Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written five novels… you’ll be relieved to know the first four, which were terrible, have been eradicated from the face of the Earth.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current novel is “The Judas Goat.” I was in law school and was surprised at how arbitrary self-defense laws are. With the current wave of “stand your ground” cases, I thought it would be interesting to come up with the most sympathetic scenario where a person could take the life of another, yet still find themselves prosecuted for murder. I also wanted to put a legal thriller out there that gave more of a “behind the scenes” feel to it by getting into the heads of the many, many players involved in a major legal proceeding.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t obey any of the recommended methods. I don’t plot things out in advance, I don’t write when I don’t feel like it, etc.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Elmore Leonard was the author who wasn’t afraid to let every character be smart in his or her own right. I follow that religiously. There isn’t a limited amount of “smart” going around.
What are you working on now?
Another novel! I’ve got the writing bug!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Beats the heck out of me. There are lots of services out there, but I’ve yet to figure out which ones really work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to write just because you’re afraid you’ll fail. Don’t write with being successful as your only goal.
Write what you love and you can’t lose.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I wish I was better at taking advice, but I tend to prefer learning things the hard way.
What are you reading now?
I love biographies and memoirs, especially those written by people who failed or people who succeeded then failed spectacularly. I tend to learn more from those. People who win at life are dreadfully dull.
What’s next for you as a writer?
When I finished, “The Judas Goat,” I thought I wouldn’t write any more novels. Yet, here I am working on the next one. I never know what I’ll feel compelled to do next.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Shut Up and Give Me the Mic by Dee Snider
A Lions Tale: Around the World in Spandex by Chris Jericho
I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution by Craig Sparks
Author Websites and Profiles
Adam S. Barnett Amazon Profile
Adam S. Barnett’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile