Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 45 and live in Buffalo, MN with my wife Jodi. I am the shipping lead for Stein Industries that supplies produce displays for numerous grocery chains around the country and Canada. I have an 18 year old daughter. I’ve been a drummer for 30 years or so playing in various rock and punk bands over the years.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Madness Reigns” is my first book. I never thought in a million years I would ever write a book but I was inspired by my daughter who loves writing. I started reading more books over the past couple of years and the idea of writing my own was always in the back of my head. My daughter showed me a bunch of her stories and it got me brain storming ideas for something to write. And Madness Reigns was what came into my head.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dont think so, but doesn’t every writer have some kind of quirk?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Patterson for one, I read “The President is missing” and it showed me that chapters dont need to be a certain length, if a chapter is one page thats fine as long as you got your point across in it. So writing my book I wasn’t concerned about chapter length. I’ve read books by Vince Flynn, Marc Cameron, Brian Haig and Brad Metzler. All great authors that I think I’ve taken a little from each, but I’m still learning as I go.
What are you working on now?
I’m in the beginning stages of my next fiction novel, I don’t have a title for it yet and I can’t really give a description of it without giving away the ending. I’m working on that as well LOL
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Madness Reigns is currently available on Amazon
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have patience!!!! Before I starting writing I got into painting and I learned with that you need patience with that, extreme patience! The same is true with writing, you cannot rush it, and you need to love the process. Go on YouTube and search other writers and listen to their advice and tips, Steven King was amazing to listen to, and most of what he says applies to every writer from beginner to experienced.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love the process. Steven King. I’ve watched several videos from him, James Patterson, and others and they’ve all said the same thing. You have to love the process of writing and it will help guide you through it.
What are you reading now?
“Last Second in Dallas” by Josiah Thompson about the JFK assassination. It’s something I’ve been studying since I was in junior high.
What’s next for you as a writer?
to continue reading and working on my second book. The good thing is I don’t have a deadline, I can work on it when I have the time. I hope I can finish it and get it on Amazon by the end of the year but we’ll see what time allows.
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?
“The Inner Circle” by Brad Metzler is good!
“The President’s Assassin” Brian Haig
Anything by Vince Flynn
it’s hard to say there are so many I’ve read over the past couple years
Author Websites and Profiles
Brandon van Hees Amazon Profile
Brandon van Hees’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile