Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 40 years old and wrote the first words to my debut novel, Fantastik sixteen years ago. I am the father of two boys age 5 and 3 who never seem to hear a word I say, but that’s ok…for now. I have one full length book published (Fantastik) and the first short story published in a short story series called, A Return to Normalcy, from the Harley Basil Chronicles. Both can be found on Amazon.
Fantastik was born out of a screenplay that I wrote while living in Chicago, Illinois. While I wrote a couple other screenplays after, I realized that I enjoyed the writing process and that there was something missing from just writing screenplays. Besides I had no idea what to do with the screenplays when I was done with them. So, I set out to write a full length novel and Fantastik was the obvious choice. Jake Mott and Charlie Boone were two characters that were etched in my heart and soul and I knew I wanted to tell their stories without leaving anything out.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Fantastik was born out of a cast of characters my father introduced me to as a child. My father was a trial attorney who spent the better part of three decades in a Camden city courtroom. Jake Mott’s character represents everything good and bad of the men my father had helped over the years. These men, who often seemed to be a weak moment away from transgression, knew me and my brother and sisters by name, they ate at our dinner table and sometimes they would come knocking on our door well past midnight in need of help or money. My father was never one to turn anyone away. Growing up in a safe, upper middle class environment, far from the streets of Camden, the lives of these men was another side of life that left an indelible mark on me.
As for Charlie Boone, I believe there’s a little bit of him in many of us. He epitomizes the plight of any hard working individual whose daily struggles, both financial and mental, overshadow all that is still good in his life; his marriage and his children, as he continues to make sense of the cards life has dealt him.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t say that I do, however if more than a few days go by without me writing something I tend to get a little awnry. Writing not only makes me feel more productive it truly is the equilibrium in my life. All else seems to be ok, satisfactory, or not a big deal provided I am putting words to paper.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors that have left a mark on me are: John Steinbeck, Caleb Carr, William Peter Blatty, John Irving and Jack Kerouac to name a few of many.
Besides great authors music also and always will inspire me. It kind of sets my mood. Much of Fantastik was written (edits and rewrites included) listening to Bruce. Right now Coldplay is in my head and I’m loving Ray LaMontagne.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a 3 book series titled Tom Coneghan, Agent of God. Won’t divulge to much other than I got the idea while reading The Exorcist (for a 2nd time).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads, goodreads, goodreads. And I just found twitter, which I’m loving…@camcgroarty
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Pay for professional editing, at least once maybe twice and if you find a good editor listen to them. Also, less is more…Do Not spoon feed your readers. That is something which took me a while to embrace, but it produces (in my mind), better writing. Last, take chances and believe!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have a few. Write every day. You hear it all the time, but it’s very true. The more you have the quicker you get to market. Anything you ever write in pen, hold onto…it’s nostalgic. Be humble.
What are you reading now?
The Kept by James Scott.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am not sure, but hear is hoping for good things (toast now)
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?
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Any Jimmy Buffett novel (I am on an Island!)
Author Websites and Profiles
C. A. McGroarty Website
C. A. McGroarty Amazon Profile
C. A. McGroarty’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account