Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing my entire life while working full time in the investment marketing field. Over the past 30 years I’ve written four novels and one non-fiction book of short essays. My novels generally include elements of corporate intrigue, strange supernatural happenings, strong female protagonists, with healthy dollops of humor. Most of my books have been sitting in a dusty attic over the years until I started getting into e-publishing last year with the idea that there’s no reason why my stuff shouldn’t sit on a website as opposed to rotting away in an unvisited portion of my house. Besides, every now and then I may even sell a copy or two. So far I’ve published two books, one which is from my backlist of a few years ago.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called MEDICUS, which is available on Amazon and bunch of other places. It’s a way over the top literary revenge novel, a corporate thriller, with a little bit of romance at the end. It features crazy characters and a very strong female protagonist and has been fairly well reviewed on Amazon and Goodreads (though it was bitten by a review troll on one review), which I found gratifying. I’m still trying to find a larger audience for it because it’s a bit unusual, but it’s certainly nice to have some people reading it after letting it sit mouldering in the attic for about eight years. Oh, and the book was inspired by a stint at an evil health insurance company back in the 90s.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in the nude with my tongue hanging out. Usually in a public park. With lots of kids. And nuns. On Sundays.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I gravitate towards literary novels and have been deeply influenced by Phillip Roth, David Foster Wallace, Wallace Stegner, Charles Dickens, Tom Pynchon, Tom Wolfe, Martin Amis, Jonathon Franzen, and Joyce Carol Oates.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on trying to retire soon so I can spend more time publishing. I’m marketing for MEDICUS, which I hate, because it means I’m not writing. I think I’ll just forget about my marketing and work on editing one of my attic orphans–an story about a riot that takes place during a 10K race (and much more!)–and develop a plot for my next novel. The idea I have for that right now is about a late-middle-age man who copes with the sudden death of his wife of 30 years, and how he goes from passively relying on someone else to make all the domestic decisions to having to recreate his identity and forge a new path in the world. This project will take a few years, I think.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found it yet. I’ve sold a couple of dozen books. Most of my traction has come from Goodreads and Amazon, but it hasn’t been much. My books are rated nearly 4 stars, so I think I could be doing better. Any suggestions?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t do it–already too much competition. Actually, new authors, like old authors, need to rewrite constantly, seek out professonal editors, and don’t hold unrealistic expectations about sales. And, finally, develop a thick skin. The vast public will not be as supportive of your writing as your high school English teacher.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t believe your best reviews. Don’t believe your worst reviews.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Don Delillo’s WHITE NOISE. All I can say is he’s a much better writer than I am. But that’s okay because he’s a much better writer than most of ’em out there!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think I answered that.
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?
INFINITE JEST, GRAVITY’S RAINBOW, LE BERNADIN COOKBOOK, HOW TO SURVIVE ON A DESERT ISLAND WITH A KNIFE AND FIVE COPPER PENNIES
Author Websites and Profiles
Carl Ehnis Amazon Profile
Carl Ehnis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile