Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Professionally, by trade I am a multi-media artist/producer in the corporate marketing world, though I have worn many hats over the years. Not all of them stylish, and many of them ill-fitting. ‘Razorback’ is my debut novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current novel is, ‘Razorback’. It is somewhat unconventional in presentation and writing style, for one, because that is the way I write, and I am not interested in “formula fiction”. The inspiration for the book came when I fully realized what it means to be a “fish out of water” with people both: more accomplished than you, and aloof; and, younger than you, and even more aloof. The rest of it came from twenty years of unusual experiences plumbed from the excess intake of beer, wine, and “brownwater”.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to take notes, and I want my stories to be linear, and constantly escalating. But, to keep things fluid on a creative level, I often just make a list of key points I intend to include and cross them off as I go. I let the stream of consciousness dictate what actually goes down, rather than abide by a strict beginning/middle/end arc.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influences, directly or indirectly, have been: Patrick DeWitt, ‘Ablutions, Notes for a Novel’; Charles Bukowski’s portrayal of his alter-ego, Chinaski, as a vehicle to verbalize his own misgivings and the humor within hopelessness; Chuck Pahlaniuk for his absurd microcosm imagining of near-reality; and, Gary Shteyngart, whose novel, “Absurdistan” struck a chord with me years ago.
What are you working on now?
Currently I have three book projects in various stages of development. The primary project, and the furthest toward completion is a follow-up to ‘Razorback’. It is not exactly a sequel, but it ambiguously picks up on where the core character, Leon, may have ended up. Ultimately it is a passion play of glory and frustration to the game of baseball… and pop music.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Admittedly, I am new to the business. I had great success on a recent campaign with The Fussy Librarian, but I am still working through my first rounds of promotion with paid ads, newsletters, etc., and using those results to fine tune my exposure.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Anyone can write a book. Write what you want to write. Don’t pay attention to everything the Internet tells you to do. Do what you want to do. Also, find a really good editor to give you serious notes, feedback, and suggestions that specifically fit the style of your writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write drunk, edit sober.”
What are you reading now?
“House of Leaves”, Mark Z. Danielewski
What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned earlier, finishing my next book which is a sort-of follow-up to ‘Razorback’. Continuing to promote, continuing to build my brand, and catalogue… and selling my stories for twenty million dollars to Paramount. Ha! Seriously, what’s next for me is nothing different than what my next day, and the day after that, and the day after that is, and has been for years: just keep making progress on ideas, on stories, on manuscripts. Sometimes the progress and the days of progress may be far in-between and sporadic, but just don’t let them go. Keeping regularity in ideas, and notes, and execution is always what should be next for anyone who is or wants to be a writer.
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?
– Bukowski, “Post Office”
– Philip Caputo, “Acts of Faith”
– Patrick DeWitt, “Ablutions”
Author Websites and Profiles
Carter Ettore Website
Carter Ettore Amazon Profile