Ask the Author: Shaun Musson
Answered Questions (8)
Shaun Musson
People fascinate me. And I've always been fascinated by history and 'what-ifs'. On being made redundant, I wrecked my back began doing too much housework and, laid up, began my novel. I already had something to say and, while the plot developed around character interactions, motivations and suppressed trauma, it also gravitated towards the Wunderwaffen I'd been reading about. Once the bit's between my teeth there's no going back!
Shaun Musson
I'm normally researching for the world of my novel so it tends to be non-fiction, modern history, etc. When I read fiction it's usually fact-based and in a connected subject: anything by Max Hertzberg, David Young, Murray Davies, Robert Harris, John le Carré. Having said that, I don't like the restraints of genre and I'll quite happily relax with George R. R. Martin and Aaron Hodges!
Shaun Musson
I'd like to say the world of The Retrieval Chamber, but I'm not sure I could cope with Chloe Salsinger!
Shaun Musson
Seeing my book on Amazon and holding a print copy — after that, every sale and good review is the icing on the cake! I doubt I'll ever get used to it all, but I do enjoy the sense of control being an independent author gives me.
Shaun Musson
I've always had a passion for history and wanted to write something dystopian, so alternative history was a logical choice. I love the idea of amnesia as a plot device, and a year or so earlier I'd been reading about the Wundewaffe. As I started writing, everything came together, but getting know the characters is the most important thing for me.
Shaun Musson
I read or watch anything I can on the subject I'm writing about. That usually fires up the creativity, but once I've got my teeth into it, the novel tends to write itself. I've been lucky so far. The biggest problem I now have is juggling my time between writing and book promotion.
Shaun Musson
Always research. If you use real locations, visit them and take plenty of pics/videos. Include a couple of small details to bring the place to life, and use all your senses in your writing. If you make something up, always base it on something real.
Shaun Musson
I'm currently researching the first of two planned prequels to The Retrieval Chamber.
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