1: What is the most
productive time of the day for you to write?
Probably about eight
in the morning, when I’ve had my coffee, and I’m at work. Unfortunately I
have to do their work then. And so I might write something during
lunch. I also write a lot over the weekends.
2: Do you start your
projects writing with paper and pen or is it all on the computer?
Back in the day I did
that. Now, I just don’t want to have to type out what I’ve already
written. So I go straight to the keyboard. These old arthritic
fingers can still ‘do the walkin’.
3: What do you draw
inspiration from?
Some success
stories. The latest that has inspired me is Ken Follett. When his
new book, Pillars of The Earth did poorly in England, he wondered if perhaps he
was losing it. But, wonder of wonders, the book took off in Germany and
became a bestseller there. Then his English publisher re-issued the book
and really promoted it. The rest is, as they say…
4: Do you set goals
for yourself when you sit down to write such as word count?
Not word count.
But rather project. In one evening it might be keying in all the redlines
I’ve made to a particular piece, or maybe writing a post for the web. I’m
always working on something. I don’t have a live in girlfriend or wife
presently, so this is not a problem. When I do, my output will slow down,
but other things will pick up…
5: Are you a
published or a self published author and how do you come up with your cover
art?
I’m both. I have
published commercially, four novels. And I am an Indy writer, plugging my
new book, White Seed: The Untold Story of The Lost Colony of Roanoke, here and
everywhere!!!
6: What drives you to
choose the career of being a writer?
I have a career, as a
tech writer. It’s paid the rent, the mortgage, and helped me raise two
kids and get by over the years. Writing novels… This doesn’t pay
much at all. If I had to live on what I’ make from writing novels I’d be
pushing a shopping cart full of my belongings and sleeping under the
overpass. Actually, I’d have more time to write if I did that…
Hmmm.
7: Do you own an
ebook reading device?
Can’t afford one
now. But I want to buy one. I would only buy a ‘dedicated’ reader,
like the Kindle, Nook, or what ever else is out there. I think the iPad
is for gadget heads. Being able to multi-task while you read is a bunch
of baloney. If you’re sending and receiving emails, surfing porn, and
playing pacman, you can’t be reading. End of story.
8: Who are some of
your favorite authors and What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading
The Irish Princes. It’s alright. I like the Great American authors,
like Hemmingway, Faulkner, Cheever. But I guess I have to bring myself up
to the 21st century. I
will admit that it’s hard to give myself over to modern literary (and
successful) writers who are young enough to be my children. What could
they possibly know of life or have to say? But, that may change.
Maybe somebody can suggest someone to me.
9: What do you think
of book trailers and do you have any plans to have any?
Book trailers?
Hell, I want a car trailer. Maybe an Airstream. I’m hoping to make
enough money writing my books so I’ll be able to buy a real trailer, then hit the
road. I’ll do the Southwest first, then, in the fall, maybe New England,
see the leaves turn. And this trailer will have all the latest comforts,
and be internet capable, so I can stay in touch. Alright, book trailers,
yeah. I could use one for my latest: White Seed: The Untold Story of The
Lost Colony of Roanoke. I already have it scoped out. I know how to
do it. I just need some actors, a sound man, and a budget!!! But,
it’s on my list.
10: What are you
working on now that you can talk about?
Posting, blogging,
been doing a lot of that lately. I just finished a book that is very
autobiographical, and I may have to publish it (or self-publish it; damn you
Big Publishing!) under a nom de plume, so as to protect the innocent, and make
sure they don’t beat my ass for what’s in there.
Wow - White Seed is one of the best books I have read in a long long time!
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