The Interview - With award-wining science fiction author Omara Williams

It took me five years to complete my book, “The Space Traveller’s Lover”, from the first idea to publication. The process of writing, reviews, illustrations, and interior design was very time-consuming, but it was also very satisfying as I achieved every milestone.

With numerous characters and subplots, organising the entire book was a challenge. To manage this complexity, I drew out scenes and the characters' physiques, and created a wall chart where I could place cards summarising each chapter. This helped me create a storyboard for the beginning, middle, and end of the story.

Ultimately, everything fell into place in this inspiring story of love vs. duty.

I have seldom experienced writer’s block. It feels like reaching a dead end in the journey of your thoughts, where the ideas stop flowing and you can't make progress in your story.

To overcome this, I recommend practising freewriting—allowing your thoughts to spill onto the page without worrying about coherence or logic. By writing continuously, you can unlock the floodgates of creativity, letting ideas flow more freely and effortlessly. This exercise, which involves writing whatever comes to mind regardless of clarity, can help spark your imagination and restore momentum in your storytelling journey.
 

I’ve always been fascinated by science and technology, as well as the intense emotions stirred by love stories. 

In crafting my science fiction novel, "The Space Traveller’s Lover," I delved deeply into my diverse experiences in the realms of science and technology. My background in software development, physics, mathematics, chemistry, and astronomy served as a rich foundation, infusing my narrative with authenticity and complexity. 

Coupled with vivid memories from my travels around the globe, I wove together intricate details and lush descriptions, drawing inspiration from the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world.

Each chapter reflects the fascinating interplay between advanced concepts and the breathtaking beauty of our universe, creating a tapestry of love, adventure and exploration.

I am currently working on the second novel in what I plan as a series for "The Space Traveller’s Lover". Many storylines from my first book are waiting to be explored and developed further, and I am gathering all these ideas in a scrapbook with pictures and text, which I intend to compile for the sequel.

Although I don't currently have any movies or TV adaptations in the works, I have always envisioned my characters as more than just words on a page. I dream of seeing them brought to life in vivid, dynamic scenes that captivate and resonate with audiences on a profound level.

My ideal screen project would be an inspiring movie that explores the intricate moral dilemmas posed by war, the urgency of ecological collapse, and the complexities of identity, love, and duty, which my book's narrative vividly portrays. I hope to invite audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences through this story.

I find great joy in writing from the comfort of my home office, where a cosy ambience inspires creativity.

The walls are lined with my favourite books and astronomy pictures taken during my past journeys. As I write, I immerse myself in the inspiring melodies of my carefully selected playlists, which fill the room with a sense of wonder. This perfect environment allows my thoughts to flow freely, making the writing process a truly fulfilling experience.