4 September 2024
On Wednesdays on social media, people use the hashtag #WriterWednesday to chat about all things author, book and writing, including authors promoting their own work. As I love to support self-published writers, I thought I’d join in and will be featuring a UK self-published writer every Wednesday on the website.
Recently I met Blaenau Gwent writer M Purkiss to find out more…
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I have been writing stories for as long as I can remember. I can’t put my finger on the first one I wrote anymore. So many ideas have come and gone. The first book I published was Entity in 2015 followed by Entity 2 and Entity 3. I have combined all 3 books in one for 2024 as a kickstart to a new chapter of my writing.
What genre/genres do your books fall under?
Currently sci-fi, mystery and I’m delving into some horror for my upcoming projects.
What is your latest book called, what is it about and what was the inspiration behind the book?
My forthcoming title is Entity: The Complete Trilogy which came out on Amazon on 6th May. This is a combination of my 3 previous works in one volume. A sort of rebranding and comeback for my writing. The inspiration was my love of all things mysterious and fear of the unknown.
Besides your current book, do you have any new projects coming up?
I am working on a few other projects. I am chapters deep into a psychological horror at the moment. I am also working on something which involves horror mystery. And I have some other projects in mind. So much time has passed since I released Entity in 2015, my ideas have started flooding out. The title has been revealed as Spirals Of Grey for my next book now.
Where can people find your books?
My book Entity: The Complete Trilogy can be found on Amazon from 6th May.
What has been the greatest moment in your writing career?
Being able to write and produce an actual paperback book I could hold. Growing up I struggled so much in school. Career advisors saying I should lower my expectations of life and I found it difficult to read and write and was put on a remedial programme to aid with this. I feel like I’ve definitely come a long way. I always wanted to write books and one day I thought, may as well just do it. So I did. Not for fame and fortune but for proof to myself that I could do it. Entity was the book I released, and although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
Besides writing, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy in your spare time?
I like reading a lot, goes without saying. I can find inspiration in the things I read. I like to relax with movies and enjoy video games. My favourite being Silent Hill, I wonder why I like unusual things.
Which novelists do you admire?
I absolutely love Stephen King. He is a major influence in my work and a legend in his own right. Other authors I enjoy notably are Ania Ahlborn and Rick Wood. But as long as a story has a compelling plot I would happily give anything a go.
What has been the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Every bit of feedback is critical advice. I take most things on board and try to implement it.
Do you have any tips or advice for other indie authors?
Just go for it. If I can do it so can you. The scary part is taking the plunge and getting started. Just breathe, you will be fine. When your book is physically in your hands it’ll be worth it. And don’t take bad reviews to heart. It’s not for everyone. As long as you like it and you’ve put your heart and soul into it then that’s the main thing.
You can find out more about M and his work via Amazon, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.
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