Indie Book Butler: Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

Aron Silver: So I’m Aron Silver. I’m 36 years old and I live in Haarlem, the Netherlands. I have a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering and while that may not directly benefit my writing credentials, the software industry’s adoption of English as its lingua franca did help me to become sufficiently comfortable with the language. I now use it to write my novels, despite Dutch being my native language.

IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book. What would you say?

AS: It’s likely unlike anything you’ve read so far. Hopefully that’s enough to pique your interest

IBB: Where do you like to write?

AS: On the couch, preferably with my legs up against the backrest to support my laptop.

IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?

AS: Given I wrote my first outline on my phone on a plane, I doubt it Though I do need to be in an environment where I’m reasonably confident I won’t be disturbed or I’ll find it hard to focus.

IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

AS: Well, I just mentioned I wrote my outline on a plane. But right before that I was reading Salem’s Lot by Stephen King. In it, a writer is also writing an outline. And it made me think, why don’t I do that? And so I did. So in that sense, that book was hugely influential as it directly led to me actually pursuing writing.

Another book I consider hugely influential is Frank Herbert’s Dune. I read it in my teens, and I was immensely impressed by its world building. I still regard it as somewhat of the gold standard for the crossover between sci-fi and fantasy.

IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?

AS: Naturally I read quite a few books on how to write. But while those were very valuable in avoiding many pitfalls, I think what ultimately helped the most was just trying to actually write and then listening to alpha and beta readers. My first draft of Child of the Moon was still pretty flawed, but with the right feedback I was able to see why it was flawed, and it helped me to turn it into what it is today.

IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

AS: I pretty much see my writing as plain entertainment. Something people can read to escape everyday realities and to be intrigued by. I don’t get political, but if anything, I like to explore morally ambiguous characters that will make people think. I think of myself as a pretty open-minded person, and if I can inspire people to look at things from different perspectives, I’d consider that a win.

IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?

AS: Oh, naturally I made plenty of mistakes along the way. But I try not to let it dissuade me. The entire process has been an experience of learning and some struggle is a natural part of that. But if I have to point out one that I might find most difficult, is shifting my mindset towards writing the next book now that the first is finished.

IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?

AS: Like I mentioned, I read quite a few books on writing (that’s a pun for the initiated But apart from that, I guess I try to stay critical to own works so that I can keep improving.

IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

AS: That’s something I still have to experience. But I just hired a copy editor for Child of the Moon, to make sure my English is up-to-standard, and it has been a very positive experience. I can see the quality of my work improve with almost every suggestion she makes. I guess as long as both parties appreciate and value each other’s work, their collaboration will come naturally.

IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?

AS: “Do your worst.” Regardless of which it is, if they feel that strongly about my work, I’d be fascinated to understand why that is.

IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?

AS: Just go for it and don’t be afraid of failure. You can only improve by doing, so the sooner you get to it, the better you’ll become.

IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?

AS: I’m contemplating writing a YA fantasy trilogy next. It’s quite unlike my first book, and after that, who knows?

IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

AS: I don’t. No, I know that’s not my expertise, so I hire a designer to do it for me.

IBB: How often do you read? What genre?

AS: I try to read every day before I fall asleep. Usually fantasy, horror or sci-fi, but I like thrillers and mystery too.

IBB: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.

AS: Thank you for this opportunity. If you’re interested in checking out my debut novel, it can be found on Amazon for Kindle and paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Child-of-the-Moon-ebook/dp/B08HSQ8ZYS

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