Name: Steve J W Acfield
Age: 54
Where are you from: Tasmania, Australia.
A little about yourself ‘ie your education Family life etc’:
Lived in over fifty houses during my lifetime, nearly all of which pertain to my childhood. Much of my schooling was in New Zealand.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
Allurian Publications have just released, A Fate Foreshadowed (2016 edition), which can be found on Amazon, Createspace and Smashwords.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I started with poetry as a means to get my feelings on paper. At thirteen I began writing my first book, giving me further control over a somewhat chaotic childhood. However, I never finished it.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Not until I had finished the first draft of Fot.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I loved my Tom Swift books and shows like Doctor Who and especially Star Trek. My story was a far out adventure with science fiction elements, much like the shows that helped me to escape reality.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
Might sound odd, considering the size of Fot, but I would consider it short, sharp, and to the point.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
The original version only had one name, and I have no idea how I came up with it. As for the characters and story. I think most writers will tell you that once they’ve started the process, the characters, themselves, tend to behave as they please, just as events also tend to unfold to the writer’s surprise, and sometimes, horror. I will never forget when a character in one of my books, died, and to this day I didn’t see that coming.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes. Many. But you would have to read the books to find out what. It should be stated, however, that, like the Harry Potter novels, the Fot trilogy can simply be read for the sheer thrill of it.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Considering Fot is fantasy it may surprise readers to know that most characters are based on real people or parts of myself. I doubt there are many writers who do it any other way. The fantasy side is simply the pretty window dressing that excites the imagination.
Fiona: What books have influenced your life the most? A mentor?
In Tune with the Infinite by Ralph Waldo Trine. Parts of the bible. Gore Vidal’s Julian made me question history and religion.
Madeleine Brunato-Arthur OAM was a mentor for a time.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
New authors: The Spell of Pencliff by Wendy Hobbs, PandalmoniA by Rachel Jane. Both brilliant children’s books. I hope these authors get the recognition they deserve.
As for a favourite author, I don’t really have one I would put above another, it depends on my mood.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
It’s too hard to name just one. Madeleine Brunato-Arthur OAM, Marina Matsyborko and Kerstin Sonntag, are three that come to mind.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No. Not now, anyway. The Fot trilogy has been edited and rewritten a number of times.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? At first it was just a means to escape my situation at the time. I found it very cathartic.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
I am currently working on my second Lighthouse Children novel. They’re a little like modern day ‘Famous Five’ novels, set in Tasmania, using real places.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Self-belief. Every time I feel as though my writing is improving, I read someone else’s work and it brings me back to Earth.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
No. At least not yet.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
The brilliant Patrick McEvoy, an American Graphic artist.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Not the writing so much as rejections afterwards. Only with time do you learn that rejections are simply part of the process, and not to take it personally.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
That writing is like any art, always evolving.
Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead?
At one time I thought Logan Lerman reminded me a little of Fot. He has since made too many fantasy movies and is probably too old now.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Rejection is not a reflection of who you are. It’s extremely rare for any writer to be picked up on their first submission. If a plot or character is important to you, stick with it, don’t quit.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Writing is a lonely occupation that requires a lot of dedication and incredible amounts of time. At the end of this the writer has laid bare his or her soul, so be kind.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
The Elder Days by David De Rousse
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
It was probably a Tom Swift adventure story.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
I’m a romantic, so everything.
Fiona: Is there one person past or present you’d like to meet and why?
Ralph Waldo Trine, mostly because his first book was published in the nineteenth century yet reads like a hipster new age book.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why?
He cared. Because I do.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies
I’m working on improving my Photoshop skills.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Game of Thrones, Mr. Robot, Enlightened. Most movies. Love how movies combine so many art forms.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music:
Any food I don’t have to cook. Blue. I’m eclectic when it comes to most things, but as much as I enjoy ‘old school’, I probably prefer moving forward with new music and artists.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Graphic art or working behind the cameras in film.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
authorsinterviews 
I believe writers are always learning more about their craft. Good luck with the novel, Steve. The Lighthouse children’s series sounds great.
Thank you so much, Maggi. The Lighthouse Children is fun.
I met Steve through Facebook, doing some networking. He’s a sweet and very positive person. There are times he encourages me and it happens just when I need it most. Can’t wait to meet him, because I know we will one day. 🙂
What lovely things to say, Kat, and so appreciated. You really are a positive and supportive person. I wish you the very best with everything in your life.
Nice interview!
Thank you, Maggi.