Action Pulp!

“My books are meant to be fun, a couple of hours to lose yourself in a different life, maybe a completely different world. If you finish a book of mine and say, “That was fun!” then I’ve done a good job.” – Brian K. Lowe.

Please introduce yourself.

         I’m Brian K. Lowe. I’ve been a fan of science fiction books as far back as I can remember and a fan of pulps since I read my first Captain Future novel when I was fourteen. I have over 3000 comic books in my closet. Over the last 25 years I’ve written a dozen novels and sold 50 stories to magazines.

What genres do you write and why?

         I’ve tried my hand at a lot of genres, including pulp thrillers, space opera, humorous science fiction (and fantasy), paranormal mystery…it gets hard to keep it all straight.

What is your earliest memory of reading?

         That’s a good question. I know I’ve always been fascinated with books. One of my earliest memories was being fascinated by a space exploration picture book by Willy Ley. I think that book has a lot to answer for.

When did you know you wanted to write? How did it happen?

         I remember being a storyteller as early as 11, but it wasn’t until I was 14 that one night my younger brother announced out of the blue that he was going to write a book. Naturally, I had to write one, too. I finished mine.

What’s one of your favorite scenes in one of your books?

         I’ve always been a sucker for the scene where the cavalry swoops in at the last moment. In The Choking Rain, the first of my Nemesis series, there’s a scene like that, but I can’t go into details because it would be a major spoiler.

What makes a good character? A bad one?

         Characters are like friends. A good character is someone the readers like to be with. A bad character is cliched, stereotyped, or simply has no relatable qualities that make you want to hang out with them.

What moves the story for you?

         For me, it’s the voice. It doesn’t take very long to see if the author’s voice reaches me and pulls me into the story. Like characters, if the narrator sounds like someone I want to know better, I stick with him.

What is your favorite book and why?

         As many books as I’ve read in my life and I’m supposed to pick just one? About every ten years I reread two series: Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Mars books and Jack Vance’s Demon Princes. That’s as close as I can get.

What do you want to say to your audience?

         For me, books have always been entertainment, and I’m trying to pass that along. My books are meant to be fun, a couple of hours to lose yourself in a different life, maybe a completely different world. If you finish a book of mine and say, “That was fun!” then I’ve done a good job.

What advice do you have for new writers?

         It’s not easy being an author. Making that first sale is only the first step. Cultivate patience, and keep your stories in submission—including your reprints!

Do you have anything else you would like to add?

         There are books for all kinds of readers, and readers for all kinds of books. Read what you like, write what you like to read, and don’t be ashamed of either.

Website: www.brianklowe.wordpress.com