Welcome to the weekly Irish Independent Authors Collective (IIAC) author interviews. Today on my blog, I’m delighted to introduce you all to Christopher Galvin. I hope you all enjoy learning more about Christopher and be sure to check out his book.

Irish Independent Authors’ Collective – Christopher Galvin

Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you decided to join the Irish Independent Authors’ Collective?

I’m Christopher (hello) and I’m originally from Offaly. I have studied acting and TV and Film, with a BA Hons Degree in Video. I read a lot, mostly fantasy/scifi/horror, and plenty of graphic novels and comics too. I stumbled upon the Irish Independent Authors’ Collective on Facebook and they looked like they meant business so I joined.

How long have you been writing and why did you decide on self-publishing?

I was always interested in writing and do so whenever I can, whether it’s short films, short stories, web comics and have been working on a novel for the past year and a half.

Do you think the stigma surrounding self-publishing is lessening?

To a degree.  I have only stepped into that world myself as a sort of experiment to see what it is like and from what I have seen it can be seen as a good thing for authors to get their work out there but something readers can be a bit wary of.

What do you feel the hardest part of self-publishing is?

The promotion aspect of it. I thought the writing would be the challenge but once it’s self-published, you have no one else to rely on but yourself to promote promote promote. It’s nice to get the support of family and friends but it’s the unknown reader you’re trying to reach and that can be difficult.

What genres do you write?

Fantasy mainly, with a touch of horror. It depends really. My children’s book ‘Strings’ is a fantasy, while the novel I’m working on ‘Arthur Smallwood’s Quest for Magic’ is a YA fantasy with elements of horror. My short stories can be funny or dramatic. Same with my short films.

What is your favourite story or character that you have written?

There’s a short story I wrote called ‘Nothing But Words’. It’s kind of meta but hopefully in a good way. It’s about a guy who starts to realise he cannot remember what has happened before the story begins and what revelations that bring.

What time of day do you prefer to write?

No particular time, though I do seem to do a lot in the evening/night time.

Do you have a special writing space?

No, wherever I can get space to write, I will!

Do you outline your books ahead of time or just go for it?

I outline them in my head and think about them for days/weeks, figuring problems and plot points out. Then one day I’ll just start writing and go from there.

Who are your favourite Irish authors?

Bram Stoker and Dave Rudden.

Your latest book ‘Strings’ is a children’s book, what was the inspiration behind it and is there anything you would like readers to know?

I was looking at writing competitions and one had a set of guidelines about what should happen in the story that would be submitted ie the protagonist must be a certain age, and must talk to side-kick etc, and I started to write about a puppet theatre that appeared out of nowhere in the bedroom of a young girl and her imaginary friend. I wrote that chapter and started to think more about it and had to write that story in full! What would I like the readers to know? That it touches on themes of friendship and loneliness without it being too much of a thing. Hopefully, among the puppets and magic, there is a message about who you can be and that it’s okay to feel down.

Is your latest book part of a series and if so how many books are planned for the series?

No plans on developing it into a series of books. Though now that you mention it…

Where can readers find out more about you?

I have a website that I put together that I’m slowly adding my stories to: https://christophergalvin.wixsite.com/writer

And ‘Strings’ has a facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stringsbook/

I’m also on twitter at @ChrisGalvin1981

Strings By Christopher Galvin

Welcome to the world of ‘Strings’: 

Mary Scully is a kind, clever and loving 12 year old girl. She’s also lonely with no friends. That is until her imaginary friend, Mr Socks, appears to brighten up her day. But something else out there hears the sadness in her voice, and decides the best course of action to take is to make Mary a permanent resident of Puppet Town. Whether she likes it or not!

Full of humour, excitement, action, and fantasy, ‘Strings’ is sure to capture the imagination of the young and old alike. If you loved ‘Labyrinth’ or ‘Coraline’, ‘Strings’ is the story for you!

Strings is available in ebook and paperback from Amazon and if you have a KindleUnlimited subscription you can read it for free.

Until next time,

Keep reading and writing,

Amanda