Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello. My name is Garet Christopher. I am a new independent author. I have written three crime fiction novels and one sci-fi novel. They are currently available on BN.com. I am currently working on another sci-fi piece and am considering making it into a series. I am still working on the first draft, so we’ll see how I feel a few weeks from now.
I love to write! I love to read! I love how some authors can create imagery out of a single sentence or word. This, to me, is a special talent. Anyone can put sentences together, but for those creators that can take the reader to a different place before they even know what’s happening is something altogether. I aspire to be that kind of writer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last published work is titled “GENE”. It’s my first sci-fi novel and oddly enough, it originated from a political discussion. My youngest daughter and I were talking about some different topics and I yelled out “we need Gene!”. That night we drew a picture of this little green alien wearing a baseball cap, flip flops, Bermuda shorts, and a tank top. Gene somehow came to Earth and through his personality and great wisdom would lead the world to a better place.
The book turned out to be a little less “cartoonish” than that but that’s where it all started. And eight months later, I was working on the final draft. If you get a chance, check out the cover. I really like it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My family says that I’m weird to begin with, so I’m not so sure that my habits are anything different from my normal routines. I’m still working on ways to get me to “that place”. The spot where nothing else matters but the writing. I get to it every once in a while, but my mind tends to drift a lot and I have to reel myself back in often.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lately, I’ve grown fond of Elmore Leonard, David Baldacci, Lisa Gardner, Michael Connelly, and Harlan Coben. I’ve always loved John Grisham and my first literary love (after grade school) was Charles Dickens. There are plenty of others that I could name and I feel that I’ve been influenced by everyone I’ve ever read. Even comic books.
What are you working on now?
So, this new work is about a captured alien that escapes the military compound from where it was being held. And, come to find out, another alien helped it escape. They are extremely strong and busted right through both the metal bars of the cell as well as the gated perimeter. Two aliens are eventually recaptured, but the major soon discovers that the original alien is still on the loose somewhere. It starts in New Mexico and will travel to a town just north of Boulder, Colorado. I don’t want to give away much more than that, but I think it’s got a chance to be pretty interesting. It will probably turn out a little more “gory” than my other works and, hopefully, a little scarier.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning that. Maybe I’ll have an answer a few months from now. Goodreads appears to be a very helpful site.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m still seeking advice myself. There is a young lady by the name of Edie Ewing that told me very specifically to “never give up” and to “be myself”. She made it very clear that there is only one of me and whatever I feel led to write should not be ignored. If you have a story, then write it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Oops. It looks like I jumped the gun. Edie’s advice is what is keeping me going.
What are you reading now?
I am finishing “The Ghost Writer” by Alessandra Torre. I recently viewed one of her resources and felt that I needed to find out more about her. I think reading someone’s work is a good way to do that.
I have about twenty books waiting in line and I can’t wait to get to each of them. My reading list can be found on Goodreads.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep on writing while I continue to find ways to introduce myself to as many people as possible. I love my stuff! Now I need to find out if readers feel the same way.
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’m going to cheat a little. I’m going to name a couple of collections.
The complete Sherlock Holmes (volume one or two)
Frankenstein
Great Expectations
and one of mine. (I’m telling you, I really love my stuff!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Garet Christopher Website
Garet Christopher’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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