidents without serious injury.  I am deeply thankful today that my carelessness during those years didn’t have much more tragic consequences – for me but especially for other road users.  So please, all drivers – be careful out there!
 
If you could write a book with any famous author, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Oh, this is a hard one.  I don’t think I can pick a single one – it would have to be a collaborative effort.
I would have Robert Ludlum at the table, for his mastery of suspense and intrigue.

Isaac Asimov and Arthur C Clarke would be there for their imagination and their detailed creations of alternative worlds and societies.

Stephen Hawking would be in the science seat, pushing us to consider new possibilities and alternative realities.

The triumvirate of Paolo Coelho, Mitch Albom and Eckhart Tolle would be there for their wisdom and guidance.

And in between endless debates, cups of tea and late nights, we would craft a story filled with wisdom and guidance for individuals and societies alike!
 
Have you any big writing plans for 2013?

Yep, as you’ll have gathered by now!  I plan to launch Amy’s Amazon, and then start working on the last book in the trilogy.  It will be called either “Robbie’s Revolution” or “Robbie’s Revelation”, I’m not sure yet – it depends on how the story evolves.  It will follow the same character out of the Amazon, into the next phase of her growth and learning.  While the first book, Laura’s Legacy, focussed on her personal development and relationship with herself, (with lessons that we can all apply to our own lives); the second book focuses on our relationship with the environment.  The third book will complete the picture by looking at our relationships with each other – i.e. society.  The first two books mentioned economic and political structures, but the third book will focus much more clearly on these, and on how we organise our modern societies.  The same heroine will be central, and I’m excited to start writing the third book as soon as possible, so that I can find out what happens to her next.
 
What is the best review of your work you've received to date?

I’ll mention two.  One reader in Dundalk worked with me for a number of years, and bought the first book, Laura’s Legacy, when I published it.  Her feedback was 

“"I really enjoyed the book … got a great message out of the book …  no point in worrying about the past, no point in worrying about the future, the only thing you can impact is the present, trying my best to live by that, and enjoy life to the full … well done, looking forward to book 2”,

which was really important to me as the whole point of the Thrillosophy books is to entertain whilst also giving readers food for thought – when I feel that people can apply some of these thoughts to their own lives to make a difference in their day-to-day existence, then that is incredible feedback for me.

 
The other instance was when I was in a pub with friends, and there were people there that I didn’t know.  One of the girls started talking about this absolutely incredible book she read, and how she had given it to someone who was in a difficult place at the time, because she felt the book could really help that person.  She praised this book with unlimited appreciation, and told us all that we should go our and buy it.  When someone asked her for the name of this fantastic book, she said “Laura’s Legacy” – I burst into spontaneous tears, as it was the first time that I had received feedback from someone who didn’t know me before reading the book, and still didn’t know who I was as she talked to me about the book.  Pure magic. 
 
Is there anything else you would like to share or tell us?

As I have said above, writing is my dream.  But it’s a very crowded marketplace out there, and it’s incredibly difficult to cut through the noise and make a sufficient impression that would allow an author to write as a full-time living.  And so I humbly ask that all readers of this Blog contact me if they think the Thrillosophy concept is interesting.  If you email me at Anthony@anthonywhelan.ie., I will let you know when Amy’s Amazon will be launched. 
 
I respectfully ask that you support all new authors – to do so is to support the Arts, support local enterprise, support local employment, and support someone in their dream.  Email me with all and any feedback on the above, and thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.

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Do remember to stalk, connect, hook up and support Anthony:

Twitter Handle: @Thrillosophy – keep reading, and it’ll make sense eventually!!!
 
Facebook Link?
Anthony Whelan, I’ll have to look up the direct link
 
Blog/ Website?
www.anthonywhelan.ie – My website is currently undergoing radical surgery, with a completely new (and better) look and feel, and new functionality, including a full e-commerce platform and downloads of e-books directly from the website, plus a Blog that I’ll commence when my next book is launched next Spring.