Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been married for… a really long time and love my wife. I have two wonderful daughters. My Clark Kent persona is working in the oil and gas industry for a major engineering firm. I enjoy golf and figuring out how to make the ball fly 300 yards is my golfing goal… google Mike Austin.
I enjoy writing articles on self-publishing, sports, and technology and providing resources for others on my website www.lionandthebear.com
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lion and the Bear: The Search for the Yummie Berries was inspired by bedtime stories that I would tell my children when they were young. They enjoyed them so much, they begged me to start writing them down and publishing them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Jeff – “Hey Alexa, Do I have any unusual writing habits?”
Alexa – “Yes, you go to the driving range and hit golf balls. That helps your ideas come out.”
Jeff – “Thanks Alexa”
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, Tom Clancy, Patrick McManus, M.R. Montgomery, and Zig Ziglar.
The Bible, Golf My Way, The Way of the Trout, and Petroleum Refining Processes, Third Edition, Financial Intelligence
What are you working on now?
I am working on publishing my third title TBD, a science fiction novel about artificial intelligence and what happens when the quest for the perfection of humanity goes awry. Some exciting twists to this story, as one of our characters, Jake Stone, struggles with his inferiority and learns how his lack of “perfection” is exactly what the world needed in a hero.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website: www.lionandthebear.com
Facebook, etc.
Still sailing in search of great resources in the vast eBook marketing sea.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t quit, it is a marathon, not a sprint. Write about what you enjoy, your audience can tell your passion. Find good tools and good support. Hopefully you find what you enjoy has some cross threads with themes or culture that resonate with a larger audience so that you aren’t stuck on the friends and family plan.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Speak well of others and you never need whisper” – unknown, but my Grandfather carried this handwritten note with him.
“Do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” – Warren Buffet
What are you reading now?
Legend of the Golf Monkeys by Jack C. Woods, a funny little short story about golf hijinx.
Golf My Way – Jack Nicklaus – because he knew how to golf
In Business As In Life, You Get What you Negotiate, Karass – everyone can be a better negotiator
What’s next for you as a writer?
Become a faster, more proficient writer
Sell 10,000 copies of my books
Keep on learning and enjoying writing
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?
The Bible – For spiritual food
Spearfishing for Dummies
Bear Gillis – survival manual with bonus guide how to make a flare from sea urchins and coconuts
Yongle Dadian, the longest book ever written, so I can burn it and keep warm
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeff Swanson Website
Jeff Swanson Amazon Profile