Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former direct salesman (double-glazing, conservatories, kitchens, water-filters and even cars). From the age of five, writing was my biggest pleasure. But in my teens, I was a musician with desires for fame and fortune. Writing my own songs, I accompanied myself with keyboard, guitar and unusually, the banjo.
It was with the banjo that I got closest to a record deal when I wrote a song for a burgeoning TV show ‘The Gophers’. There were plans for the furry protagonists to perform on ‘Top of the Pops’. It was an exciting time.
During recording, I clashed with producers about the direction the music should take. I was probably headstrong and foolish, and in any event, the show was a massive flop. But it did influence my book publishing decision.
When I left my sales career to care for a family member, I finally indulged my passion for writing, and when I typed the last word of my 90,000word debut novel, ‘Paved with Good Intentions’ it was with trepidation I looked to get published.
Whilst there was some interest from publishers, in my head, the editors were just like the producers I’d clashed with in the past. I decided on a self-publishing route.
My earliest experiences are not ones I’d recommend. It’s been hard, but I’m finally learning. I have to arrange everything from editing to printing, but it means I’m in control, just the way I like.
Since my debut, I’ve written two more novels (which are serialised as 200 page novellas on Kindle) and a 120 page novella.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel ‘An Extraordinary Haunting’ is a ghost story with a twist. Readers say ‘It messes with your mind’, and is ‘Scary as Hell’. I wrote it to be thrilling and intriguing. There are clues to what’s really going on from the beginning, but they are revealed in a way to always keep you guessing. From feedback, my intentions have been realised!
The story was inspired by a recurring nightmare my wife was having that she shared, bizarrely, with her mum. I can’t tell you what they dreamt; it would be a spoiler.
I set it in Wales (as usual) because I love it here. The house in the story is where my son had his student digs. I won’t say if he’s one of the charachters (he might hit me), nor wether the other students in the book bare any similarities to his housemates. Needless to say, any correlation between the story and them is purely coincidental!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I’m lucky. I can walk to a secluded beach, or climb a lofty mountain, or even sit beneath a waterfall on a wooded valley floor. Being in natural beauty inspires me. I try to bring some of the beauty of where I live into my stories. I might stand accused of going on to much, but I try to reign myself.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a good Grisham and Robert Goddard. I used to read only crime fiction, having grown up with Enid Blighton and her mystery-solving kids in various series (I read them all.) Then Stephen King and Dean Koontz gave me an interest in paranormal story lines. I was always in awe of how they could string a story and thrilled when the relevance of a seemingly insignificant story element showed its true importance later on.
What are you working on now?
I’m really excited about re-releasing my first and second books: ‘Paved with Good intentions’, and ‘The HUM’. Both will be serialised on Kindle before being released in Paperback later this year.
Apart from that, I’m working on three other novels. I’ve always worked on one at a time before, but there’s a lot to be said for being able to put something down and come back to it with fresh eyes. I expect one will fire my imagination more and surge ahead in its insistence to be told.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t tried very much. Awesomegang is a very recent discovery but looks very promising. Facebook has been the best way to get known, but it’s been a slow process.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would be wary of subsidy publishers who promise the world. I knew nothing about publishing and put my trust in the wrong hands. It’s hard work. Don’t be in a hurry. It’s so easy to release work nowadays, you may as well make sure you know what you’re doing. Use Beta-Readers and take their advice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s been said countless times, but “Write what you know.” It was hearing Ricky Gervais advise this in an interview that made me completely rewrite my debut novel. I have not stopped writing since. It’s no substitute for research, but my perspective is what makes my stories unique.
What are you reading now?
The Revenant. I want to read it before I see the film.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. I’ll keep going because I love it. If I can make it further up the best-seller rankings, that will be nice, too!
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?
On Angel Mountain. It’s the first of a series of books by local legend, Brian John. the story gives a real sense of my home in Wales. It would make me feel connected to home. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. My son has Aspergers and is exactly like Don in the book. And anything by Tom Holt. His surreal worlds would be a great escape.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Christopher Carter Website
Michael Christopher Carter Amazon Profile
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