Welcome to Author Services Australia, A J Eccles, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from and some of your interests and hobbies.
I am A J Eccles, an Australian author and illustrator of the Ickles books. I love writing about strong characters and developing unusual stories with unexpected plot twists. When not writing you can usually find me playing music, walking my two dogs on the beach, doodling cartoon characters, watching sci-fi or researching all manner of interesting topics online.
What inspired you to start writing?
After a career as a video producer, copywriter, and senior global marketing executive I turned my hand to writing fictional stories. The idea for the Ickles sprang from their name. “Ickle” is a childlike way of saying “little”, and the Ickles are indeed little people, one-fifth the size of a human being. This led me to calling them Ickles, tagging “ickle” onto regular words ending in “ical” or “icle”. So, we have Heroickle, Botanickle, Physickle, Comickle, Fickle, etc.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
I enjoy writing for young readers 8 – 12. This encompasses genres such as action/adventure, sci-fi, mystery, comedy, and fantasy.
What is your writing process?
I tend to write in a linear fashion by developing the characters in my mind first, then start writing with no idea where the story will take me. Inspiration and direction flow from the characters themselves. The storylines develop based on the roles and personalities suggested by their names. The name suggests the plot, then I build up fantasy worlds, stories and adventures that allow the characters to explore them. I never really know how the stories will turn out until I get to the very end and I am often surprised by the outcome.
What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?
The fun of writing fictional stories from the imagination where the concept can take you anywhere. I wish I had started earlier!
What was the hardest part of self-publishing?
Amazon KDP will provide some promotional assistance once you attract a certain number of reviews, which usually means sales. Getting those sales before you have any reviews is the biggest challenge. I also became aware of all other digital outlets to extend their reach in the marketplace.
Which book is your favorite and why?
Among my favorite books by other authors are anything by Clive Cussler or Tom Clancy and the Bond books by Ian Fleming.
Regarding my own three published books, I think I would have to say the third book, a full-length novel, “They’re Everywhere!” is my favourite. The short stories were great fun to write, but the full-length chapter book gave me the opportunity to expand on the characters and plot, which was most satisfying.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
In the children’s category, the magical characters of Roald Dahl come to mind, A.A Milne, Kenneth Grahame, and of course, J.K. Rowling.
In the science fiction genre, I admire the writings of Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clark, and the inventive mind of Rod Serling. I am also a great admirer of the comedy genius of Spike Milligan, John Cleese and the quirky nonsense novels of Canadian author Stephen Leacock. And for sheer action and escapism, the above-mentioned authors, Clive Cussler, Ian Fleming, and Tom Clancy.
What are you working on right now?
I am re-launching my first book with some revised content and working on my fourth and fifth short story books to complete the set.
What’s next for you as an author?
I want to complete my next two books, and then consider developing some of the 80 short stories as single subject picture books. Currently, the chapter books have a character illustration at the head of each of the 20 chapters, with the rest as text. I love illustrating and envisage this will keep me busy for the next few years. During this time, I plan to make some of my stories available as audiobooks.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Still pursuing my dream to develop The Ickles, along with several other projects that are just a series of sketchy ideas at this stage. I enjoy the process of developing interesting characters and plots. Who knows what else might develop from my passion for writing?
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to fly to other planets and experience strange new worlds, not just conjure them up in the imagination!
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, A J Eccles! Please take a minute and check A J Eccles out on the links below! If you need any assistance with self-publishing, such as ghostwriting, editing, formatting, cover design, or uploading? Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly. Our friendly and professional team is always happy to help.
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Author Name: A J Eccles
Genre/s: Children’s Fiction, Middle Grade, ages 8-12
Author Website: https://theickles.com
Social Media Links: Facebook, Pinterest, Reedsy, and X (Twitter).
Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book:
The Ickle books are available through Amazon (in all Amazon markets), plus Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, and other bookstores.
The Ickles®. They’re Everywhere! They’re Everywhere!
The Ickles®: 20 short stories, including Heroickle and the Alien Invasion
The Ickles Second Helping: 20 short stories, including Tropickle and the Home Swap Getaway