Interview With Author Kevin Gen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing at the age of 11, after getting excited about YA mystery books. I wrote six books in the seven years that followed, all of which were solely for hobby purposes and not available online. It took 18 years before I decided to jot down the stories that were still roaming around in my head, knowing how the Internet has grown to provide opportunities for indie authors. After about 3 years of writing, my debut novel Coldren’s Prison got published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and debut) novel is Coldren’s Prison. What inspired it were the many stories that I had in my mind and that had no place to go until I got behind a computer and started writing it down. Parts of it were inspired by scenes from books that I wrote when I was younger.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t say I do, although I sometimes open my manuscript only to be able to add one sentence to the story. On those days the will is there, but the inspiration isn’t, in which case it’s better to leave things as is rather than forcing a story that doesn’t feel right.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton influenced me at a young age. I read it for English class in high school and it has stuck with me since. The story and the characters truly touched me. Maybe it subconsciously inspired the gang theme in Coldren’s Prison.
What are you working on now?
I am now working on a sequel to Coldren’s Prison. I feel that some of the characters deserve more focus on their background and what has driven them to where they were in the book. Many have such a turbulent back story that hadn’t been brought to light yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I often fall back on social media platform, mainly Facebook to share stories and information, and Instagram for more visual promotion. I find these to be the places where book enthusiasts enjoy hanging out to share their love for books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Schedule time to write and stick to it. Once you skip a writing session, it’s easy to keep skipping, resulting in your book never finishing. Keep at it, and remember that it’s not hard to get your story out there anymore. You don’t need to fight for a publishing deal with a traditional publisher anymore. Publishing is easier than it’s ever been before. All you have to do is finish your book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If others can do it, there’s no reason why you can’t.
What are you reading now?
I have just finished reading Bram Stoker’s Dracula. I have been wanting to get into an exciting classic like that for a while and I was able to get my hands on a copy a while ago. I love the writing style used in the book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Promotion is a never-ending story. I’m going to keep my focus on that while I work on my sequel. And for the final destination, of course; Hollywood!
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?
Bear Grylls: Never Give Up, because I’ll need it
Ozzy Osbourne: I Am Ozzy, for a good laugh
S.E. Hinton: The Outsiders, for its sentimental value
Jeneva Rose: Home Is Where The Bodies Are, because I’ve been wanting to pick this up
Author Websites and Profiles
Kevin Gen’s Social Media Links
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