Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Former 9-5er, sold everything to travel and experience new experiences. My first three books are about that transformation.
Book 1, which can be found on Amazon: The Buddha and the Bee by Cory Mortensen
Book 2, also on Amazon: Unlost by Cory Mortensen
Book 3….currently in the works, shooting for an early summer launch
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Book 3, working title is: “Embracing Bewilderment”. It’s the book of the “Buddha and the Bee” trilogy. A planned trip to London where I ended up in SE Asia.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know what other writers do as far as habits, I write when the words present themselves. Forcing them to present themselves is useless.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hunter S Thompson, William Least Heat Moon, Joseph Campbell
What are you working on now?
Book 3 and making notes for Book 5. Book 4 is in a long hold pattern until I know what voice I want to use.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I did some promotion on Facebook and Instagram, now I focus on Amazon marketing. Otherwise I’m old school. With the help of Google, I make a list of independent book stores and email them one by one, introducing them to my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
A great editor is key. Don’t settle on a paragraph or chapter if you know it can be better. Don’t be afraid to delete.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Over my 50+ years I’ve heard a lot of great advice, both wanted and un-wanted.
When it comes to creating and having to delete and the frustration of starting over….I was once told, “Cory, you get paid the same for deleting the line as you do for drawing it.”
What are you reading now?
Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo – Oscar Zeta Acosta
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once Covid settles down, I’d like to tour the country and do some readings, book signings…interact with readers and hear their thoughts. Good or Bad.
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?
I think I would only take one, I’ve dragged this book around with me for over 20 years and only made it about 25 pages into it do to it’s rather unconvential story and layout. I figure this book alone will either finally be read by me or cause me to go insane.
House of Leaves by Mark Damnielewski
Author Websites and Profiles
Cory Mortensen Website
Cory Mortensen Amazon Profile
Cory Mortensen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile