Local Author: David M. Kelly – Transformation Protocol

If you were at Graphic-Con you may have seen Sudbury Science Fiction author, David M. Kelly. David is a natural story-teller who has written three books so far – with many projects in the works. We spoke with him to find out more about his latest novel, Transofrmation Protofol.

Tell us about your novel Transformation Protocol

My latest novel, Transformation Protocol, is set in the near future, approximately 150 years from now. The world has been devastated by climate change, and humans are finally in the position to start exploring the closest stars to us using new JumpShip technology.

This is your third novel, tell us about the others. Are they part of a series?

The three novels are a fast-paced sci-fi noir thriller series featuring Joe Ballen, a smart-mouthed space engineer, with engaging characters, cynical humor, and plausible science. In the first book, Joe is flying cabs around Baltimore and gets pulled into a conspiracy centered around a prototype JumpShip. In the 2^nd and 3^rd books, the action is much more space-based.

What inspired you to start writing?

Anyone who knows me will tell you I’m a very natural “story-teller” (to put it politely!), so you could say the instinct to write was always there. The push to actually start came around twenty years ago in England when I was faced with a long train commute. I wanted something to fill the time and thought I’d give my long-held dream a go. To my surprise, I ended up writing a novel. It wasn’t a very good one and has never been published, but it got me hooked, and I’ve been writing and learning ever since.

What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Every book feels like a major accomplishment to be honest. There’s so much work goes into writing an entire novel. Not just the writing, but editing, revisions, plus I do my own cover art and video book trailers. Book 3 definitely feels like the biggest accomplishment of them all though. After a minor (I think that’s the right word!) change during the editing of book 2, I had to throw away 75,000 words intended to be the third book and start all over again.

Do you have any plans for future novels?

I’m already working on several other projects. The main one features one of the secondary characters in the Joe Ballen series, but in this book he’s the lead. I also worked out a “future history” outline when I started writing seriously and plan to do a number of different books in this timeline moving into the future – though not necessarily with the same characters.

Any tips for other potential local authors who are looking for inspiration to write their first novel?

I think the key to writing anything is to read a lot—understanding how the written word works and the rhythms that go into creating something like a novel. It also helps to connect with a supportive community, though these can sometimes be difficult to find. For myself, I also learned a lot through the books by James Scott Bell on the craft of writing, and I’d recommend them to anyone starting out. And lastly, keep your expectations realistic, and don’t give up!

Do you have a favourite local coffee shop or spot to write?

During the summer, I have a screened in area on my deck which is a great place to write in bug-free isolation. In winter I use my little office in the basement. Sometimes if I want to immerse myself in the world, I’ll go to Twiggs and sink a few lattes while writing.