Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Michael Phillip Cash and I am an award winning screenwriter and novelist. As of summer 2015, I have 11 written novels…two more are on the way. I live on the North Shore of Long Island and married to my soulmate with two amazing children. I can also touch my nose with my tongue.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Witches Protection Program’. The inspiration is sort of embarrassing but I was in the bathroom, checking out my wife’s trashy magazines. I saw the words Wetless Protection Program on one page and thought it said Witches Protection Program. I thought it was a great idea for the start of an incredible story. A few months later, Witches Protection Program is a best-seller on Amazon.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
9am to 5pm is research and development. Google…love it. Wife and kids are asleep around 8pm, then I write with the Travel Channel on in the background, until my eyes go.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All my inspiration came from reading spiritual books and reading amazing screenplays. The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles was a huge inspiration for me. Any screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, Diablo Cody, and Scott Rosenberg have been very influential in my life.
What are you working on now?
I just uploaded the cover to my new summer release, Pokergeist. That should be out in the next week or so. I’m currently working on two more novels. The first one is my monster masterpiece, Monsterland. A teen must save his date in a theme park whose main attractions – real werewolves, vampires and zombies – descend the place into chaos. I’m having a BLAST writing this. Then after Monsterland is Witches Protection Program II. I’ve been conjuring up some bigger and badder witches who have the program in their sights.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would be lying to tell you I’ve promoted my novels by myself. I have an incredible team that help spread the word. Starting from my social networking guru Julie Gerber, to my fabulous publicist Brittney Bass. My mother is my manager and gives my books to everyone that looks in her direction. These amazing ladies have been instrumental in getting my work to the masses. They promote my work all over Twitter, Facebook, Google, Newspapers, Blogs, etc…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write, write, write. Research and keep writing. After you write, research more, and keep writing. It’s that simple. Oh, and pick up the book Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. The late and great Blake wrote the book on how every story belongs to an appropriate genre. He then teaches you how to beat out your story and structure it. Once you learn that, you will know what audiences are looking for. Read Save the Cat and write your story. And most importantly, have fun!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Of the many supposed rules of writing, the only one that’s legit is ‘write every day.’”
“The Coen brothers, Charlie Kaufman, Quentin Tarantino never tried to guess what Hollywood would make. They wrote their obsessions and so should you.”
Both quotes by Brian Koppelman
What are you reading now?
Shakespeare for Screenwriters: Timeless Writing Tips from the Master of Drama
Wheat Belly: Total Health
Steal Like an Artist
Captain America: The First Avenger: The Screenplay
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking to buy a 60 foot yacht with my royalties. Kidding! After Monsterland and Witches II, I’ve already started thinking about my next novel called ‘Neandythal’. It’s about a grating millennial who gets struck by lightning and is sent back 37 million years ago.
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?
How to build a boat, How to catch a fish, How to make useful things out of a desert island, and The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Phillip Cash Website
Michael Phillip Cash Amazon Profile
Michael Phillip Cash’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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