Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m retired from the Federal Court System and can now spend much more time writing and never have to worry that somebody may come up on my blind side and give me a pink slip. LOL. I live on a quaint wooded acre in NW Ohio with my wife. I’ve written most of my life but only seriously since mid-90s. To my credit, I currently have 4 books plus 1 co-authored book and 14 anthologies or how-to books. Unfortunately, one of my publishers went under and 2 other anthologies are no longer available.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Actually, I’ve just released 2 books – 1 on April 4 and the other on May 1. The first book is a adventure/fantasy type story titled “Pangaea, Eden Lost” and the second book is “52 Weeks of Writing Tips.” The inspiration for Pangaea was pure imagination and a ‘what if” situation. The other book was suggested by a friend of mine since I do weekly writing tips on my website that I share. Having all my innovative ideas in one place was her suggestion that I decided might be a great idea.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than the fact that I can’t decide what genre I want to write? I write science fiction, fantasy, horror, adventure, thriller, Christian and now non-fiction. Sometimes you can find me leaning against a headstone in a cemetery or prowling around an empty, dilapidated house. Of course, I also write on the road while traveling in the RV with my wife. I have found outside stimuli is great for the imagination.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My original influence was Edgar Rice Burroughs and his Tarzan books, then his John Carter of Mars series and finally, almost anything by ERB. I enjoy JRR Tolkien’s tales but don’t enjoy writing high fantasy. My horror endeavors tend to be more “soft” horror in the psychological aspect vs. the blood, guts and gore style.
What are you working on now?
My current WIP is in the style of the 60s/70s epic novels such as Conan or Fafhrd and Gray Mouser. My lead is a female princess/assassin attempting to claim her long-lost realm. Also, my Christian Amish novel is currently working its way around via my agent. And, I have about 11 other novels to finish. My goal is to publish 4 books this year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still learning that aspect and trying new things constantly. I feel that I shouldn’t spend too much money at the beginning. My co-author had some great ideas about promoting our vampire book “Ancient Blood: The Amazon” but quickly eased off the $5-10K ideas when our first royalty check arrived. I use Twitter, GoodReads, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Facebook plus my website – www.bobnailor.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter how much you’ve edited your work, allow a professional editor to go over it and correct the errors that you’re too close to catch. I do editing on a professional level and I send my work out to another editor before I even consider publishing – either via an agent, publisher or myself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write your first novel and then stick it in the drawer and forget about it for the next few years. In the meantime, write another 3 or 4 novels and see them published. THEN bring out the first love and go over it, fix it and give it the proper launch. It is your first book, your deepest love, and it deserves to have the best promotion and care.
What are you reading now?
“Write Your Novel from the Middle” by James Scott Bell AND “Hunt for Xanadu” by Elyse Salpeter
What’s next for you as a writer?
I had an idea pop into my head last night and am currently writing down possibilities and plots for the novel. I want to get 2 more books published yet this year but this idea is being unreasonable and I may have to squeeze in time to write the rough.
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?
First book – “Survival on a Tropical Island” — if such a book even exists!
Second book – Any book by Edgar Rice Burrough such as “At Earth’s Core”
Third book – “2BR02B” by Kurt Vonnegut
Fourth book – (cheating here) “The Island” series by Michael Stark.
Also, if I could, a very large stack of lined paper and several pencils so I could write!
Author Websites and Profiles
Bob Nailor Website
Bob Nailor Amazon Profile
Bob Nailor Author Profile on Smashwords
Bob Nailor’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account