Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I actually began as an independent film maker, about 12 years ago. My first movie, Night of the Snakehead Fish, was very low budget, but has become something of a cult hit. I spent a number of years writing scripts that I couldn’t afford to film. I also had a few projects that fell apart halfway through. (It’s rough out there for us little guys!) When I got the idea that became The Check Out, I decided to try my hand at writing it as a novel. You need far fewer resources to release a book, and I thought it would be an interesting challenge. I had written some short stories before, so I thought “why not?”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Check Out is my latest book. It’s a crazy tale of a group of people who work at a failing grocery story. Each of them gets caught up in strange circumstances that put them deep in debt. When the store announces a $10,000 cash giveaway, each of the characters decide to steal it on the same night. As you can imagine, it doesn’t go so well for some of them.
I had worked at a grocery store before, and would keep myself entertained by imagining insane things that could happen. I kept a list of all these ideas, and one day, it all clicked together. Those flights of fancy became The Check Out.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so! When I’m actually working on a project, I try to schedule time several days a week to write. I spend a long time working out the details in my head before I write a word. Once I sit down to type, it’s pretty much gushes forth.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carl Hiaasen has been a big influence. I just love how he takes outlandish scenarios and grounds them with human protagonists. I get excited and laugh at the same time.
What are you working on now?
I am putting the finishing touches on a short that I directed in December. It’s a film noir look at a man who owes a gambling debt he can’t afford to pay off.
I am also working on my second novel. I spent nearly two years piecing it all together. Now, it’s time for it to finally spill onto the page.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have had a lot of luck selling physical copies. I have a good relationship with a local bookstore, and they have helped me immensely. I have also looked for unconventional outlets. There is a store in an arts district that sells locally made goods. I talked to the owners and got my book in there. I was lucky to get in before Christmas and had some great results.
I think you have to constantly be on the lookout for opportunities. Sitting back and hoping Amazon does the work for you isn’t going to move any copies. There’s too many people doing the same thing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure your book is a complete package before trying to sell it. Hire an editor, a graphic artist, and, if you need one, a person to format your ebook.
All of that takes time, but it gives you the opportunity to research the marketing aspect in the meantime. Find out what sites are worth advertising on and which ones to avoid. There’s no sense in spending money on places that offer little return.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There’s so much that I’ve heard. I think it’s important to pay attention to the fine details in setting up your book on Amazon. Keywords, categories, and all that can have a huge impact on your sales. I would also talk to other writers to see what’s worked for them.
What are you reading now?
I am in the middle of All The President’s Men. After that, I plan on reading a book on the Black Panthers. Somewhere in there, I want to read Stephen King’s IT.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my next novel. It’s still in the early stages, so that’s about all I can say right now. I don’t even want to mention the title, yet!
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?
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