Meet Dr Oolong Seemingly | Writer of Speculative Fiction

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr Oolong Seemingly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr Oolong, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I was young my dad told me it didn’t matter what I chose to do with my life as long it was something that made me happy. Then, he said, you’ll live a life with no regrets. At the time I was playing in a rock band and thought that was the career I would pursue. Once that fizzled out, I put aside my dad’s advice and felt pressured by societal convention to seek out more traditional, steady jobs. I worked in lapidary, eyewear, satellite TV and even an oil refinery. I quickly grew bored of all these jobs. So I decided to search out more interesting, creative occupations. I’ve been writing for fun since as far back as I can remember. It was my true love. So, I took a chance and tried to make it as a creative writer or at least work in more creative environments. I soon got freelance jobs creating cable TV commercials, writing Ken Kragen’s self-help audiotape series, creating corporate videos, editing an animated movie script etc. Fun work, though not steady, so money ebbed and flowed with no certainty. I did find some steady work at a special effects company (until they went under), as a Screenplay Competition Director at an international film festival and as script writer for a small production company. I even took a chance (I had no previous experience) directing a major theatrical play. “No word too small “was my motto when it came to writing. So now, with still no secure, steady income, I remain a freelance writer with a handful of screenplays and 10 novels under my belt and having a blast.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve written or co-written several novels, scripts, stories and screenplays. While I had a few near misses, no great success as of yet. I’ve used different pen names depending on the genre I was writing in. Not too long ago a character appeared out of nowhere in a noir play I was writing. As a writer this sometimes happens, some character will say something totally unexpected, that you hadn’t considered, yet it changes everything. In this case I needed a psychiatrist to be treating the femme fatale. So in walks Dr. Oolong Seemingly. For some reason I just really resonated with the name. So I later created a nom de plume of Dr (no period) Oolong Seemingly – a time traveling cad of sorts,, so named because his mother wanted a doctor in the family and she wasn’t taking any chances. So I started writing all subsequent stories and novels under the first name Dr Oolong last name Seemingly. For some reason I felt a surge of freedom of expression being able to take on a character with such an interesting name. I recently wrote his (my) memoir titled Evaporate. I’m very proud of it. It’s a life story filled with facts and fiction, strange tales and lots of humor. All my Seemingly novels take on a life of their own telling stories in weird, happy ways.. I think they do set me apart from a lot of negativity in the world. I’m also very proud of my co-authorship in the several LeeAnne Hansen novels in the supernatural romance genre. (I’m not LeeAnne, in case you’re wondering..)

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The go to for me would be the Griffith Park Observatory for several reasons. It’s an iconic landmark in Hollywood as it’s been featured in dozens of movies, TV shows and on many Los Angeles postcards and posters. It also offers an amazing view of the city and the Hollywood sign. This is also a great place to hike, if they are into hiking. But most of all for me, being a real science geek, is the observatory. I love all the exhibits and shows.

Next I would take them out to the desert, Most foreign or even US visitors have never see a desert. Joshua Tree National Park is a stunning place to hike, camp or rock climb. There’s also the Integatron – a Time Machine, Giant Rock – a famous UFO landing site and Pappy and Harriets an old west town that hosts amazing concerts and has great BBQ food.

Los Angeles is a melting pot so every type of food imaginable is here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank all my teachers and friends who encouraged me to keep writing and remain unique and creative.. And despite (or perhaps because ) of those who didn’t get or like my work your critiques kept me knowing I was on the right track. They say If you’re not pissing off someone, you’re not creating anything worthwhile.

Website: https://www.zenrage.com

Instagram: @dr_oolong_seemingly

Twitter: Dr Oolong Seemingly @ldhansen9

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