Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is Robert E. Parkin. I’m 27 and a graduate of Suny Oneonta with a BSS degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies/Production. Like most writers, my passion is writing, but for me, its really creating characters and putting them in worlds I create. I’m a bit reserved, but quite sociable and have been writing for years now, trying to get something I honestly feel is fun to write, as well as something I feel people will enjoy reading.
And it finally happened, with my first book “Lambda”. “Lambda” is the first book in my Sci Fi, Action Adventure series entitled, “The Genesis Code”. It took me the better of three years to complete the first book as a lot of foundation was needed for the book that would set up the series and all the books to follow. As I said before, I love creating characters above all else. The more extreme the better. I honestly felt that this book just wrote itself as I ironed it out over the years, and I’m looking to get as many people to read it as possible. I’m a modest person, and have a thick skin so I’m prepared for any and all feedback. My book is ready, as well as my body.
As for any personal interests, my hobbies include your basic “gaming” and I’m a bit addicted to a certain iPhone RPG AP at the moment.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I mentioned the title before, but my latest (and first) book is entitled “The Genesis Code: Lambda”. Its the first book in my series that I’m writing. As for what inspired it, well, I get a lot of inspiration from watching an assortment of shows of all types and genres. I’m a bit of a gamer, so I do take inspiration here and there from things I see. My first book “Lambda” had its inspiration come from a game I played. I remember playing as this one character, and it just got me thinking: “What if I created a story about this girl?” I naturally created my own character, but the inspiration still came from seeing that first character that got my gears turning. From there, I created my own character for the story, the center piece, Lambda. From the creation of my one character Lambda I created a whole world surrounding her and slowly began putting the pieces to her story together. It went through several revisions and rewrites before I was finally satisfied, but in the end, I was happy with the end result. Just goes to show that you never know where you might be inspired.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Wish I said I did, but oddly I don’t. I tend to write when I’m in the mood, but for the most part I try to be a bit structured and disciplined. I’m a bit rigid, so I tend to take some extended breaks so not to turn my writing into a “chore”, but I still try to maintain a steady writing habit where I at least I’m writing something every week.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dan Brown. Enough said. He was my gateway to the writing world. I can’t begin to explain just how jaw dropping I found his books. I knew, the moment I read his books, that this was the kinda of book and style I wanted to emulate. Over the years I’ve done so to create my own style, but the fact remains that his influence can be seen in my writing, and I take pride in that. He is an amazing author who never ceases to wow me. I can only dream I could be as good as he is at creating stories of such magnitude.
What are you working on now?
Right now? Right now I’m working on book two of my series “The Genesis Code”. Working title for the second book is “Scorch”. I plan to continue my series and finish it up over the next four years or so. I’m aiming for mid 2015 for the release of my second book and hoping I can make it. There is a lot of work to be done, plus all the promoting for my first book. I have a full plate for now, but even though I plan to finish out my series “The Genesis Code”, I’m already preparing for the next ten years with other series I plan to write. I have so many ideas and characters to put on paper that I feel I will never be able to get it all done in one lifetime.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, haven’t really found one that works as great as I wanted. I’ve done “business cards”, I’ve done “Youtube promotions”, but all of them have been met with little results. Even Facebook is a bit of a flop, as my Facebook page seems to be more content on “liking” my posts rather than going to read my book. IAN, The Independent Author’s Network has shown some promise. I’ve tripled my Twitter followers in just days, but I can’t say that it has brought any sales to my book really. I’m always on the look out for new promotional tools, but there aren’t that many sites that really do what they claim (based on the testimonials the sites like to promote). Will have to see what the future holds. Maybe I just haven’t found that site/method yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Get a product, and start marketing. Don’t waste your time trying to get an Agent. Sure, on the side try I guess, but don’t let that be your focus. Promote yourself, and show them that you have something. Get the word out on your book and start creating your own demand. Believe in yourself, and practice that belief in something you love. I’m a firm believer in that if you want something, you gotta go and get it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“This is terrible, 2/10 and will never be taken seriously.”
Harsh and true words I heard from a close friend when I asked him to read the first book I ever wrote. Since then, I have used that feedback and have slowly bettered myself as a writer. I love my friend for what he said, and what he did for me. I harbor no ill will, if anything, I thank him. You need that kick in the rear and that direct person in your life to give it to you like it is and be frank with you. You will never grow as a writer if everyone just gives you the “Five Star Rating” and says: “Wonderful! Can’t wait for the second book!”. You need REAL feedback, so that your next work will be that much better.
What are you reading now?
I don’t read much anymore. Some scoff at me for saying such things, but I honestly look at reading now as something that takes away from the time I could be writing. Others would argue, but that’s how I feel. I do set aside some time to read Dan Brown books though. Still need to read Inferno. Still, if I find myself with a long bus/train/plane ride, I will always grab a book. Great way to pass the time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Aiming for the sky, and shooting above the clouds. Self Publishing my first book was a huge mountain I concurred. However, trying to get the word out for my book has proven to be an even greater challenge. I won’t stop though. I’m determined to make my book a sensation no matter what. Every writer believes their work is gold and it will be loved by all readers. I’m no exception, however, I like to think I feel my book will and can be successful because people will be thrilled and intrigued by my story and characters. I have a lot of confidence that people that give my work a chance will find an intense, fun, pure, and thrilling ride within my book “The Genesis Code: Lambda”. It is my dream, and I hope to make it a reality.
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?
Dan Brown’s Deception Point, Angel and Demons, and Inferno (1,2,3)
“How to survive on a desert island for Dummies” (cause they gotta have one, they have everything) LOL (4)
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