Book: Thoughts From Mars: Down To Earth
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi, my name is Michael Wilgar. I’m fifty years old, I live in Northern Ireland, I’m a father and a husband. I mainly work in the building trade; I’m a fifth-generation builder operating in and around our capital city, Belfast. I’m also into motorcycles and love to tour around the UK and Ireland taking in as many sights as I possibly can during free time. I started writing three years ago. I was researching my family tree when I started to wonder why my ancestors didn’t write anything down to tell of what their life was like. That’s when I decided to write stuff down about my life, and what we got up to as kids growing up in Northern Ireland during the troubles, we had fun, it wasn’t all guns and bombs.
My first two books ‘ Bikes Cars and Thoughts from Mars’, are novella size short chapter easy reads. I like to think that many years from now, my descendants will pick up one of my books and smile.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Thoughts From Mars: Down To Earth’ book?
Thoughts from Mars – Down to Earth was extremely challenging for me; anyone who reads it should understand why. On the 26th May 2019, my eldest boy died from drugs poisoning; he was just twenty-seven years old. I felt I had a responsibility to write this book to tell the story of how easy it is for a young life to be lost when a person gets involved in dangerous substances. I also like to reflect the fact that there are many uplifting things in life which will make you feel good, no drugs required. I know my writing style is quite random, but that’s the way I like to write, being myself. I guess everyone has their individual style, I think it’s important to hang onto that and don’t try and be somebody you’re not.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your writing?
Everything from Robinson Crusoe to John Nichol’s ‘Return of the Dambusters. I love many different books, but I very much love to read motorcycle adventure books which give an accurate account of other countries and the people who live there.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
There are so many stunning places that have left their mark on me, but, the old pier at Brompton that overlooks Belfast lough near Bangor town is the most special. It is the spot where I asked my wife to marry me, and the place where my ashes will be scattered when my time on this earth is up.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
For me, It’s more about getting my thoughts in order, trying not to overthink the hell out of it and getting a flow going. I write because I enjoy it, if I didn’t, I wouldn’t bother.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Thoughts From Mars: Down To Earth’ book?
In and around a year. I wrote down a lot more than I published.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Thoughts From Mars: Down To Earth’ book to buy?
My book is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Thoughts From Mars: Down To Earth’?
I do the main design myself choosing images from the many hundreds of photographs I take when I’m travelling around.
I thought of the Thoughts from Mars when I was writing my first book, it’s a, men are from Mars, and I’m a bloke reference. The Down to Earth refers to staying grounded in life, and try not to lose focus on what’s most important.
Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I’m not sure I do. I just write what I feel like writing and hope someone might enjoy and get something from what I have to say, that’s it really.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Not that I know of, If someone finds any, please tell me. I wear my heart on my sleeve, what can I say!
Book Is Available On Amazon
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