Quentin Eckman

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

After a long career as a graphic artist and one-of-a-kind jewelry designer, I've now decided to channel my creative effort into writing fiction. My early working life had not always afforded me the luxury of working in creative fields. Taking jobs that were available to me (including various types of maintenance, auto mechanic, ranch foreman, and U.S. Census worker), provided a rich backdrop of characters and places for my writing, I didn't realize at the time that those people and events were living research. My first novel "The Dead Giveaway; A Ghost Story in the High Desert," was well-received. I've recently released my second novel, "The Hybrids."

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing short stories about eight years ago. My first novel, The Dead Giveaway: A Ghost Story in the High Desert, began as a short story but eventually grew into a novel. I've written two novels. Both of them will be published in 2024. I've been interested in writing as a profession for many years and am now realizing that dream.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I've made my living as an artist most of my life. Wring is a satisfying way to express my creativity.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

It's a tossup between Lewis Price from Dead Giveaway and Joey Dice from the Hybrids.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

So far, The Hybrids. I have another book started that I'm certain will be an even greater challenge. I've had to put that one on the back burner for a while. I hope to pick it up after I write the sequel to The Dead Giveaway.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Kurt Vonnegut, Cats Cradle, but a close second is Catch 22 by Joseph Heller.

What book are you reading right now?

I've recently finished All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I highly recommend this book. I am currently reading Sapiens; A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari. Although a non-fiction book, I consider it a must-read for any fiction author.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Inspiration comes from many places. I'll have a conversation with my wife and an idea will spring to mind. I make quick notes before the idea dissolves. I have notes/ideas for several more books. Now I just need to find the time to write them.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Walking and playing with our dogs. I love their innocence and lovely personalities. Dogs are the best people on earth. I also love to design and build one-of-a-kind sterling and gemstone jewelry.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I do. I've just released the Hybrids in April, available now from Amazon. The first draft of Triple Jack (about a time traveler) is now complete on Kindle Vella. I Intend to re-write Triple Jack and release it as an ebook and paperback on Amazon later this year. The basic idea has taken shape, but I'm sure I'll make changes in the final version. You can check out the first draft now on Kindle Vella. My next release will be a compilation of my Short Stories.