Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far I have written two books in the “First Phase”: Anstractor, which is a 318 page SciFi novel about the rise of a hero during a terrible time in another galaxy; Lady Hellgate, tells the story of another hero who influenced the events in Anstractor – this book is only 134 pages long.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book was Anstractor, it was inspired by a number of short stories that I had written in the past and wanted to tell the full story of that world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m an avid bathroom blogger… I also keep a hand-recorder in the car with me on my daily commute, so that I can speak out the ideas and situations that come to me when I’m there. It’s funny how ideas seem to pop up and the most inopportune times, so I keep the hand recorder so that I am not texting while driving, and with one button press, I can record my thoughts immediately.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King is a huge influence, as well as Terry Brooks, and Robert Beck. Beck’s book: Pimp: The Story of My Life, showed me a form of writing that made me want to tell stories as beautifully as he did. I am an avid reader, so there are plenty of influences. The ones I’ve listed are the ones that stick out the most right now.
What are you working on now?
I am working on two books currently. The first book is a true sequel to Anstractor and the second is a historical fiction about a black gang in the Tampa Bay area. I am well into the sequel for Anstractor so that may be out first, I am having a blast with the gang book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media (especially Twitter) has bee a blessing. I have found that through my blogging and random, crazy tweets, I have developed a following that likes my writing and are beyond helpful in checking out my books, if not buying them. I do a lot of online marketing as well, which is tough to pull metrics from, but social media is king, as far as my reality has seen.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not take advice from one, or two, or even three sources. There is so much misinformation, and the blind leading the blind on forums and on blogs. You are going to be upset if you don’t do a lot of research. If you want to read something that will help you prepare then buy the book A.P.E. (author, publisher, entrepreneur) by Guy Kawasaki. It will put you in the right mind state to be a book marketer as well as writer.
If you have a budget (and you should), spend the money on a great book cover and editing. If you are not an expert in graphic design or editing, do not try to become one at the last minute. I spent the majority of the money I put aside for my books on a professional editor and it gave me the peace of mind that my readers will get a solid product. I didn’t hire a graphics person for my cover because I have a graphics background and could do it myself (I am very proud of Lady Hellgate’s look). DO NOT try to be a graphic designer if you aren’t, and do not get “a friend” to edit your book. Do it right, and market the hell out of it once it’s out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ignore reviews, ignore critics, keep on writing, put out more books, and improve as a writer.
What are you reading now?
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley… I’m loving it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing, and finding ways to improve my marketing skills so that each book has a better chance at reaching people.
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?
1984, Pimp: The Story of My Life, a book on learning Japanese, and a dictionary.
Author Websites and Profiles
Greg Dragon Website
Greg Dragon Amazon Profile
Greg Dragon’s Social Media Links