Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Dream, Recurring” is my first novel. However, I plan to have three more in this series. Along with a short-story “mini” series about Bigfoot. In addition I have planned another series of five books along with a “one off” called “A Grain of Sand”. (Which will come after this first series.)
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Dream, Recurring” is my first project. The inspiration came from a short screenplay that I wrote back in the ’90’s which the novel is based on called “The Dream”. In that script was a woman who kept having a recurring dream night after night. So when it came to the novel I wanted something in the title that better reflected the story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m writing I have a schedule of three pages a day. (Mainly because I have to still go to another job.) What this has meant is that no matter where I am in the story (emotionally) I stop at three pages. Then the next day I’ll read what I just wrote, fixing any minor edits before going into the next three pages. I’ve found that I can pick up where I left off, emotion and all, from the day before.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Pratchett is my favorite author. He produces a series of books under the series title: “Discworld Series”. Each book is witty, with a great story-line. They aren’t “Paranormal” at all but that’s who I like. Hahaha…
What are you working on now?
I’m preparing two fronts. On the one hand I want to write the screenplay for “Dream, Recurring”, however on the other, my wife and one or two readers are already looking forward to the next book: “When Night Falls”. (That’s the second book in the series.)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I’ve just started the promoting. However, I’ve found some interesting things along the way.
1. Start talking about your book long before it comes out. Build relationships with as many people as possible.
2. Join as many Facebook groups about writing as you can. They do help. However, its key to write a post that drives click-through then finally hopefully conversion.
3. I’m now here at Awesomegang and am excited to try them out!
4. I’m also looking at Seriousreading.com too. They have a trial $1 for the first month and $14.99 for every month after that. They pack in quite a bit for that cost.
I don’t know how it’ll go but I do know I’ve just begun.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Keep writing. That’s the biggest thing. You are the driver of your own project so it’s important to keep moving forward. I’ve also found that if you talk about it to people around you, the more you feel committed to publishing it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Develop your characters! Once that happened the plot was able to form better out of that. In addition, write a logline. This is a “what’s it about” for movies. The one or two sentences that describe a film when the writer isn’t there. It works for books too. It’ll help shape your story in a big way.
What are you reading now?
“The Lost Rescue” by Daniel Owen. It documents the true story of two wagon trains that went west into Oregon back in 1845 and 1853. This to me is the definitive guide to that part of American history, little known to many (except those who live in Oregon of course).
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing the screenplay to “Dream, Recurring”. I should be able to knock that out fairly quick so I can move to the next book in the series.
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?
Any of Terry Pratchett’s books. Something from Dr. Wayne Dyer’s collection. Plus the “The Lost Rescue”. This covers something entertaining, something inspirational and something historic.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Canniff Website
Mark Canniff Amazon Profile
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