Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a teacher living in South Korea. I started writing a novel the day high school ended and have now written four novels. Three of them are currently available online.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current novel is called Thailand Calling. The novel has changed a lot from the original idea, but was originally inspired by a trip to Thailand and the seedy excitement of the red light district. It’s another world entirely and it slightly blew my mind that such a place existed. I wondered what would happen if I just gave into my instincts and moved to such a place. What would it be like to sleep with a different beautiful woman everyday? Surely it would be fun for a while. But then what? By creating Joe Jeffries I lived out the fantasy of running away to Thailand without actually damaging my life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have any unusual writing habit,but I edit a lot. I probably wrote ten books and erased nine of them just to get this one book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like Bukowski, but didn’t actually read him until after I finished my latest novel. I guess I could say Hemmingway was an influence. I like writers that are minimalist and honest. I hate anything flowery or pretentious.
What are you working on now?
I’m taking it easy these days and learning about the marketing aspect of writing. There is no sense writing books if I can’t get a few people to read them.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still finding out. I hear Bookbub is good.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t do it unless you have to. There are too many writers out there already and not enough readers to go around. The novel is dying art. It’s better to knit sweaters.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never trust the advice of another author.
What are you reading now?
The Sense of an Ending
What’s next for you as a writer?
Taking a break for now. I will only write again if I feel strongly compelled. Not every writer has twenty books in them. Many writers should have stopped after one or two.
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?
Desert Island Survival Volumes 1 to 4