Exclusive Interview with
Robert E. Kearns
When did you start writing?
I started writing in 2017 when I began my debut novel, Hy Brasil: Island of Eternity.
This went on to take a First Place in the 2019 Pencraft Awards.
Since then, I've published two further novels, Crabb and Carnivore.
I've also composed several volumes of short stories and poetry, including Poems & Short Stories, Volumes 1 and 2, The Book of Mostly Gibberish (With Some Good Stuff Too) and Words of a Feather.
What makes writing your passion?
I love it when my characters come to life, and it's a joy and a privilege when I'm able to publish a finished creation and receive positive feedback. It makes all the effort worthwhile. Writing is a wonderful method of expressing your ideas and when others take pleasure in it too, it means you've achieved something very special.
How long have you been writing?
I've always enjoyed writing, but it's only within the last few years that I've published my books and stories
I have several more projects in the pipeline and look forward to revealing them in the near future.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
It was an amazing feeling. Your first book is like a first baby. To see it in print and to hold a copy is immensely satisfying.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I love variety, from good guys to psychopaths. I form an idea in my head and develop the character from my imagination, adding depth and richness to bring them alive.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
It's more a case of how much effort is required. A writer needs to keep going and going and it can often feel like you are spinning wheels.
Keep at it!
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
If I'm stuck on something, I might write a poem. It's a good trick to free up the mind.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
You keep going for the enjoyment of it. If you're creating, that's a good thing and important to keep in mind.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Follow what it is you want to do. Life is short.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
There is no getting around the fact that bad reviews made you feel bad. But, the good ones certainly make up for it.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
A good review means you've written something that resonated with a reader. That makes you smile all over.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, I do that all the time. It's the best way to write.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
A fictional version of me is the narrator of the novel, Crabb.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
I'm old school. The writing is the most important thing. Is it not the story that people want?
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I prefer to express myself through my writing.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I haven't been recognized in public, but that's part of the dream.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
There are many authors that I enjoy reading. Variety is my thing.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Being regarded for the quality of my writing is the dream for me.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I might re-write my first because I've learned a lot since then.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
No. You have to be true to yourself.
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.
They are not interested in listening, so it's best to ignore these people.
What would you say to your readers?
I hope you enjoy my books and stories. And if you do, please leave a review. It makes a writer's day.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
Share a secret with us 🙂