Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I once rode shotgun in a car for three hours with a coral snake in a five-pound coffee can between my feet. That was before I was the author of nine novels. Last year I rode shotgun in a car for a few miles with a rattlesnake in a salad container in my lap. What can I say? It’s a thing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Reluctant Saint came to life when I contemplated the last sentence of Endless Vacation: “Hensley wondered what Chrystal in Santa Fe was doing these days.” Up to that point, Chrystal was nothing more than a name and a location. As I began to consider the sort of woman who would launch Hensley on a quest after twelve years of wandering the planet, the universe opened up, and a character like no other was born. Boy is Hensley in for an education.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For first drafts, I usually start writing around 10 pm and go for at least four hours, frequently writing through until dawn. Drop me a line and I’ll send you the recipe.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, P.G. Wodehouse, Louis L’Amour, Graham Greene, Robertson Davies . . . Are you writing this down? I expect you to read at least one book from each author on this list. Now where was I? Ah, yes. Richard Russo, Michael Connelly, Robert Benchley, James Thurber, Dorothy Parker. You asked for a dozen, right? Garrison Keillor, Noel Crook.
What are you working on now?
Muffin Man is begging for a sequel, and surely there needs to be another Fred book, and can the world survive without another Jake and Berf story? I will rely on my newsletter subscribers to decide where I strike next. Sign up to influence the outcome.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
An interview for Awesome Gang, of course!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Quit now and avoid the rush. Dorothy Parker really said it best: “If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line.
What are you reading now?
Salt Moon by Noel Crook
What’s next for you as a writer?
Flipping a coin to see which book I write next.
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?
Let me get this straight. I’m bopping along through life and then someone kidnaps me and says, “Sorry, mate, I’m going to drop you off on a desert island, but I’ll let you pack a few books.” Does he also give me rations for the duration? Is there a hut available, or will I have to build my own shelter? And what exactly is his motivation? Is he the villain, and if so, will he have a character arc that somehow mirrors of contrasts with my character arc, or is he vanquished unrepentant? There are a lot of unanswered questions that must be addressed before we tackle the matter of setting up the library. But if we must discuss the book list without learning the answers to those questions, then I’m going for a book on agriculture, one on construction, a survival guide, and a manual on building a boat. And probably a copy of Ambrose Bierce’s The Devil’s Dictionary.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brad Whittington Website
Brad Whittington Amazon Profile
Brad Whittington’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Nine??? Seriously?? How did that happen without my knowledge? Ok ok … So falling in love and dating for two years and engaged for 7 months might have a little something to do with it… Along with packing and getting ready to move into my future husband’s house… But enough about me. I need some insight into my cousin’s mind sometime before his or my eventual demise!
Send me your favorite book!