Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Coyote Jack and the Bluebirds is the first novel that I’ve seen through to completion for several years (having self-published with a local printer back in the pre e-book wild west days). The characters and story really meant something to me and it was a joy to write. Aside from that I have also published two novelettes and am currently balancing the cherry on the top of my next novel, due to be published in a few months’ time.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Coyote Jack and the Bluebirds was inspired by a real life blues musician that visited my home island of Jersey several years back, and whom my band and I supported for several rather embarrassing gigs. He was supposedly the son of a real famous blues guitarist and his website featured all kinds of cool articles and excellent studio tracks. In the flesh though he was awful and my band and I had to carry him both nights. I remember thinking at the time that the whole idea of a bogus bluesman exploiting our preconceptions of the genre and what it is to be ‘famous’ would make a cool story – which it did. Much else of the novel is based on my 15+ years experience playing in various bands; plenty to draw on there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well at the moment I have three kids under the age of five so my writing habits are dictated by whichever scraps of time and quiet get thrown my way. I’m not the sort who can sit and write for hours – I tend to nip in and out when composing, though wilfully submit to the grind of second and third time edits.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been a big fan of satire; from Swift through Austin and Thackery and on to the likes of Self and Amis. I’ve read everything by H.P.Lovecraft and would love to write something set around the Cthulhu Mythos one day. Favourite novels are To the Lighthouse by Wolf, Pale Fire by Nabakov and Infinite Jest by Foster-Wallace, all of which are just incredible. Kurt Vonnegut is something of a hero too.
What are you working on now?
A detective novel set on my home island of Jersey. It’s rude, dark and oh so nearly finished.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still experimenting with that. To be honest I absolutely hate the endless clickery and field-filling that comes with promoting one’s work on the internet, though accept that it such a crowded market it’s absolutely necessary and right that one should be forced to work at getting noticed. My greater game plan is to create a larger body of work before REALLY going to town in that respect.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Edit, edit, edit. Always leave a good few weeks in between edits to allow your brain time to detune from the composition process so that when you come back to the next edit it’s as a reader – that way you’ll be more likely to spot deficiencies in plot, pace and structure. Always think of the reader – no-one owes you their time; you have to earn it. Give them a reason to want to turn the page, otherwise why should they bother?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A good friend of mine once told me that he had given up on one of my books (not Coyote – this was years ago!) after several pages as ‘there was nothing there to make him want to continue.’ Brutal words but they stuck with me. The best advice is often the hardest to hear.
What are you reading now?
Just finished reading ‘Look Who’s Back’ by Timur Vermes. Nice idea but I suspect something has been lost in the translation as I’m glad it’s over.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My detective novel, followed by a shot at some short story writing. Time to see if I can get myself published somewhere.
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?
Gulliver’s Travels, The Bhagavad-Gita and a couple of Ray Mears’ survival guides, preferably the desert island editions.
Author Websites and Profiles
Paul Bisson Website
Paul Bisson Amazon Profile
Paul Bisson’s Social Media Links