Author Laurence O’Bryan On the Puzzles of the Writing Life
Author Laurence O'Bryan
By Alex Greenwood
Today, we have another edition of our continuing series of interviews with authors, songwriters and other outspoken creative people. We’re excited to introduce you to author Laurence O’Bryan. O’Bryan won the Outstanding Novel Submitted award at the Southern California writer’s conference in 2007–his novel The Istanbul Puzzle was selected by the agents and editors attending out of over 300 unpublished novels submitted. The same novel was shortlisted for Irish Crime Novel of 2012, five years later. He also wrote The Jerusalem Puzzle and is working on a new book in the “puzzle” series.
He is a member of the UK Crime Writer’s Association, the Society of Authors, the Irish Writing Centre, two “live” writing groups in Dublin and online writing communities in England and the States. As he says, “My research has taken me all over the world, from San Francisco to deep in the Arab world. And I still enjoy looking at the stars and listening to the stories of strangers.”
Let’s be strangers no more–meet Laurence.
AlexanderG Whiz Blog: How long have you been writing and why did you start?
Laurence O’Bryan: I have been writing almost every day since mid 2000. That’s almost 13 years! I must be a slow learner.
Why mystery thrillers?
Mystery thrillers are what I like to read, James Rollins, Dan Brown, and everything in between!
Are you interested in writing other genres?
I am working on a different mystery, which will take readers to another type of conspiracy, but nothing far from what I am doing now.
Your books take place in “far away” places. What draws you to these settings?
I always enjoyed the way a good book would take me, for a low price, to strange and amazing places. I think it’s one of the best things about reading. You can cross the galaxy, go under the earth and into a great pyramid whenever you want with a book.
Why do you think readers like your books?
I hope it’s for the adventure, the taste of romance and the history too.
You’ve been favorably compared to Dan Brown. That can be a double-edged sword to some. How do you feel about that?
I have no problem with Dan Brown. I enjoy his books.
Your books have won–or were finalists for–prestigious awards. Has that influenced the way you write? In other words, do you feel pressure to make every book “award worthy”?
No, I just hope someone might consider them and I get a night out.
How do you like working with Avon/Harper Collins? Have you ever been tempted to go “indie”?
A big publisher is a stamp of approval. It’s not the “easy road to riches” that some think, but it has given me a lot of confidence and international exposure. I am being released in about 15 countries thanks to Harper Collins.
How do you market your books?
Social media mainly. I also do radio interviews locally and I have been on TV here in Ireland. I have been lucky to get some newspaper reviews too, both here and across Europe.
What tools do you use to reach and stay connected to your fans and meet prospective fans?
I have two blogs www.lpobryan.com where you can read about my writing, enter competitions and read guest posts from other writers.
I also have a social media blog www.yourasms.com where I provide free advice on social media for writers and others.
You can buy my books on either site.
You’re based in Ireland–does that help or hurt you as you try to sell books and/or build an audience in the United States?
I am in Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland, and it’s hard to reach a US audience, but luckily I have two good blogs and a Twitter account @LPOBryan (please follow!) so I don’t feel too far away. I have a lot of US based support and I appreciate that.
What are you working on now?
I started a new novel yesterday – another in the puzzle series. I am aiming to write 1,500 words a day and have it written in three months! Then the editing will start!
Any advice for writers?
Don’t give up the day job! It takes a lot longer than you think to make a living at this. Every writer thinks they will be the exception. It’s not easy when you find out the truth.
True indeed. Where are your books available?
On Amazon ebook and paperback:
http://www.viewBook.at/TheJerusalemPuzzle
and
http://www.viewBook.at/TheIstanbulPuzzle
and on iTunes.
and on Kobo.
Anything I forgot to ask that you’d like to say?
I really appreciate all the support from every reader. Writing is becoming far more social than it used to be. That’s a good thing for me. There are articles on writing, historical puzzles and how to get the most out of social media for all on my blog sites, all free, if you come along and take a look. I look forward to meeting you.
Thanks Laurence! Best wishes for your continued success.
Find Laurence O’Bryan here:
and here:
