Interview with Ernesto H. Lee, author of Out of Time

What can you tell us about your new release, Out of Time?

Out of Time is based on the exploits of a time/dream traveling British Cop assigned to a cold case squad. The concept time travel and dreams in general is something that has always fascinated and intrigued me. Whilst Time travel is a much covered and popular genre, I believe that the mixture of Time Travel through the medium of dreams and detective work has added a new and unique twist. This book is the first of a planned series and the second and concluding part of this story ‘The Network’ is also now available.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

In my teens and early twenties’, I was a voracious reader and it wasn’t unusual for me to read a book from cover to cover in a single day, and I would often stay up reading until the early hours of the morning. Unfortunately, as my career developed, time pressure meant that I could no longer do this and it was only recently that I rekindled my love affair with reading. A few times in my life I put pen to paper, but it was finally my partner Maria that inspired and encouraged me to finally complete and publish a novel.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

I would have to say it would be some of the classics that fueled my imagination and lust for reading and writing as a child. Kidnapped, Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe are sure fire winners for me.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Wilbur Smith would be my first guest. I love his books and I would be intrigued to know what he would consider to be the three most important things to look out for as a new writer.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is the freedom to take a character or a story in any direction you see fit. Options are only limited by your imagination.

What is a typical day like for you?

I have always been an early riser, so generally, I am up and out of bed by 6.30 am. I exercise most mornings and the treadmill is where I tend to do some of my best thinking. After breakfast I spend 3-4 hours writing and in the afternoon I read through and edit. Evenings are mainly with friends and a nice glass of red.

What scene in Out of Time was your favorite to write?

I particularly enjoyed writing the first dream sequence. Many of the elements of the sequence were a throwback to my own past, but more importantly it introduced most of the main characters and set the scene for how the story would progress later.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

I guess my main philosophy for life is don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t let the norms of life limit your imagination. Failure is not necessarily something to worry about. Learn from it and do better next time.

Ernesto H. Lee is the author of the new book Out of Time

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