Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. I went to college at UC Santa Cruz and got my Bachelor’s in Creative Writing and Modern Literary Studies. I’ve written three books, but Devil in the Countryside is the first one I’ve published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Devil in the Countryside. It was inspired by my fascination with weird mysteries. Basically, back in the late 1500s, people were getting burned at the stake, murdered, and framed for being “witches” and “werewolves” at an alarming rate (think Salem witch trials). For some reason, the case of the Werewolf of Bedburg was more famous than all the others–it brought in all the lords and ladies from all over Germany. I couldn’t figure out why it was more popular than any other werewolf trial, so I wrote a book about it. 🙂
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I just lock myself in my room, sit down at my computer, and bleed (as Hemingway would say).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
A lot of fantasy novelists, like Brandon Sanderson, Scott Lynch, Joe Abercrombie, Patrick Rothfuss, George RR Martin, Susanna Clarke (Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell). I love historical fiction by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Tales, Warlord Chronicles). I also love contemporary thrillers, like Savages by Don Winslow; Stephen King, Michael Connelly, John Grisham, etc etc.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to Devil in the Countryside! Also, an urban fiction novel that takes some common myth/fantasy tropes and turns them on their heads: a leprechaun with a gambling addict, a succubus who attends Sex Addicts Anonymous, a banshee who wants to be the lead singer of a band…My friends are excited for that book hehe.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure yet, this is all new to me. I’ve paid for a few New Release promos (about 8), for around 2/15/17, when my book is released on KDP.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Your best promotion/marketing tool is your next book, so don’t get overwhelmed/flustered with trying to book all the perfect promos at the right time, or releasing your book at the perfect time. You’ll still be a new author, and won’t be legitimized unless you keep writing and putting out content!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above: Your best promotional tool is your next book, so keep writing.
What are you reading now?
Just got Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman. It was released on 2/7/17, and was at my doorstep about 3 hours later. You crazy, Amazon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The sequel to Devil in the Countryside, or I might write about about writing and marketing books, utilizing the strategies I’ve used (if my release is a success…)
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?
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell (I count the trilogy as one book)
Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
Author Websites and Profiles
Cory Barclay Website
Cory Barclay Amazon Profile
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