As the old world burned, the elite departed to colonise space in search of a new home. Most of the human species perished on earth’s surface, but a protected few remained. Many generations passed without question, but now suspicions are starting to rise. Follow the story of Maz and her best friend Hap, as a chance encounter with a stranger lures them into a mission to decide the future of humankind.
What will Maz and Hap find out about the future of mankind? To introduce us to this pair, Gibbo Gibbs author of ‘Killer Domes and the Chosen One’, has dropped into to ItsWriteNow.com to give us some hints about who might just be that Chosen One. Gibbo, let’s set the scene by returning to a time when this novel was in its infancy. What inspired you to write this book?
The inspiration came from the friendship of two dogs rescued from the meat trade in Asia. The finished product, however, has little resemblance.
Really? Your central characters were originally based off of dogs?
Yep, the two were based on dogs, others I really can’t remember. General overthinking.
Oh, that overthinking! It can lead you into some unexpected places, but I think the outcome for you has been great. When you were deep in your thoughts about this friendship, did you start to add elements from your own life to the interactions?
Yes, I regularly make notes of situations and general ideas as my environment triggers them.
What do you find yourself thinking about as you expanded your thoughts and those notes into the completed tale ‘Killer Domes and the Chosen One’?
I focus on keeping things fast-moving, vivid and interesting.
What was the central interest that you hope readers don’t fly on past as they’re swept up in the speed of the tale?
I wanted to highlight the dilemma between an unnatural, unhealthy human existence in technology (deemed superior) and a natural, healthy human existence in nature (deemed inferior).
Do you personally feel that this dilemma between technology and nature is something that’s really relevant to readers today, or will become stronger in the future?
As a dystopian book, I imagine the setting as a very possible future scenario. Especially if we fail to control global warming.
Dystopian books, like yours, are fantastic vehicles to share possible outcomes for the future. Even if this could be a possible future for the planet, are there people who you don’t feel would be receptive to your story, and therefore should give the book a miss?
My advance readers have been from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, and all very much enjoyed it. However, it is a very easy read, and a novella, so anyone seeking long and immersive fine works of literature should probably look elsewhere.
There’s a huge amount of literature out there that they can choose, but I’m sure there’s still a huge number of people looking for an easier read. What have those advanced readers already said about it?
Over 40 people have now read the book prior to launch, and the feedback has been very positive. People especially liked the characters, which I worked hard to ensure were vivid and memorable. People also liked the pace and also the twist.
Looking back, what did you learn from taking on the challenge to make a memorable, well-paced and vivid tale?
The importance of fresh eyes and feedback. Also learning strategies from other successful authors, marketing especially.
What was your strategy to prepare for writing this book?
I did a handful of short courses on creative writing. Youtube is also very useful for general tips and the more technical side of writing. Youtube is also good for marketing and promotion ideas.
Youtube really is a great source of ideas, but sometimes the advice can be hard as it’s not personalised for you. You’ve mentioned employing fresh sets of eyes to help move your story forward. What has been the best and most challenging things they’ve said to you about your work?
My first beta reader absolutely destroyed my book. This was the best thing to happen to me as an author, as it motivated me to advance my learning and ensure I created a book of the highest standard I could before reaching the public eye. Criticism is very important. My best compliments have been from people comparing my ability to well-known authors, although I believe I have much more to learn.
Have you also turned to a writing group to find more constructive feedback?
No, but I have networked on social media. I exchange reading, feedback and advice with other authors.
Overall, how do you feel that your voice as an author has progressed as you’ve taken on the advice from those courses, Youtube, other authors and of course your beta readers?
I rewrote this first book more times than I’d like to admit. Each time had a specific reason or strategy, and I felt my ability had greatly improved each time.
Has the improved story clarity helped you develop an author brand to establish your work solidly in the market?
As I’m about to publish my debut book, I can’t really comment on outcomes, but my author name Gibbo Gibbs I chose as more of a memorable brand name that I can expand into other creative areas. I also like to base all social media posts around the colours of the current book cover, to make everything instantly recognisable around the project in focus.
Gibbo Gibbs is a great choice, I certainly won’t be forgetting it for a while. Where did those colours and the cover itself come from? Did you design it yourself, or did you get a talented designer on the job?
I used 99Designs, where you only pay if you select a winner from the brief. I found it suited me perfectly and I’m very pleased with the winning design.
I think you should be, it looks great and is a solid entry into book branding. Speaking of branding, are you working on a new tale to sit beside this book on your completed writing projects shelf?
I am mentally piecing together a fantasy mystery for book 2.
A new addition to the story arch, that’s so exciting! Gibbo, I wish you the best of luck bringing your new adventure to life, and I can’t wait to hear more about it soon!
—
Excited to read the book we discussed today? Find it here on Amazon: ‘Killer Domes and the Chosen One ( ASIN: B07TTY54DX )‘.
Want to find out more about Gibbo Gibbs? Connect here!