Sean Armstrong is a disabled author who has written six manuscripts for a Young Adult science fiction series. In 2019 after a slew of challenging circumstances he decided to start writing fiction. He did so as a way of challenging himself and also to distract him from those difficult situations that he was dealing with. He published his first book, available now on Amazon, and is currently working on the other two books to complete his series. He hopes to be able to publish those two soon.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

Hello, thank you for giving me the chance to be interviewed I began my writing journey back in 2019 after being out of work and also ending a three-year relationship I decided in order to distract myself I would start writing my own work of fiction. I feel that what I like the most about writing is the creativity part one thing that I dislike is editing my own work.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

My first two books follow the adventures of Stacey Roberts an average young woman who dreams of the future. That is until she is injected with a serum which transforms her into a green skinned heroine, she then later joins a superhuman faction lead by her lover interest Ben Fox. Unknown to her she is forced into a war with another superhuman faction known as the Outcasts. Readers can find all the information about me and my work on my Twitter account.

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

I gained inspiration from a number of different sources for my work for example a big inspiration for me was the film series Unbreakable which I watched in my teens in 2000 another was the Metal Gear Solid game series due to its vast plot and twists. One of the main inspirations was from an ex-girlfriend of mine who was called Stacey Roberts who once painted herself green.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?

In my day-to-day routine I first wake up and one of the first things that I do is go on my computer and write I set myself the goal of writing two chapters a day if possible? It normally takes me around about five to six months to complete a 50000 novel currently I have written three more manuscripts in my Green Girl series and am currently working on another two more to complete my series.

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?

I cried at the ending of A Monster Calls the book was impactful and emotional showing the main character Conor accepting the death of his mother from cancer and allowing himself to let go. As for authors I have a few favorites, Ray Bradbury, JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Patrick Ness and Neil Gailman. I am currently reading Dawn by Octavia E Butler.

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

I would have to say that an achievement which I am most proud of is the fact that I have managed to write four manuscripts published one and am currently working on another two more to complete the series. I would like to see myself writing other series or stand-alone books in the future earning from my work.

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?

Rejection is a normal way of life in the writing profession and it’s about how you react to that rejection that’s important. With me I decided to take rejection on the chin and push myself harder I feel that is it important to give this advice and guidance to other authors especially first-time authors and writers.

8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?

One of the things that I find challenging as a self-published author is the marketing side, I am not a salesman by any stretch of the means during my last book event which took place on the 06/08/22 I had the idea to hire four models who were body painted green to look like my main character I did this in order to gain attention for my book.

9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?

I think that is it important for all authors to do this as it gives them a better sense of where they are and how to improve upon their writings in the future it’s all about taking small steps to get yourself better.

10) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

Not at all! Look at the likes of JK Rowling she was in her late thirties when the first Harry Potter book was published and look at her now. People like her are an inspiration to other authors like me. If she can do this, then so can other authors?

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

There is nothing more powerful than the written word look at the impact on the way social media plays in people’s lives words have meaning and they can either make or a break a person’s will or inspire them pushing them onwards it depends clearly on what message they give? Writing for me is very helpful in terms of that I find it therapeutic it gives me a set goal and helps me to focus myself when I feel down, I feel that other people should write more myself.

Photo from a Book event