Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently have five books out now, with a novella due out later this year. I also have three novels written, waiting in the submission queue.
Most of my work lingers in the shadows of southern gothic, but my latest release is an action adventure novel. There is plenty of darkness woven ito it’s subplots though.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Man with No Eyes is an action adventure thriller about-you guessed it- a man with no eyes. When Andrew Harkins finds himself at odds with the owner of a high tech lab located in the Saudi desert, his punishment is severe. Alain Savon, the owner, has his eyes surgically removed to break his will, but he’s underestimated our man. Possessing the ability to control every function of his body, Andrew escapes, but has sworn his revenge. Now all he has to do to have his revenge is elude gun runners, escape Facility agents, avoid the US military, oh and cross a merciless desert to find him.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. The only quirk I have is that I have to write what wants to be written. I can’t sit down and force myself to write something, ie a sequel, if it’s not ready to be written
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Although a different genre, I like Ken Follet’s writing style. I also love Emerson’s eloquence with words. Of course, I love the king of the dark genre, Poe.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing a novel entitled The Last Elemental. The title may change, but it’s about a spirit that has been trapped in an abandoned bank vault for 50 years. The thing I love about it is that the building burned long ago and the vault has been on a vacant lot in the mjddle of town, in plain sight, for years.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew a maqic site. Of course I employ all social media and sites like All Author, Awesome Gang, Pretty Hot Books etc. I think it takes a lit to get the word out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You’re never good enough to coast. Keep working on your craft, even if you make it big. That, and never give up. If you give up none of that other stuff matters.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That it was going to be hard and to make sure this was what I wanted. Being a writer isn’t for the faint of heart. I’ve probably had a thousand rejections to get 2 traditionallt published novels and a dozen short stories in journals. It’s hard and has a low percentage positive outcome.
What are you reading now?
Ken Follett’s Never. I’ve read everything of his.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Fame and furtune. Right? I’m working on getting a multi book deal, maybe an advance. That would be nice. If not, I have rwo novels that will come out next year either way.
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?
Poe’s unabridged short stories.
Doerr’s All The Light we Cannot See
And a couple collections or books by R.W. Emerson.
Author Websites and Profiles
John Ryland Website
John Ryland Amazon Profile
John Ryland’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
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