Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far I have released one book, Ascendancy Rise of the Fallen. The follow up to that book Butcher of the Bay is with my editor now. I also have a book Ascendancy The Arena being edited that will be making an appearance on Kindle Scout soon. So if you see it there and want a free copy give it a vote :-).
More about me, I have done a few different things before the writing bug grabbed me. I started out in the golf industry, moved into finance, and am now working on becoming a full-time author. I truly enjoy the freedom writing brings, creating things from scratch is an incredible feeling. Plus I get to spen each day with my wife, and our two wonderful dogs.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ascendancy rise of the Fallen, was written after I finished Arena. I fell in love with telling a story about the man character from that books parents. With the books being fantasy, and the characters being magical it was easy to think of them having extended lifespans. From there I thought what if I told their tale back in the 1920’s during a significant time of change in our country. It was pretty fun, and I learned a lot about the city of San Fransico and some of the history that surrounded it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I think they are unusual. I like to write a rough draft, and then expand on that vision two or three times, then start to edit. I find that most writers I talk to end up writing to much and revise downwards in words. So I find myself doing the exact opposite. I also find that my best writing takes place in the morning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a few authors that I really love. John Conroe, M.R. Forbes, Lindsay Buroker, Annie Bellet, and Joe Abercrombie.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am in the finishing stages of the next two books, both should be released sometime in August. Then it’s back to writing. I’m looking forward to getting back to idea creation instead of doing revisions. It’s been a busy Moth completing re-writes and launching my first book, but it has also been fun and rewarding.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to the promotion game so right now I am just trying to get the word out there. I use facebook and twitter. I have signed up to run a few advertising spots, and right now am enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being a new author myself I try not to tell anyone what to do. How much success do you need to have before you are doing things right? I would suggest getting on Kboards and listening to podcasts. There is a ton of helpful information out there. Then you need to do what works for you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write a series, and release frequently. That seems to be echoed by most of the authors that I speak with. Also do not skimp on the cover art. People say don’t judge a book by it’s cover, but we really do it.
What are you reading now?
Half a War by Joe Abercrombie. I also just started the Dragon Blood series by Lindsay Buroker and it is amazing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am hoping to get at least one more ebook out this year maybe two. At some point it becomes a matter of financing, covers and editors aren’t cheap, but are a must have. So if the books start doing well, I plan on having two more out if they kind of flounder around maybe one more for the year. Either way I will keep writing and revising, and getting new projects in the pipeline.
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?
This is a great question.
Hungry as the Sea by Wilbur Smith. It’s not my normal fair, but I love it.
Demona Accords by John Conroe. Awesome Urban Fantasy.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie, Classic Fantasy.
The last one is much harder to pick. Duma Key by Stephen King. Loved the ending.
Author Websites and Profiles
Bradford Bates Website
Bradford Bates Amazon Profile
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