Where awesome book readers meet awesome writers.
Today, we sit down with Quintin Engelbrecht, a self-proclaimed “atypical nerd” whose passion for both adventure and storytelling knows no bounds. Whether he’s hiking multi-day mountain trails, freediving in the ocean, or immersed in the world of science fiction, Quintin’s curiosity and creativity fuel his craft. His debut novella, We Were Here First, captures the awe and mystery of space exploration while staying grounded in the human experience.
Meet Quintin Engelbrecht
Quintin describes himself as a blend of contradictions—a thrill-seeking adventurer who also loves curling up with a good book. His passion for reading began early, sparked by a stack of Reader’s Digest magazines gifted to him at the age of eight. “I devoured them and reread them several times,” he recalls. “That’s when my love for words began.”
At just ten years old, he attempted his first story, In Search of The Magnificent Tiger. Though it was only twenty-five pages long, it ignited a lifelong desire to write. Years later, in 2015, during his final year of high school, he completed the first version of his novel The Winds of The Wild Coast. Originally written in Afrikaans, the story sat quietly for years until Quintin revisited it in 2018, translating and expanding it into English.
By 2024, he decided to start fresh. He reworked the story from the ground up, adding new layers of depth and meaning. But before he could finish, a different idea began to take shape—and that idea became We Were Here First, his debut novella.
About His Latest Book: We Were Here First
The inspiration for We Were Here First came from an unexpected place—a meme. “It said, imagine landing on Mars, walking into a cave, and finding a piece of paper. What’s the scariest thing that could be written on it?” Quintin says. “My answer was, We Were the First Ones. That idea stuck with me and became the seed for the story.”
As a lifelong space enthusiast, Quintin poured his fascination into the book. “I spent hours as a kid watching space documentaries and reading about the space race,” he explains. “This novella combines that passion with my love for storytelling.”
We Were Here First explores an alternate version of the Space Race, blending historical imagination with hard science fiction. Quintin meticulously researched and performed real calculations to ensure accuracy, but his goal was accessibility. “I wanted people who don’t normally read hard sci-fi to enjoy it,” he says. “So I focused on making it accurate but easy to follow.”
Writing Habits and Creative Process
Quintin’s writing process is flexible and fueled by inspiration. Sometimes he writes in total silence; other times, he prefers epic instrumental music or ambient sounds to set the mood. “It depends on the day,” he says. “But I always have coffee or tea with a rusk—it’s my small ritual.”
He believes in balancing structure with freedom. While he outlines his stories carefully, he leaves room for spontaneity, allowing characters and ideas to evolve naturally.
Authors Who Inspire Him
When asked about literary influences, Quintin names Wilbur Smith as a major inspiration. “His vivid descriptions and sweeping storylines expanded my horizons,” he says. Other writers who shaped his voice include Colonel Chris Hadfield, Andy Weir, and Dick Francis—authors who blend technical accuracy with engaging storytelling.
“Their work showed me that science can be exciting and human at the same time,” he explains. “That’s what I aim for in my own writing.”
What He’s Working on Now
At the moment, Quintin is focused on marketing We Were Here First and connecting with readers. But he’s also busy with several upcoming projects. “I’m working on the sequel and a prequel called Project Zvezda,” he shares. “And of course, I plan to finish The Winds of The Wild Coast—I finally solved the story problems that were holding me back, and I’m excited to complete it by 2026.”
In addition, he’s developing a suspense novel titled Deadline, set in a 1950s small town where people mysteriously die after receiving a phone call. A switchboard operator becomes the unlikely investigator. “It’s one of those ideas that just won’t leave you alone,” Quintin says.
Promoting His Work
For book promotion, Quintin has found success in modern digital spaces. “TikTok is a great platform for authors,” he explains. “At first, I focused only on promoting my own books, but once I started supporting other indie authors, my audience began to grow naturally.”
He also experiments with YouTube and Threads. “Surprisingly, YouTube has given me two to five times more views than TikTok. I even found one of my ARC readers there,” he says. His advice for fellow authors: “Crosspost everywhere and see what connects. Every platform has potential.”
Advice for New Authors
Quintin’s advice for aspiring writers is simple and refreshing:
“Give more to the community than you take.”
He encourages authors to be contributors first—sharing insights, supporting others, and being active in the writing world. “Crosspost your videos everywhere,” he adds. “And start marketing early—it’s never too soon to build your presence.”
The Best Advice He’s Ever Heard
A piece of wisdom that has guided Quintin’s creative journey is:
“Make it exist first. You can make it good later.”
He believes perfectionism is one of the biggest obstacles for writers. “You can’t improve a blank page,” he says. “Finish it first, then polish.”
What He’s Reading Now
Currently, Quintin is reading The Defector by Chris Hadfield, another author who combines technical realism with thrilling storytelling—a style Quintin deeply admires.
If Stranded on a Desert Island
When asked what books he would take to a deserted island, Quintin laughs before listing a mix of wisdom, practicality, and imagination:
- The Bible
- What to Do in an Emergency
- A bound volume of all Wikipedia articles
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Each choice reflects his balance of curiosity, faith, and humor.
Connect with Quintin Engelbrecht
Learn more about Quintin and his work through his online platforms:
- Official Website: Quintin Engelbrecht Website
- Amazon Author Page: Quintin Engelbrecht on Amazon
- Goodreads: Quintin Engelbrecht on Goodreads
- Facebook: Quintin Engelbrecht on Facebook
- Twitter: Quintin Engelbrecht on Twitter
Follow his journey as he continues to push boundaries, blending science, emotion, and adventure into stories that remind us what it means to be human.
Final Thoughts
Quintin Engelbrecht’s We Were Here First is a remarkable debut that captures both the thrill of discovery and the complexity of the human spirit. With its blend of scientific realism, emotional depth, and imagination, the novella stands out as a refreshing addition to modern science fiction.
Through his writing, Quintin invites readers to look to the stars—but also to look within, where the true frontier of exploration begins.
