Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a journalist, photographer, keen environmentalist, author and playwright with nine self-published nine novels and two plays. My writing deals with contemporary and environmental issues (eco-fi) and how they impact the human condition. I live on the west coast of Canada.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest work is Cold-Blooded, Book 2 of the Mattie Saunders Series.
I’m inspired by Mattie, a twenty-something, slightly eccentric, outspoken, loner who loves birds, and not so much people, and has devoted her short life to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of exotic ones people buy as pets and then abandon.
Her grandfather established the Saunders Exotic Bird Sanctuary and ran it until he died. Now the responsibility is Mattie’s and it’s an expensive one.
Through Mattie eyes (much younger than mine) I try to experience her joy and sadness, successes and failures as well as challenges she faces in relationships, career, family and societal issues all the while struggling to keep the sanctuary running so she can continue with the work she feels passionate about.
The series is novella length (about 100 pages) and not genre specific with the first book being a romance and the second a murder mystery. All stories are fast-paced, contemporary and have a subplot that deals with animal welfare issues.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best when Bridget, my cat is sitting on my lap. She’s my cat.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I prefer extraordinary stories about ordinary people. Anna Quindlen comes to mind
What are you working on now?
I’d hope the novel I’m working on would provide me with answers regarding climate change and its impact on civilization. It has – there’s no hope. Anyhow, it’s a dystopian story about three friends with exceptional abilities (not superheroes) and how circumstances enable them to influence the future of a new country.
For something completely different, East Van Saturday Night is four short stories and novella about coming of age in the 1960’s.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have most success (and profit) selling my book in person, at seminars I give, or book readings. I have had no success promoting my books online
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you write for any reason other than your love to write, I’m sorry, you’ll be disappointed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A little integrity is better than any career – Ralph Waldo Emerson
What are you reading now?
Considering the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results (and I don’t want that), then I’d better do try something new. Not sure what that will be though.
What’s next for you as a writer?
That’s kind of like asking which child do you love more.
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?
Not sure, but maybe a book of coconut recipes and certainly one about how to build a raft.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rod Raglin Website
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