Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written fifteen non-fiction books and three novels. I have also written the screenplay for the film “Dahmer vs. Gacy.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is “Elvis Presley, CIA Assassin.” It’s obviously a satire. It was inspired by Elvis Presley’s real-life 1970 meeting with President Richard Nixon. During the meeting, Presley told Nixon he wanted to be some sort of undercover agent. My novel imagines that Presley ultimately became a CIA operative. He then worked his way up the ladder until he became a full-fledged CIA assassin.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just try to write every single day. I don’t think I have any unusual writing habits, but I do have some procrastinating habits. And yet I am very prolific. This just goes to show if you do at least some work every day, it will eventually add up.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kurt Vonnegut, Elmore Leonard, Richard Matheson, Stephen King.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a collection of horror short stories for Curiosity Quills. It will be called “Death Rattles” and will feature about 25 short stories.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really have one. I’m just figuring this thing out as I go.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write, and don’t ever give up. Don’t take no for an answer. Just keep plugging away.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Elmore Leonard once said he tried to leave out the parts of a story that people skip. This includes heavy exposition. “No one skips dialogue,” Leonard said, and it’s true. I try to tell extremely dialogue-laden stories.
What are you reading now?
I’m about to read Richard Matheson’s last novel, but I can’t remember the name of it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More of the same. I’m going to just keep writing. I’ve got a book on the filmmaker Ed Wood coming out, and am working on several other projects, including a novel for Curiosity Quills entitled “Monsters vs. Nazis.”
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?
“I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson, “Night Shift” by Stephen King, “Road Dogs” by Elmore Leonard, and “Breakfast of Champions” by Kurt Vonnegut.
Author Websites and Profiles
Andy Rausch Amazon Profile