Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I can’t say that anything I have written constitutes a “book”. I have been writing all manner of ideas, poems, articles, essays, diatribes, but nothing I would say meets the clinical definition.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chasing Butterflies was inspired by losing my job and sitting at home raising two young kids. I figured someday they may want to hear the stories of my life as I was lamenting not ever getting a chance to hear those of my grandmother. I started writing ideas down and eventually began telling my life story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Aside from proper spelling and loose grammatical rules, I don’t adhere to what would traditionally be considered proper writing style. I like to stretch the rules, break the rules, drop an atomic bomb on the rules and see what makes sense outside of what scholars and wannabe English majors believe is the proper use of language.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As strange as it may sound, I don’t read. Again. Rules. I don’t like to contaminate my ideas with others. I can’t say anyone outside of Seuss has inspired me from the standpoint of an author. That isn’t to say I never read anything, or do not draw inspiration. I am moved by music, by speakers, by anyone challenging the way we use language.
What are you working on now?
Chasing Butterflies is my magnum opus. The sample you get is just the first in a much larger series. I am working on the series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I am only using Twitter. I am a single full time dad with two young kids working a full time job. This means I am both broke and limited for time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, and don’t pay attention to how anyone else tells you how you should do things. Sure, take advice, but don’t get bogged down into thinking you have to conform.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always wear a condom.
What are you reading now?
The questions on this Author Interview.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully selling more than 4 copies.
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?
How to Build a Boat
Cartography for Dummies
Whatever the largest book is so I have some tinder
A porn mag
Author Websites and Profiles
Brett Bastard Website
Brett Bastard Author Profile on Smashwords
Brett Bastard’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account