Molly : I've just read/reviewed your book Merlin's Kin. Please Everett Coles, will you tell us why you chose this particular setting/genre for this work?

Everett Coles : The genre is my favourite (SciFi/Fantasy) but as this was my first attempt at writing for the younger mind I decided to write a story involving some of the characters I grew up with, in the literary sense that is, and what better than a household name like Merlin?


Molly : Well, that plan seems to have worked nicely for you, your book was filled with rich details, how much time do you usually spend doing background research before you begin a new book and what does your research involve?

Everett Coles : In this instance because all subject matter is different I not only read all I could on Merlin but watched the film of that name and Excalibur two or three times, to enable me to reach a decision on what kind of Merlin I wanted mine to be, e.g. a man who could make miraculous things happen but without the hocus pocus of spells and magic. The rich details mainly come from an over fertile imagination.

Molly : Everett Coles, beginning writers may not realize how difficult it is to get a book together. How long would you say it takes on average for you to write a book from start to finish?

Everett Coles : If I worked at it as a job full-time I would say around six months for a hundred thousand words. Merlin's Kin took me a year with rewrites and re-reads.

Molly : I see, now let's move on to another area of wiritng: I find that I particularly enjoy writing series because when one book is finished I don't have to say goodbye to the characters I know as friends, rather I follow them as they enter their next adventure. Is your book part of a series? And, if so, why do you like to write series?

Everett Coles : This will be my first series as such and is planned for three books but I have written two SciFi novels using the same main character and I relate to this guy a lot. After writing the first one I wrote an historical novel then came back to this character and it was like putting on an old pair of shoes: Immensely comfortable.

Molly : Excellent, then I imagine we will have another in the series to read soon. Jack Everett, what did you attend to first when were writing Merlin's Kin? Did you write your book or seek out an agent or a publisher? And, if you will, please tell us of trials or successes you may have had in trying to find agent or publisher.

Everett Coles : Wrote the book then discovered how few people thought it as wonderful as me. It took around two years to find an agent then another two to find a publisher and all of that time I wondered whether I should have tried another profession. I found that every submission brought comments like " enjoyed it but feel this is the wrong time for this type of work" or " there are too many of this type on the market at the moment"

Molly : Yes, I think every writer has experienced some of this. So Jack Everett, how long did it take for you to get published and we know you suffered through the dreaded rejection blues.

Everett Coles : Four years and yes one would need a skin thicker than a Rhino's not to suffer from the blues.

Molly : Now, please tell us something about yourself, about your life.

Everett Coles : I have worked in a variety of jobs and vocations that have shaped me and formed me into the man I am. Construction Supervisor, Royal Air Force Police Dog Instructor, Fireman, Training Officer/Training Adviser and Youth Leader. All of these coupled with marriage and three children have moulded my thoughts and dreams. However six years ago my youngest son died on a motorcycle which forced me to take a different look at life and my priorities. Now I have my writing and my garden as my two main pleasures.

Molly : You have lived a varied and interesting life. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Now, what is in your future? May we expect another book soon?

Everett Coles : Could be a year before the sequel to Merlin's Kin is finished but I'm studying putting several novels into ebooks and these will be mentioned on www.merlinskin.org as well as Authors Den as they become available.

Molly : Excellent. What rewards do you find from being a writer?

Everett Coles : Contentment and a sense of wellbeing. Each work gives me a certain feeling of pride unlike any other activity.

Molly : Do you plan to do book signings within the next few weeks? Do you enjoy signings?

Everett Coles : Here in the UK book signings are harder to make happen than Stateside but yes I do enjoy them because they put you close to your target audience.

Molly : Thank you for your insight. Now, What one bit of advice do you have for beginning writers?

Everett Coles : Don't take up writing as a means to get rich but only if you feel a burning desire to write and expect the hardest ride of your life, that way you will be prepared for the bumps that will undoubtedly come.