Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written four books so far. The fourth one is in post-production, shall we say. It is book 3 in my crossover vampire series which began with “Dance on Fire” and then its sequel, “Dance on Fire: Flash Point”. I began the year with my latest book, “Seeing Ghosts”. It is a stand alone paranormal book with a bit of romance in it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest completed novel is “Seeing Ghosts.” It is a stand alone, and more of a romantic story for me. I actually read horror novels, but watch romantic comedy films. With that in mind, that was how this book came about. It was an opportunity for me to finally write the haunted house story I had always wanted to write, and to blend the two genres together a bit. It’s dark, but has its sweet moments.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I actually work a 12 hour day job, so when I feel it’s time to write the next book I have to find the time to sit down and do that. That usually entails getting up early on weekends or finding quiet moments while at work. Somehow I managed to write the 143k word first draft in four months. Don’t ask me how. 🙂 When I do write, I usually have already pictured the next bit of scenes like a movie in my head, and then simply write it down. I do some outlining, but only 20-30 pages of paragraphs; the meat of the story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It was horror novels in general that did it, but I would say Stephen King, Clive Barker and Michael Slade to name a few. I was looking for something to interest me while a teen, and it was hard rock music and horror novels that did it. Having said that, there are other books as well. Pat Conroy is the master. “Beach Music” is in my opinion as close to genius as one can get. He writes the most beautiful prose and the most real dialogue I have ever read.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the third novel in my “Dance on Fire” crossover vampire series. The book is in the hands of my beta readers at the moment. I’m looking forward to some time away from it while I await their verdict. This will also give me opportunity to recall things I neglected to do, or to recall something touches I can add.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method of promotion is the fact that I set my novels in my hometown. I didn’t set out to do that in the beginning. It was simply a natural progression of things. I was spending so much time world-building way back for my first novel that I just finally decided to set it here in Central California. I have a built-in demographic here that I am working on tapping into. I have been spending time doing book signings and any event that will have me. Beyond that there are sites like this one that help a great deal. I just haven’t had a ton of time to work those angles or travel down those avenues. A 12 hour day job doesn’t leave a lot of time for anything else beyond the writing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Everyone says to read and write every day. Beyond that, we writers are a different animal. No one in our immediately family or group of friends understands why we do this, or why we feel we need to do this. Get involved in networking and meeting other writers out there. The blogs and social networks are fantastic for this. Other writers are so important to celebrate those victories with, and to provide shoulders to lean on when we’re feeling low and just want to give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Truthfully, I don’t know where it came from; however, in my late thirties I began to feel the regret I was facing if I failed to give my writing a chance. I had begun writing in my teens and then had set it aside while my wife and I got married and started our family. As I approached 40 years old, I began writing in earnest. I will soon have 4 novels written and the readers I have managed to locate seem to really like them. Have no regrets. I know I didn’t invent that advice, but it’s what I live by, and what I try and encourage everyone I meet with. Have no regrets. No one is going to tell me when my life has ended that I didn’t try hard enough.
What are you reading now?
Since becoming an indie writer I have spent most of my reading time with other indie authors. I do still read the big mass market writers, but I read a lot of indie stuff. I did just finish the Keith Richards bio. If you love music, especially the classic rock stuff, you’ll eat it up.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have promised my wife that I would back off a bit. Once this new book is published, I plan to simply work on promoting it and everything else I have next year. We’ll see. I say that now, but may find myself excited to write the next thing. I have lots of things I’d like to write. I have something buried in my virtual desk that has been clamoring to get a re-do. It’s another ghost story. I may give that a go.
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?
Pat Conroy’s “Beach Music”, Michael Slade’s “Headhunter”, Clive Barker’s “The Thief of Always” and Jay Anson’s “The Amithville Horror”.
Author Websites and Profiles
James Garcia Website
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