Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write for the fun of it, non-fiction books. I’ve written four books because the topics appealed to me, a pretty eclectic mix — a policy book on transportation financing in California, a career guidance book for students considering business communications as a career, and a historical book about one of the most remote and sparsely populated counties in America — Owyhee County in southwestern Idaho.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is “The Boiled Peanut Book.” It is the first and only book entirely devoted to the subject of boiled peanuts, a southern snack that is largely unknown outside the south. Since I now live in the Pacific Northwest, boiled peanuts are extremely hard to come by. The book is designed to be both an introduction to boiled peanuts for the novice, and a guide on how to obtain boiled peanuts outside the south — even if you have to grow and boil them yourself. Granted, it may not be a book for the masses, but self-publishing is an ideal way to do something that I am interested in, without too much concern on the financial aspects.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Some might say that writing about boiled peanuts is unusual. Otherwise I do most of my work in bed. Each morning I prop myself up in bed with pillows and coffee, and spend a couple of hours working.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frank Herbert (Dune) is my favorite author of all time, and I would say Joseph Conrad influenced my life the most, if not necessarily my writing.
What are you working on now?
I’m focused on marketing The Boiled Peanut Book right now, but I think my next project will be a book about fishing for surf perch on the Oregon Coast.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book signings at local book stores.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure you enjoy your writing, because it will show.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Choose work that you really enjoy, because disciplined people can do well at things they dislike, but the very best work is always done by people who really enjoy what they do.
What are you reading now?
Dudley Pope’s “Lord Ramage” series about a British naval officer in the 1800’s.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Choosing another topic to create a book about, one that is interesting to me personally.
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?
Lord Jim, Dune, Atlas Shrugged, and The U.S. Air Force Guide to Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape.
Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Deen Amazon Profile
Robert Deen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile