Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since I was 11 years old. In addition to books, I do journalism and copywriting to keep the lights on. I’m the author of two non-fiction books (Iconic Spirits: An Intoxicating History, and Moonshine Nation: The Art of Creating Cornbread in a Bottle) and three novels (Friend of the Devil, The American Crusade and Impeachment). I live in Florida with my wife and my imaginary friends.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I’m promoting now is Friend of the Devil, my first novel. It’s the dramatic and arresting store of America’s greatest chef, who has cut a deal with Satan for fame and fortune.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write very day and think about my current projects 24/7. I’m up very early, around 4 or 4:30, which is when I get the best work done.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a degree in literature, so I lean toward the classics: Melville, Twain, Joyce, Hemingway, etc.
What are you working on now?
My new novel is called Forger. It concerns the world’s foremost art forger, who is suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (commonly known as multiple personality).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew, honestly. I constantly experiment to see what might work. I’m not sure that anyone really knows what causes a book to go viral.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up: this is a long and tough road, at best.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.”
(The Zen expression meaning that your understanding of things must be your own, and no one else’s).
What are you reading now?
I try not to read contemporary fiction, because I don’t want to be influenced by it, so most of my reading occurs in the non-fiction realms I specialize in (food, wine, spirits, restaurants and culinary travel).
What’s next for you as a writer?
To get up every day and do my best, ignoring the roadblocks, the jealousy of enemies and the indifference of friends.
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?
Moby-Dick (Herman Melville); Pale Fire (Vladimir Nabokov); Huckleberry Finn (Twain).
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Spivak Website
Mark Spivak Amazon Profile
Mark Spivak’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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