Interview With Author E.D. Garner
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a history nerd all my life. After earning my Master’s and PhD in History I took a job teaching at a small college in upstate New York. I love my job, I love the kids (even though I don’t get a lot of Gen Z slang, they try to keep me up to date). I have a dog and we do old man and dog walks on the regular.
I do historical reenactment often and I belong to a few different reenactment regiments.
I’ve written five books that are on Amazon right now. I wrote two books earlier in my career that were on a small academic press and are now out of print.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Humorous History: Funny and Interesting Facts in History.” I just love all of the quirky stories in history that don’t get told enough. I like to make things fun and so each chapter has a story about a particularly funny episode in history but also how it fits into the context of the period.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I try to write a little bit every day. I’m pretty boring in that way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, as an historian most of my favorite writers are historians too. I’m in awe of David Blight, Eric Foner, and Linda Gordon.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on some upcoming books about “weird” history. My Amazon author bio is the best place to find a list of my books (I’m old and not the best at updating my website.)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon keywords. Good storytelling. I’ve had great luck working with the Fussy Librarian.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to get constructive feedback and don’t ask people who aren’t good writers to be your proofreader. Your roommate or your mom should not be your go-to choice for a good proofread (unless, of course, they are professional writers or editors!).
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep plugging away at what you want to do. So many people quit after the first speedbump or rejection. If you want it, keep going and keep perfecting your craft.
What are you reading now?
Consumer’s Republic by Lizbeth Cohen
What’s next for you as a writer?
If people keep reading, I’ll keep writing. I’ve got a lifetime of stories and footnotes to share.
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?
War and Peace (it’s long and would keep me entertained for a while), The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (dang that was a good book), and maybe the Bible just because I never really read the whole thing.
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