Greif that hits after losing someone to something as inevitable as death is really difficult to deal with. The whole idea of not being able to see our loved one ever again is scary and when something like that actually happens, we find ourselves alone amidst a crowd. A Strange Journey by the author Harold Wynne is a story of the very same grief and loss.
After the release of his book, A Strange Journey; we, at Vowelor, had an interesting conversation with Harold about his writing. But, before we continue with his interview, let us know a little more about the author.
About the Author: Harold Wynne
Harold Wynne is an author and an Inspector Technician at Amgen. He has recently published his novel, A Strange Journey which has elements of urban fantasy, some kind of magical realism and much more.
Harold has studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Planetary Science and is also a CBT Practitioner, Tarot Card Reader, and Usui Reiki Master. He resides in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown county in Dublin, Ireland.
Further, Harold shared about his childhood, his writing journey, his inspirations, and more interesting things about himself. Here are all of his interesting answers:
Tell us about yourself, your family, your occupation, passions, etc.
I’m Harold Wynne, 54, from Ireland. I’ve been working as a Pharmaceutical Operator. A couple of things I’m passionate about are fishing from boats, growing food, etc. I also used to run before long COVID hit.
When and where were you born and bought up?
I was born in Bally Brack, South County in Dublin. I have been here ever since.
What were you like in your childhood? Any memory you would like to share?
I wasn’t like other kids of my age. While every other kid was into sports and following a football team, I thought that was a sheer waste of time. So I used to read and look at the pictured of animals and fishes.
What do you think has been your biggest achievement till today?
Probably still being alive – this world is very hard.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start writing?
I received a journal that I won in a competition and was gifting it to my wife, who turned her nose up at it. So I said, I will write a book.
Which writers inspire you?
J.R.R. Tolkien, Tom Clancy, Bill Bryson.
Writing is stressful at times. How do you relax your mind?
I find writing relaxing, as your mind is off in some story.
What is your favorite motivational phrase?
“Just keep swimming ” – Dory, from Finding Nemo
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just do what you can and don’t worry about the rest.
If you could have been the original author of any book, which one would it be and why?
The Bible. I would put Dragons and other magical creatures in it, so when I went to church, it would be very interesting.
How is your day structured?
I have long COVID since Christmas 2021 so I sleep a lot. I read and study courses. I look after four dogs, twenty chickens, a duck and a rabbit.
What is the reason you write for; is it for the readers or yourself or something else?
Just that I like to tell stories.
About the Book: A Strange Journey
An urban fantasy fiction by the author Harold Wynne, A Strange Journey follows a young psychic, Vicky; her tragedy-stricken town; and another seemingly unconnected woman named Rachel. However, what will happen when these three stories will come to an intersection where Vicky will have a choice to make, the repercussions of which will be faced by many?
What genre is your book? What draws you to this genre?
It is a combination of fiction and reality. I chose it because it’s what I feel I know best.
Was there something that made you write this book?
Yes. I had three people die within 367 days and with Covid, it wasn’t possible for me to grieve properly. Hence, the book was a way for me to lock onto some feelings/stories and write some of the grief out of my soul.
What makes ‘A Strange Journey’ stand out in this genre?
The fact that it’s basically a true story (with segments that can be backed up by other people).
Why do you think a reader should pick this book over anything else?
I feel it has an easy-to-read font and style, I have reports that it is very hard to put down once picked up.
The book has aspects like grief, loss, tragedy, psychic powers, and a lot more. What were the hardest and the easiest things or ideas to incorporate?
I did think initially that the psychic experiences were going to be the hardest to describe. But when I started to write from the heart, it wasn’t what I expected it to be as accept it or not, nearly everyone has some experience like that.
Is there any special experience throughout the writing process of ‘A Strange Journey’ that you’d like to share?
Yes, I cried a bit as I remembered the stories and memories of the ones I lost.
Future Plans
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I am going to write more as love it.
Are you working on your new project? What will be your next book about?
A Stranger Journey is being written at the moment which is set ten years on from the recent book, A Strange Journey.
What does success mean to you as an author?
Success to me means the idea of being known and liked for my writing style.
Do you prefer self-publishing or traditional publishing, and why?
I have always taken the route of self-publishing, hence, very little knowledge about the traditional way.
One lesson that you’d like to pass on to young debut authors.
Start your book, even on a scrap of paper, and keep going on from there.
A note to the readers:
I really hope this book comes across as a beacon of positivity and hope, that when dark times are here, they will not last. Light will prevail.
Want to know more about Harold Wynne? Connect with the author on Instagram and Facebook.
