Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been in PR and marketing for about a decade. I’ve worked with some incredible and smart people, but I felt trapped. I always knew where I was going to be and had a general idea of what I’d be doing. The mundaneness drove me mad. When the pandemic happened, it burned any faith I had left in the traditional 9 to 5.
Staring the end of the world in the face, I promised myself I’d try to make the most out of this horrible crisis. If the world was going to end, I’d chase my dream. I mean, how many people died too soon from the virus or lost their lives from our leaders’ neglectful actions during COVID? I had to take advantage of what I could control. And I was fortunate enough to be able to write. And that’s what I did. I sat in a chair and wrote. It was hard. I never thought I’d even make it here, if I’m being honest.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is called Last Chance California. It’s a dark humor and contemporary literary fiction novel. It showcases our world, on the verge of the COVID-19 pandemic, through the eyes of a sarcastic and stubborn millennial as he attempts to break his family’s cycle of abuse. That’s just a romantic way of saying a depressed and lost man goes full-blown alcoholic after moving to California to escape his violent childhood.
The story follows a disillusioned Wyatt Lewis, who moves to California after realizing he’s more like his abusive father than he realizes. There’s romance, sex, drugs, exotic locations, depression, and substance abuse rampant through the novel. Last Chance California highlights some of the glaring deficiencies in our society while also reminding readers of the complexity of families, the imperfections of humans, and the burdens we carry every day.
The inspiration came from the current state of the world… combined with the chaos of my life. I mean, can you imagine finally being on the path to lead your dream life, only to have a once in a generation pandemic mess it all up? That broke me. It’s where the inspiration started for me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I light an Ecto Cooler candle, yeah, there’s a candle that smells like those old Hi-C juice boxes. Or are those back now too? A nice, sweet aroma of nostalgia really stimulates the writing senses. (It also leads to awful and unnecessary Hollywood reboots and remakes, but this isn’t the time or place.)
Once I get my room smelling decent, I read famous writers or listen to writers talking about their craft. Then I throw on some headphones, dance around my house listening to classic rock, and once I get a good burst of energy, I sit down and start writing. I usually keep the music on as I write. It’s always too loud if I’m being honest.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Bukowski, Neil Strauss, John Fante, Chuck Palahniuk, Hunter S. Thompson, and Ernest Hemingway. Besides Neil Strauss, I didn’t read any of those writers listed until the pandemic. Reading those writers flipped a switch in my mind and really made me want to write Last Chance California. And enrolling in a Writing Masterclass with Neil Strauss. Those two things sent me down a path.
As far as books that influenced me, Ask the Dust, The Dirt, Ham on Rye, Invisible Monsters, Choke, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
I’m a big fan of contemporary fiction or realism. I also like to dabble in history or self-help books.
What are you working on now?
The biggest thing for me right now is building a readership and promoting Last Chance California. I really think I wrote something special, but I am also extremely biased. Since I wrote the thing and all.
I learned quickly that once the book is done, the real work starts. Depressing news, my fellow writers. Besides that, my next big project is Once Upon a Subway, a modern romance novel that I’ve been trying to write for the better part of a decade.
I am also writing something personal for me. A blink 182 musical. Because I honestly think the world needs it. And it’s funny to write.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I did see a significant increase in downloads after posting on Awesome Gang and other free book promotion sites. I also released a short story collection and a short poetry collection in addition to my debut novel. This way, I could try and build a following and use the collection books as marketing tools to introduce readers to my style of writing. I gave the eBooks away for free the first few days of my book’s release.
Maybe it’ll work.
Maybe it won’t.
It seems to be so far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m still new myself. But if I had to give advice, I’d say be honest with your words. Don’t try and write like someone else. Don’t try to write something for fame or fortune. Write what you want, a story you would want to read. If it comes from the heart, people will be able to connect with the words.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The world is a mirror. It reflects back our attitude and expectations.
That perspective shift has made me see things a lot differently. It definitely taught me some empathy. Cause Lord knows I needed some of that.
What are you reading now?
The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice by Meido Moore. Rinzai Zen is the type of Buddhism samurai practiced, so I wanted to learn about it. I’ve had a recent obsession with learning about samurais. There’s something special about these (mostly) honorable warriors. So, any resources to educate myself including badass samurai movie recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To quote Indiana Jones, “Fortune and glory.”
Kidding.
I want to keep writing books. Or telling stories. Being creative with words is my next goal. Ideally, more books, but I’m open to whatever finds me. But to be able to write books for a living would be a life I’d be grateful for every day.
Well, most days.
I’m sure I’d curse my career choice on those writer’s block and imposter syndrome days.
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?
Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, because it would take forever to read. The Thomas Jefferson Bible, to stimulate my mind with some important lessons. The Divine Comedy, because reading about Hell has always been something that interested me. And I’d bring How to Survive on a Deserted Island by Tim O’ Shei to stay alive, obviously. My only concern with that last book is that it’s only 32 pages. And a children’s book. Here’s to hoping there’s a lot of important information crammed into those pages.
Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Price Website
Brian Price Amazon Profile
Brian Price’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile