Science fiction dreams become reality

8:50am Thursday 21st August 2008

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AN AVID film buff has reached new frontiers with the release of his first novel.

Garry Jon Simpson, formerly of Dee Way, Winsford, but now lives in Middlewich, has made his family proud by getting his debut novel, Alternate, published by Athena Press.

“I first tried to write a novel 15 years ago, although I wasn’t pleased with it and decided to try again about 10 years later,” he said.

“This novel has been a labour of love that I’ve written during the past four years.”

Alternate was released on July 7 and is about a plausible war ravaged world, which is divided by belief and taken to the brink of extinction by an empowering computer virus.

Garry, 34, said: “I enjoy writing science fiction as you don’t have to do a lot of research for it.

“I actually got a lot of the ideas for the story simply from listening to people’s conversations.”

Garry, who by day is a construction cards administrator, is passionate about films and his favourite is Bladerunner.

He also enjoys reading and some of his favourite authors are Douglas Adams, best known for writing The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and Liverpool author Clive Barker, who directed Hellraiser.

Inspirations for his novel are wide ranging.

“I like the old fashioned anti-heroes like Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando,” he said.

“I also like Japanese animation and Manga, and I love aliens.

“There are also a few messages in the book which I feel are quite pungent today, such as dependence on technology, although it mostly centres around action.”

Garry is currently writing the follow up to Alternate, which will tie up some loose ends and be the next installment to what he hopes will be an extensive series.

He added: “I want to extend my thanks to everyone, especially my employers for their support, both financially and emotionally.”

Alternate is available to buy from amazon.co.uk or athenapress.com.