Interview With Author Brett Roehr
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name is Brett Roehr. I am an author, artist and employee of the United States Bureau of Reclamation. I have worked with the bureau for twelve years and in my spare time, I like to do art and occassionally write books. My debut novel, "The Yukon Wolf" was self-published on Amazon in 2018.
I was born in Lufkin, Texas and was homeschooled during my early life. I spent much of my childhood in Westminster and Broomfield, Colorado and developed an interest in trains at a very young age. My interest shifted to nature and wildlife when I was nine years old, but it was an interest that escaped me for a time. I rediscovered my interest in the wild just a few years after I started working for the Bureau of Reclamation and that was when I began working on my first novel.
In my spare time, I like to work out while listening to soothing or upbeat music and I like to go hiking in the mountains.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book I published was titled, "The Yukon Wolf." I decided to write a story about wolves because it would be interesting to describe how wolves function in the wild, while accurately describing their family structure and the struggles they face. I used this to tell a story and add elements of suspense, drama, romance and plot twists.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a knack for setting, atmosphere and using description in the story. While I was writing my debut novel, "The Yukon Wolf," one of the people in a critique group I was attending pointed this out while I was reciting the first chapter of the book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been heavily influenced by classic works of animal fiction (xenofiction), such as "The Jungle Book," "Watership Down," "Charlotte's Web," etc. While I was writing "The Yukon Wolf" one of the books I read for inspiration was Asta Bowen's book, "Wolf: The Journey Home." The animals used in that book didn't talk, but the author did a good job describing their thoughts and surroundings. I also read Jack London's "The Call of the Wild" and am very impressed with how effortless that book was to read, and again how he described the thoughts and surroundings of the main character without using dialogue.
What are you working on now?
I brainstormed my second novel, the yet to be published, "The Kingdom of the Red Stag" while I was on my work break. I have always been fascinated by the fantasy genre and I wanted to write something similar to "The Lord of the Rings." I was inspired to do a story about a deer after seeing the cover for David Clement-Davies novel, "Fire Bringer" and I was very fascinated by the concept of doing a story about a stag with magical powers and how much that would resonate with readers. Right now, I am working on a few chapters per week and I hope I can get a very good first draft finished by the end of this year.
I am also working on "Tulok's Great Adventure," a sequel to "The Yukon Wolf."
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, I am new to book promotion websites. I have not been able to find an effective website to promote my books. I have been struggling to promote my first book for the past four years. No one visits my website or reads my blog and I have hardly any followers on Facebook, Instagram or Goodreads.
I hope this website will be the answer to what I have been seeking.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be passionate about your work and never give up trying to find your readers. Always take constructive criticism from others and never be isolated. The best way to gain readers is to connect with people.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It's never too late to start writing and get your work out there.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I am currently listening to the audiobook version of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Fellowship of the Ring" and I hope to finish the other two books in his "Lord of the Rings" series soon. This would be a very useful tool in helping me find inspiration for the content of my second book.
Another audiobook I am currently listening to is "Warriors: Into the Wild." I hope to have that book finished soon as well.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep writing and finish some more first drafts.
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 Jungle Book
A Christmas Carol
The Lord of the Rings
Author Websites and Profiles
Brett Roehr’s Social Media Links
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.