Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first publication was in Boy’s Life in 1962, having written a humorous definition to ‘Silverware’. Thus began my interest in humor writers of the time. My first serious attempts at writing began ten years later when I began writing poetry, which I have continued over the years. Life as it tends to do so often sucked the air out of my writing urges until my retirement, as a commercial photographer. However, it was the very things that I struggled with over the years that was rich fodder for the two memoirs I wrote. Sometimes life tends to be far more interesting than anything one can make up for a story. I was blessed in that way. I currently have six books in print, including two books of poetry, a fully illustrated children’s book, two memoirs and a book for long term travelers in Mexico. I am currently writing full time, having the time and freedom to do so. I have twelve books with titles and outlines in the queue, awaiting my attention. Thus far I have worked mostly in non-fiction, however that is about to change with the upcoming books mostly in fiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is “A Gringo’s Tour of Mexico” The Practical Traveler’s Guide. I wrote this book while I was living in Mexico with my then future wife. My original intention at the time was to begin writing fiction, however, I was being immersed in the trials of a life of Mexico, along with the balancing act of keeping a recalcitrant partner as happy as was possible at the time, such that I wouldn’t be smothered to death in my sleep. The mantra of “write what you know” was the loudest voice in my head at the time, and the book came together suprisingly well over the course of four months of daily writing. A Gringo’s Tour of Mexico is an inside account of life in Mexico, what to expect and what is expected of the traveler. It is not a “Travel Book” or primer on how to travel. It is a personal tour through thirteen states of Mexico, with insights into the differences between states , travel demands and opportunities, as well as all pertinent information on necessary travel documents, methods of available transportation/costs and other valuable information for those long term travelers wishing to experience all that Mexico has to offer.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not one who believes creative writing is a cognitive exercise. I do believe that a certain amount of cognitive preparation much take place for a funtional book, however, when I write it is not in any logical sequence or rational approach. For me, inspiration takes place when I am able to focus out the noise of daily affairs long enough to devine what I am really trying to say through my words. That takes place when I immerse myself within the setting or characters involved, feeling the stream of thought to see where it takes me. That is a rational way of saying that to find inspiration one must go deeply inward to find Mu, which is where the little Muse live, to bribe one of the little miscreants to follow you home to your story. Apparently the little Muse can be bribed, but it isn’t cheap.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are playful. My earliest influence was with humor writers like Erma Bombeck and Dave Barry. More recently the authors who have influenced my writing the most thus far are Tom Robbins, David Sedaris and Augusten Burroughs, all of whom induced me to write my two memoir books. Other writers who have had a great influence on my style of writing were Latino writers like Isabelle Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Luis Urrea to name a few. The penchant for writing in minimulist form in the past thirty years is not something I ascribe to. I prefer the rich discriptive sentences these writers utilize. Possibly this is reflective of the original Spanish being translated into English. One Latino writer who has influenced many other writers is Juan Rulfo, with his book “Pedro Paramo” which began the use of magical realizm, which Marquez embraced and utilized in his book “One Hundred Years of Solitude”. I plan on using this technique in an upcoming book.
What are you working on now?
My next book will be a work of fiction. Being I have twelve future books titled and outlined at this time, I have options of where to begin the next project.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I currently have a website representing my books in print that I had created two years ago, a facebook page as well as two blogs, one relating to POD publishing subjects and a second blog used for posting exerpts from my existing books. At this time I find the facebook page elicits more responses from potential readers than the other forms. Marketing my books is something of an ongoing learning process.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Indie writers publishing their own books need to be able to understand the many variations of POD publishing platforms, and how that will relate to their books as well as their ability to get their books to market. This demands a learning curve to fully understand the ramifications of their choices. Such topics as ISBN number assignment and the name of imprint that it implies, formatting issues, file conversions and numerous other logistical demands for the writer in the process of getting their book to print. The biggest help that can be offered for this process is determination and patience. Getting it right the first time is the task, otherwise the task becomes starting over to rebuild the process correctly after the fact. That takes much longer and demands so much more patience and energy.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always, always purchase your own ISBN number for every book you have in print. Simply create your own publishing ‘brand’ and spend the ten dollars to purchase the number. That publishing ‘brand’ will appear on the books listing, instead of the publishing platform name where the book is being listed.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Amit Goswami’s “Quantum Doctor”. The subject of quantum thinking is finding more quantum physicists writing on this subject, altering forever the thinking on the term we lovingly refer to as ‘reality’. The cumulative learning from these books have altered the way I perceive things in general, as well as offer up rich material to be used for upcoming books.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am retired now, and am writing for my pleasure. I have enough future books outlined to keep my busy until I am too weak to work a keyboard.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Fictional book would be Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ “One Hundred Years of Solitude”. Non-fiction book would be Amit Goswami’s “Quantum Doctor”.
Author Websites and Profiles
Grant Handgis Website
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