Exclusive Interview with
Liam Robert Mullen
When did you start writing?
In my teens although it could be argued it was as a child when a teacher got us to write a lengthy piece of fiction. Mine was so bad that I avoided reading it at all costs. (Nice font by the way. I like it.)
What makes writing your passion?
Perhaps it is because you’re drawn into different worlds, a bit like reading actually.
How long have you been writing?
Since my teenage years but on and off, not because of writer’s block, but because life, especially work, can get in the way.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Hurray! Got there in the end.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
Some of my characters are biblical interweaving both factual and fictional figures. Others are created by the type of story under construction.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Not having enough time to get things done properly.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
By working multiple stories at the same time. Stuck on one, move to another. In the meantime the mind has been working on the first problem.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I sometimes feel that I have a million stories within me which I have to get out there.
Advice to new authors: Let nobody knock your work. Publishing has changed: consider self-publishing. Life is too short to be waiting around on agents and publishers.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Persevere and be confident.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I read them. I don’t like bad reviews but sometimes I try to learn where I might have gone wrong. The beauty of self-publishing is that a work can be pulled and strengthened. I’m not above doing that.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Elation provided it’s an honest review. There are times when you know your work doesn’t deserve five stars.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
No, not really. In my biblical work I have been to the Holy Land and might have incorporated some insights.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
None of my characters are based on myself. My characters are figments of my own vivid imagination and nothing more.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
It can be, but not exclusively so. A problem sometimes arises with covers in that the ebook cover provider has gone out of business by the time the paperback is ready. A right pain in the proverbial leaving no option sometimes but to order new covers.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
Yes, sometimes I connect. I like writing to platforms like Wattpad where work can be spotted and where reactions may be gauged.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I’m always appreciative of people that like my work.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Alastair MacLean wrote a book which I consider to be the best I ever read: HMS Ulysses.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Stephen King maybe.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes. Numerous reasons. Perhaps it is too short and needs to be lengthened. Might spot issues needing rectification.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Don’t know. Why would you want to do that? Charles Dickens perhaps just to see how the mind works.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
No time for such semantics.
What would you say to your readers?
We’re not infallible. If you spot something wrong, inform us please.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Wexford having grown up in Dublin.
What is your day job if you have one?
I’ve had various jobs in the past mainly in the telecoms field.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Travelling.
Soccer travelling (World Cups etc)
Reading.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes. I was in the scouting movement and was often away from home.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I liked certain things I was reading and felt capable of emulating them.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Vigilis: A new biblical story underway.
The Secrets of Age: Underway. Children’s title.
Mano’s War: Crime. Underway.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Practical cookery skills.
Languages (everything is a language really, even mathematics).
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
I’d rather keep personal stuff personal.
What is your favorite music?
Music that reaches deep into the soul.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I’m no longer that young. Sixty one!