Tell us about yourself.:
I’m a public high school teacher in Southern California. I’m also a football coach, ex-college football player, baseball umpire, and of course writer. I’m a son, brother, husband, and father. I sing Gilbert and Sullivan (not well, but loudly).

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
Southern California.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write at home, I go outside and light a liquid-fuel citronella candle. It used to be to fend off insects, but now it’s turned into a sort of ritual. And yes, I do get ribbing from my family about it.

What authors have influenced you?
Southern California.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Know your characters inside and out.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
I try to live by “It is better to light one candle than curse the darkness.”

What are you reading now?
Embassytown by China Miéville is on the top of the list (sitting in my Kindle right now) followed by The Three Body Problem by Liu Cixin. I’d always had a notion to read it, and now I’m assiduously avoiding the TV series: I have to leave the room when my wife turns it on.

What’s your biggest weakness?
Not enough time to do everything.

What is your favorite book of all time?
Too many to choose from.

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Reading, Science Fiction of course. Yeah–I am a science-fiction junkie, no doubt.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Whew. That was a long time ago. Mind expanding.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
After finishing the previous novel, Beltrunner, I thought the story was over. I read reviews of the novel online and many of them said, “I can’t wait for the next one!” I remember thinking, “what’s wrong with you people? It’s over!” but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I missed my two principal characters. I wanted to see what they were up to now, and the only way to do that was to create a new story with them.

What are you working on now?
Whatever the muse throws my way.

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Book signings.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Digging into the heads of the characters who make up the fleet.

How well do you work under pressure?
I'm organized and work very well under pressure.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
It all depends on the action.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
Well, primarily I hope my readers enjoyed the story and the characters. But what I want them to remember other than that? I suppose either the idea that the journey is its own destination, or the enduring power of loyal friendship.

Sean O’Brien’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website

Sean O’Brien’s Social Media Links
Facebook Page