What is your real name and what name do you write under

Sam M. Phillips

Where do you hail from?

Northern NSW, Australia, between Byron Bay, Nimbin, and the Gold Coast.

What is the greatest thing about the place you call home?

The natural beauty and peace and quiet of the country.

When and why did you start writing?

I wrote a story for the school newsletter when I was 10, but didn’t really take up writing until I started writing poetry and a novel around 15. I wanted to be a writer because I enjoyed books and respected those who created them.

Who is your favourite author?

George Orwell. 1984 had a huge impact on me. When I started writing my first novel, I wanted it to be similar in scope, while blending it with my interest in futuristic war novels, while tackling my then views on religion and societal control.

Do you see writing as a career?

I see art as a career, and a purpose in life. I play drums in a metal band as well as write poetry and fiction. Along with publishing books through Zombie Pirate Publishing, it is a full time profession for me.

Is there a time when you think you might stop writing? And if so, why?

No, I love writing, even if I hate doing it sometimes or it frustrates me. I have a strong passion for the written word and find it to be a useful medium to express myself artistically. Without an artistic outlet I’d go mad, so I don’t foresee ever quitting writing as long as I am physically and mentally capable of doing it.

What genre(s) do you write in? What genre(s) do you find challenging?

I write in all genres. When I was first exposed to underground presses and got involved it was with a group which did all types of anthologies in all genres. I tried my hand at each one and quickly got the hang of most of them. There’s some I write more in, namely sci fi, fantasy, horror, and literary, but I don’t shy away from attempting any others on occasion.

Is any part of the story based on your life experience?

Yeah, I’ve shapeshifted into a massive killer bee many times.

Who do you write for? What is your target audience?

I’m not a ‘for everyone’ type of writer. I’m not trying to appeal to a mass audience. It’s more a personal spiritual quest for me, reaching out to people who are similar to me through time and space, and enriching their lives, making them feel less alone.

What are your favourite subjects to write about?

Drug addiction, redemption, coping with existence, war, aliens, lasers…

What research do you do for your stories?

None. It’s just better to make things up than get bogged down in ‘facts’. Reality is over-rated, for sure.

If you were banned from writing, what would you do in your free time?

I’d just play drums in my metal band, or else go completely insane and just go back to doing crazy things and ruin my life. I guess I need writing.

What are you working on right now?

A collection of my own sci-fi stories, as well more Zombie Pirate Publishing anthologies.

What are your plans for the future?

Many.

How can readers find you online and social media?

Find my publishing company @ www.zombiepiratepublishing.com

Find my blog @ www.bigconfusingwords.wordpress.com

Find my debut novella as a double feature @ http://a-fwd.to/1sgxgOA