Interview with Peter Ashley, author of the new spy thriller “A Human Reaction”

A Human Reaction is a fast-paced spy adventure set for release on 19 June 2009. Debut author Peter Ashley talks to us about how he came to write it.

Name an author (or authors) whose work you’ve read for the first time that you enjoyed.

I wouldn’t say that any author in particular has influenced me, but when I decided to start writing I tried to emulate the writing style of Christopher Golden whom I thought bought great power and excitement to his writing and just the way he set his novels out I really liked. I thought it made for very easy reading.

As far as what has inspired me, I would have to say the sc-fi show, Farscape. I loved the story arc and the characters (even the puppets) and how the writers of the show made you feel for them.

Who is your toughest critic?

That’s easy – me! When I started writing all I wanted was to be criticised so I could learn what I’m doing wrong. But I couldn’t find any (until I met Zetta, Jim and editor Rachel McIntyre) So I just rubbished my own writing really and I can’t seem to stop!

How/when did you decide to become a writer?

Well I have always written stories and thought them up to amuse myself at work, but I think when I actually decided to attempt a proper novel was when I was watching a documentary about upcoming writers with my family and said, “I could do that!”

Describe your experience getting published for the first time. Would you have done anything differently?

I don’t remember ever working really hard to get published. I was of the opinion that I love my hobby and I have all my life to get published. If it happens then it happens. I remember getting some standard rejections and becoming concerned that the sample I sent was actually being read so I started to arrange the binding paperclips into a formation – that was hardly ever disturbed.

What is your philosophy on writing?

Write to entertain yourself. Write something you would like to read and it will take the pressure off getting published because you’ll be amusing yourself so much.

How do you create your “world?”

I think the backdrop of A Human Reaction defined my own fears at the time. It was about a year after the War on Terror began and I began to imagine a dreadful prospect of where it all may lead to. Although the story is not based on circumstances happening now, it is supposed to indicate how tense military situations can lead to a global catastrophe.

Where did the idea for A Human Reaction come from?

The novel was originally named ’Prisoner X’ I still like that title and think it works, but it does sound a bit 70’s sc-fi! The name of A Human Reaction, not only fit’s the plot but also offers a dedication to my inspiration.

What do you wish to accomplish through your book?

Well, my aim has always been to see just how many people share my tastes in a story. I write to entertain myself and I wonder just how many others out there share my views on the sort of story that I find interesting.

Learn more about A Human Reaction and read an excerpt here!
Visit Peter Ashley’s website