Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in New York City, but lived my teen years in South Florida. I now live in Tucson, Arizona. I’m a graduate of Northern Arizona University, in 1974, where I received degrees in writing and American history. I believe we’re not being told the truth about what’s really on Mars, or why probes are purposely avoiding certain areas there. I’m an aerospace enthusiast, and an advocate of the privatization of space exploration.
I am working on my eighth book, a horror story entitled “The Horror on the HMS Cottingly”. My Mars themed book “The Healer” is the first one to be available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Booklocker.com, and others. My next, a fantasy entitled “In The Shadow Of The House Of God”, will be available around the end of the year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book that is out now is THE HEALER. It was inspired by a life-long fascination with the planet Mars, and a firmly held belief that the government is not telling us the truth of what is really up there; most particularly, the structure known as The Face on Mars. Un-retouched photographs, curiously pixilated features on Mars, and many threatened whistleblowers, all point to a titanic secret, or secrets on that world, that many powerful groups intend to keep secret – at all costs. That is what inspired my book; a work of fiction- yes; but inspired by truths not yet revealed. Technology may change, but Man’s basic fears and irrational intolerance do not. And they will be the same in the 22nd century, as now.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I write on hard cover black & white composition books; edit them until they look like I’ve bled all over them – then I transfer the final version into my computer. I thought it primitive and behind the times, until I found out Kurt Vonnegut wrote the same way. So I guess I’m in pretty good company.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Douglas Adams, James Thurber, Thornton Wilder, and of course, my Dad, who was a writer for radio drama just after WW II.
What are you working on now?
A horror novel titled “The Horror on the HMS Cottingly”.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being the proverbial starving artist, I rely, at least for now, on the social media. I post my book blurb on about 80 Facebook book promotion pages. And I have about 120 book reviews pending, who will publish said review (favorable, I hope!) on their blogs, as well as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and others. This of course has an exponential effect; exposing THE HEALER to many more people. I’m also enrolled in about half a dozen book promotion services, such as Ask David.com, Whizzbuzz, and Book Viral. More could be done, true, but it’s a learning process, and I’m still learning.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – persistence! And patience, of course. And it’s important to have a thick skin; something I have to work on every day, and not take negative criticism personally. Writing is a humbling experience, as I found out the hard way. At the risk of sounding conceited, I originally fancied myself the next Ray Bradbury or Hemingway (Not really!). Until I slowly realized that even if I WAS the next Bradbury or Hemingway – there are million of other writers out there who are possibly the next Bradbury or Hemingway, as well. Like I said, writing is a humbling experience. A lesson to be learned for any beginner.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard- and I wish I could remember where I’d read it- was from a fellow writer, who said beginning writers should first get as many books on their craft as they can, study them–and then toss them in the garbage. Because if you don’t, your books will sound exactly like every other book written. They’ll be textbook perfect – and devoid of flavor or voice. Your voice. Individuality is the hallmark of success. I’m sure many world famous authors broke many writing rules, if you can believe the thousands of “How To” books that come out every year. Thank God they did indeed “march to the beat of a different drummer”.
What are you reading now?
I tend to flit between my favorite authors. I’m like a butterfly, hopping from this one to the next. And I reason that if I’m reading, I’m not writing. But the opposite is also true. I feel guilty if I’m not reading; then when I do, I feel guilty if I’m not writing. Ongoing battle. LOL!
What’s next for you as a writer?
To work on “The Horror on the HMS Cottingly”, and find markets for the 15 short stories I’ve also written, in the genres of science fiction, horror, fantasy, comedy/fantasy, and 1 romance story. Imagine that!
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?
1. “What To Do If You’re Stranded On A Desert Island”.
2. A blank composition book to write on. (Palm fronds rip too easily!)
3. The collected works of Douglas Adams.
4. A spiritual book to uplift my spirits.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jeffrey Roberts Website
Jeffrey Roberts Amazon Profile
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