Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“A Ladder In The Dark” is the first Novel I have written, but I have been blogging about the long-term damage of bullying for 8 years. The first story I ever wrote was called “The The” and was a horror story that I wrote when I was about 7. My sister had written a horror story, so we competed to write our stories. I also wrote a story in third grade called “The Picker In Pete’s Nose”, which was about a person who could shrink down and get all the “mess” out of someone’s nose. While the teacher gave the story an “A”, she chose not to display it in the class due to the interesting “subject matter”. I knew early on that my unique style of writing would hopefully find a home other than a third grade board at some point.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is my memoir about a childhood of being bullied and the long-term Complex PTSD that resulted for me from that. It was inspired by my life and eventual recovery from anxiety and depression. I wanted to share with others what I learned about bullying and the need to recover.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since my mind collects and stores my stories, my usual style is to try to outline and write character names up-front, but really do most of my writing from my mind as it is there waiting to come out. With my own short patience, it’s easier for me to write it all up-front first and then go back and fix all the mistakes or duplication I have. I depend on some great editors as well to make sure that the book is written well for the audience and not just me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
“Salem’s Lot” by Stephen King, because it was the first book I read by him and is still one of my favorite stories by him. I think that if vampires were around today, they would act just as Mr. King wrote them.
“The Life of Pi” by Yann Martel. I couldn’t put this book down and the ending just blew me away. It was such a compelling read.
“The Odyssey” by Homer. I might have been the only person in my English class in high school that loved this book. It is such high adventure and action and, while not easy to read, is the first book to approach the cliffhanger story that I know of.
“The Help” by Tate Taylor. Some books are life changing experiences and this is one of them. Telling the truth in a story and the obvious research to create this tale makes it one of my favorites.
“The World According to Garp” by John Irving. Really any book by John Irving, because his ability to take situations that would be bizarre to anyone else and make it seem real is uncanny. There are no other authors I know of like him and I am always surprised by each page he writes. It makes for fun reading.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a fiction book about bullycide and school shootings to due bullying issues. I have just started, so I don’t want to give too much away. The working title is currently The Very Thin Line.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use the free press-release websites, such as this one and many others. I try to also send out press releases to specific groups that I want to get the book into the hands of.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I find that the writing comes very naturally. In today’s world of self-publishing, all new authors should be educated on Library of Congress Numbers, ISBN numbers, the different methods and sites to publish on and how to reach the largest audience. Also, writers today are expected to help promote their own books, so taking a marketing course is not a bad idea either.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your first impression is usually your correct impression. If something or someone doesn’t feel right to you, you should walk away. I wish I had learned this earlier in life.
What are you reading now?
I am reading “The First Phone Call from Heaven” by Mitch Albom. He is a fantastic writer. I am also reading “The Unquiet Mind” and “Columbine” to help me in my research for my next book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To market and speak to people about “A Ladder In The Dark”. I believe it will help many people who feel trapped in their anxiety and depression due to C-PTSD.
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?
“The Stand” by Stephen King
“The Odyssey” by Homer
“The Torah” (so that I could at least have hope of being rescued).
Author Websites and Profiles
Alan Eisenberg Website
Alan Eisenberg Amazon Profile
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