Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I hold a BA in psychology and DMD with a specialty of endodontics. Engaged in writing for the past thirty-five years, I have written for professional journals as well as having produced several non-fiction books. After three self-published books, Forty Something, Fifty Something, and Bedside Manner – How to Gain Your Patients’ Respect, Love and Loyalty, I was fortunate to have made publishing deals for my most recent non-fiction titles: The Sexless Marriage Fix – Basic Health Publications and From Waiting Room to Courtroom – How Doctors Can Avoid Getting Sued – Jay Pee Brothers Medical Publishers. Both of these books were release in 2016. In 2018 I had two more books published: Dating Again – A Guide to Dating Just When You Thought You Were Done… funny stuff, and my debut novel, The Divine Affliction.
Having left dentistry to write full time, I revisited my passion for fiction. I am now happy to present The Divine Affliction for publication with Black Rose Writing. Next up, another psychological thriller, The American Strangler, a tale of how the legal system is strangling America. Maintaining a social media presence, and having the time to write and promote my books, I look forward to engaging in the active telling and selling of my stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is, The Divine Affliction. Every night, coming home from my office, even late at night, coming home from meetings, movies or weddings, between 10pm and 1am, I would see an unmarked tanker making delivery in the middle of a cemetery. It was just about every night, and no matter the time, this truck was there. They had to be making deliveries all night long. This seemed so odd to me, but I didn’t have the guts to investigate or report the occurrences. However, my protagonist, Derrick Daniels did. And that was the beginning of his… and my adventure.
I’m troubled by the violence, immorality, and depravity seen going on all over the world. I seek an explanation, even if it’s in my fiction. I want people to understand there are, perhaps, reasons that exist right in front of us that we do not see. It is my hope that readers will realize the frailty of our security and existence. They will explore how the powers of ancient law collides with contemporary villainy. They will decide if violence is random or are there plots conspiring to bring an end to the idyllic life that used to define the American way.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in bed. My bed is my desk. This does nothing good for my posture. And my back is a mess. When uncomfortable enough, or when my computer battery runs low, I move to my desk. This means that while I explore new worlds in my mind, my travels in the real world are from bed to desk.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Orwell, Conrad, Faulkner, Melville, Dickens, Steinbeck, and Fitzgerald are some of the giants I admire. The way they place words is true poetry in narrative/prose form. It’s like observing a master geneticist placing the building blocks of a complex life form to create a new creature. In my fiction, I strive for some semblance of scholarly content, however, when reading the real masters of literary fiction, I am humbled and know my place. My son is my biggest inspiration. He’s a budding author, and I have so enjoyed seeing him develop into a true talent.
What are you working on now?
I am working on The American Strangler which has two meanings. It’s about how the legal system is strangling every aspect of our society. It’s a thriller all about a vigilante who decided to do something about it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website, http://www.novelsmith.com describes all of my books as well as more insight into my process. But Amazon is probably the best way to do promotions.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick with your craft. You never know it all. Keep learning from others. Don’t get discouraged, and make sure you have another job to pay for the room and board. Being a starving artist may be noble and offer good material for you stories, but it’s not fun.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it. P.J. O’Rourke
What are you reading now?
Origin by Dan Brown is my current read on audio book. I recently took his Master Class and was truly inspired. He’s a great talent and kind fellow. He tells the story of his first book signing before he was a known author (like me). He sat at the table for three hours. No one made the slightest eye contact with him. To the contrary, they avoided looking his way. Five minutes before the end of the event, having not sold one book, a lady walks directly toward him. He’ so excited… finally! She stops a foot away and say, “Excuse me sir, can you tell me the way to the bathroom.” Wow!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to write a few more stories to inspire and teach. I would also like to write for a sitcom. Since I started late in writing as a profession, the chances for that happening are slim, but one never knows.
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?
If stranded on a desert Island, I would want to take The Bible, The Talmud and Wikipedia. While I was never very learned nor religious, as I get older, I realize the Bible contains such amazing wisdom and tells every story imaginable. And the way I get lost in Wikipedia would keep me busy for eternity.
Author Websites and Profiles
ROBERT FLEISHER Website
ROBERT FLEISHER Amazon Profile
ROBERT FLEISHER’s Social Media Links
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