Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A lifelong resident of Virginia, I grew up in the rural southeastern part of the state with a large extended family. I majored in Religious Studies and minored in Creative Writing-fiction at Virginia Commonwealth University. I now live in a rural area near Richmond where five year old beagle, Leah, has room to run. I spend my free time with my favorite activity, gardening, participate in Midlothian Wordsmith’s Workshop, and read and write as often as possible. At university, I was fortunate to have many incredible writing teachers, the most recent being authors Clint McGown, and Sheri Reynolds, bestselling author of “Rapture of Canaan”, among others. I learned from Clint McGown that prose can be as beautiful as poetry and I gained a love of southern fiction from Sheri Reynolds.
In 2012 I began writing stories about a boy growing up in the south in the 1960’s. Those stories became a collection of three books: “The Adventures of Roland McCray”. All three volumes are also in print and audiobook. Some of my books are available in or can be requested at many Public libraries and paperback versions can be ordered from several major offline book retailers.
I also have a new book, my fourth, that is a radical change from the “Roland McCray” series- “Falling Water: Stories & Poetry” a well-received collection of unusual short stories & poetry that is also available in print and audiobook (narrated by Charles Kahlenberg). Among other projects, I’m currently working on a science fiction novel that I hope to complete in early 2017.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Falling Water: Stories & Poetry
I’ve written in journals and notebooks for many years, and, looking at the state of the world, I felt I might have something of use to others who may be dealing with loss, grief, or searching for some greater meaning in life. Having experienced love lost, grief, suffering, and ultimately joy, happiness and personal growth, I’ve come to believe that there is an inherent goodness and happiness to life that everyone should be able to experience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find that I write best in the evening, regardless of the events of the day. Writing and reading are on my list of daily activities and I consider both activities to be important in maintaining emotional balance.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list them all, but the Bible (NIRV) was the first book I read, followed by Ray Bradbury’s “The Martian Chronicles” and his other works, with “Fahrenheit 451” being pivotal to my understanding of the world. Isaac Asimov is one of my favorite authors and Robert Heinlein’s “Stranger in a Strange Land” affected me greatly. Richard Bach’s “Illusions” is a book I’ve read several times and shared with others. I read so much that this is nowhere near a complete list, but I read a great deal of science fiction on a regular basis. I see science fiction as both a warning and promise in regard to the ever-accelerating technology in modern society.
What are you working on now?
My first novel- an alternate-earth/science fiction story set in the not too distant future. I hope to complete the first draft by mid-2016 and, if all goes as planned, I’ll have it completed and ready to published in early 2017.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I get some response from Facebook, although the few paid ads I’ve run didn’t seem to affect my sales. I’m active on Twitter, if for no other reason than to keep my books in public view. Paid ads in various book sites’ newsletters are helpful as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, read, read, then write, revise, write, revise, then read some more- the best way I’ve found to improve my writing is by reading the work of other authors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stephen King’s dictum: “Read! If you don’t have time to read, then you don’t have time to write.”
What are you reading now?
A science fiction series that takes place in a near-future American society.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing and publishing novels, probably more short stories and possibly nature essays for magazine publication.
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?
A copy of the Bible-NIRV edition (it’s complex enough to learn something new with each reading), Richard Bach’s “Illusions” (a short, inspirational read), the longest anthology of short science fiction I can find, and, of course, a good survival guide!
Author Websites and Profiles
Blaine Coleman Website
Blaine Coleman Amazon Profile
Blaine Coleman Author Profile on Smashwords
Blaine Coleman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account