Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Fifty Poems and the Kitchen Sink is my first published work. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and focused my entire education on getting into as many workshops as I could. Then I got distracted by a day job for a while, and only got back into writing after realizing that I’m just not happy without it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Fifty Poems and the Kitchen Sink had various inspirations, but was ultimately an exploration of how fun poetry can be when it’s unpredictable. I wanted to go against the standard that all poetry should be about love or heartbreak. Then again, my next collection heavily features heartbreak. Rather hypocritical of me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Quatrains. For whatever reason, my poetry keeps falling into four line stanzas. It’s an addiction and I need a support group.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I first wanted to be a writer because I was addicted to RL Stine books. That was my gateway drug. My childhood was dominated by things like Goosebumps, Shivers, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Howl’s Moving Castle, the Bartimaeus trilogy, and anything I could find by Edgar Allan Poe. Honestly, I read just about everything I could get my hands on.
What are you working on now?
A second, shorter poetry collection that should be available as an ebook in the next week or so. The big project looming in my background is a fantasy adventure novel following an irresponsible old monster slayer and his jaded apprentice. In a slight turn, it’s the young apprentice that has the dark past in this story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I would definitely say Goodreads. It attracts readers and writers like moths to a flame. Joining as many of the larger groups as possible helps with visibility, and it’s interesting enough that I don’t feel like I’m screaming into a void.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Avoid my mistakes. Do not invest money in advertising campaigns right away. No one’s heard of you yet, and books are a luxury item. Ads are a gamble and will not be your X factor. Second, arrange for a solid, trustworthy street team to help you get noticed. I didn’t make prerelease arrangements and I’m paying for that mistake now. If you’re not going the self-published route, then just make sure you get an agent first, publisher second.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m paraphrasing but one of my old professors said, “If you can do anything else, don’t be a writer. Do the other thing first. Writers walk around waiting for something to break them down so they can write about it.” It sounds harsh but I really feel that advice now. This field is not as glamorous as the pros make it look, and the initial shock of that can wear you down hard.
What are you reading now?
I recently read through Black Book of Poetry while I was researching the best sellers and I highly recommend it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I wish I could say a vacation, but really I need to keep promoting and working on my in progress fantasy novel and hoping something sticks. New authors don’t get breaks, ever. You can expect to see a swarm of poems and short stories from me in the coming months.
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?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the thickest anthology of Edgar Allan Poe’s work I can find, and a collection of Gothic literature. My fourth book would be an empty one, if I’m allowed to bring a pen.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brad Robertson Amazon Profile
Brad Robertson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile