Interview With Author Edward Farber
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a nonagenarian and still at it both writing and art. I used both as long as I can remember, especially as a copywriter and art director, and eventually advertising agency CEO. After retiring from the business world, I returned to my two loves, writing and art. As a writer, my short stories have appeared in various literary magazines. Two published books, Looking Back with a Smile, a humorous memoir, and Echoes of Clara Avenue, a collection of short stories, are available as ebooks at Amazon. My new novel, Baron & Brannigan, Book 1 Song and Dance, is now available as a paperback (ebook coming) at Amazon. I’m currently completing the second book in that series, Brannigan’s Quest, as well as a prequel, The Rover, a novella, both hopefully to be out in 2023.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Baron & Brannigan, Book 1 Song and Dance is my new novel set in the 1890s. As an advertising man in the 20th century, I was intrigued by the patent medicine industry and traveling medicine shows which flourished in the latter part of the 19th century and were the source of a lot of flim flam and ballyhoo (both terms of that time.) I did a lot of research on that era, especially the 1890s, and my novel is the result.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It may be a bit unusual that someone my age is still writing for publication, but while I can, I will. I began using the typewriter (remember those?) but now am quite comfortable with the computer. I split my time between writing and painting with no rigid time schedule for either.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many books and authors have influenced me especially those in the historical novel category, going all the way back to Sir Walter Scott, Dumas, Robert Louis Stevenson, Dickens, James Fenimore Cooper, and later authors including Wellman, Sabatini, Uris and John Jakes.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the second book in the Baron and Brannigan series, Brannigan’s Quest which takes up where the first novel in the series ends. Also I have completed a manuscript for a prequel to the series, The Rover, a novella which covers the early adventures of Doc Noble, one of the characters in the first book. Also coming a second collection of short stories.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotion is an art in itself and probably more difficult than writing the book. Even as an old ad man, I’m still learning the various alternatives for promotion which are many and mind-boggling.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Many novice writers neglect the most important aspect of being a writer…re-writing over and over until you reach the best you can. Re-writing refines the raw, first attempt, but too many young novices are inclined to think their first attempt IS the best they can do.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be a prolific reader before and while you practice writing.
What are you reading now?
I am currently re-reading Raymond Chandler’s books. Although he wrote detective novels, I find his handling of the language to be inspiring and quite literary.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing–another collection of short stories (in between painting.)
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?
Oh my, that’s tough. Too many books to choose from, and I am not prone to re-reading (although I have and do.) But I might bring a dictionary to check my spelling as I write, as well as tablets instead of books.
Author Websites and Profiles