Meet the Author… G.A.M. Morris
I met G.A.M. Morris on Twitter, and his novel intrigued me. It plays in Asia, and Gary seems to be very knowledgeable about everything Chinese and Japanese. His book, Miao Shan – The Awakening, first in his new series, was published last January. We chatted a bit about his knowledge of The Orient, leading to him helping me pick a new culture to write about in my new series! Let’s find out more about this British writer in Africa and his love for all things Japanese and Chinese.
Biography
G.A.M. Morris is a British citizen who has spent most of his life in Cape Town, South Africa, where he currently resides. He has had a strong interest in Chinese and Japanese culture his entire life. For many years, he ran and owned an antique shop specializing in antique arms, armor, and Japanese and Chinese art. He has also had an interest and practiced martial arts for most of his life. For five years, he was a commercial property broker. He began writing fiction on a professional, then semi-professional basis. Since 2017 he writes on a professional basis.
What is your favorite childhood book and why?
During my childhood, my favourite book was from Dr. Zeus, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. It was a gift from my aunt, and I just loved it.
When I was fourteen, my favourite book was King Solomon’s mines, by Rider Haggard, because I was a boy in South Africa, and he took me on a wild African fantasy journey!
What is your all-time favorite book? What impact did it have on your writing?
The Ninja, by Eric van Lustbader. People have actually said that they can see the spiritual similarity in Miao Shan and that book series. The two books are completely different, but there is a spiritual similarity.
What is your favorite under-appreciated novel?
The Ninja, by Eric van Lustbader. I could say Miao Shan,The Awakening, LOL, but that just wouldn’t be fair 
Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?
Harry Potter. It was a massive success as a series, the likes of which we’d never seen before. It had strategies attached which I studied.
What made you want to become a writer?
Just something I’ve wanted to do since I was a teenager. I love to create, and tell tall stories XD.
What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?
Being told by numerous people how amazing my writing is.
What do you love most about the writing process?
Writing every first draft. That is where all the main creative juices flow. I’m careful not to plan too tightly, so surprises always come in when I’m writing the first draft.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
Yes, very. I’ve even been known to mediate to get inspiration for a new character or story series. That’s how I came up with Miao Shan.
Is being a writer a gift or a curse?
Gift, definitely.
How long have you been writing?
Since I was sixteen.
What does your typical writing day look like?
I write up to twelve hours a day, depending on the time I have.
Pen, typewriter, or computer?
Computer.
Do you write alone or in public?
Alone. I need silence to concentrate. I don’t understand people that cansit in a coffee shop and write. Crazeeee!
Do you outline or just write?
Rough outline. Beginning, a little of the middle, and an end goal. I find that works best for me.
What is your favorite genre and why?
Fantasy, because it takes you to a different world.
What genre do you consider your book(s)? Have you considered writing in another genre?
Miao Shan is a historial fantasy thriller. The only other genre I enjoy writing and reading is espionage thrillers.
Does your book have a lesson?
Yes, JUSTICE FOR ALL! Justice is going to be specified more in later books.
Also, ‘there can be no justice without compassion.’
What would be the ideal date for your character in your book?
An Italian or Chinese meal with a sexy man in the real-estate/property industry.
If you could spend time with a character from your book, who would it be?
I’d spend time with Deshi. We’d drink alcohol and talk about life. Believe it or not, I have given this question a great deal of thought over the years, and I have worked out how to do both!
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Three to six weeks.
Thank you so much for sharing all about your writing with us, Gary! I, too, had a Dr. Seus book in my childhood. It was One Fish, Two Fish. I still quote the poems to my kids! I had never heard about The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. I live and learn :).
I once had a boyfriend who was totally blown away by The Ninja. I’d forgotten all about that book. I’m definitely putting it on my ‘to be read’ list now.
Once you’ve figured out the perfect selling strategy of the Harry Potter books, do share it with me!
You can follow/contact G.A.M. Morris via the following social media (just click on the links to go there):
Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, and Amazon.
Get G.A.M. Morris’s book Miao Shan – The Awakening on Amazon:
Get Jacky Dahlhaus’s Suckers Trilogy on Amazon:
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