Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Rodney Strong, and I live in Porirua, New Zealand, with my wife, two school aged children, and two middle aged cats. Although I’ve been writing most of my life, my first novel was published last year and that’s when I started calling myself an author.
My second book is due out towards the end of February 2018.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Troy’s Possibilities. I’ve always been reflective in nature, and in quiet times would often sit and wonder how my life might have turned out differently had I made a different decision at certain times in my life. This lead me to the concept of what if a character had the ability to live out different possible lives. How would that affect him? What would he do to hang onto hope? Troy’s Possibilities developed from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not a such. I tend to write at the dining table in short bursts, inbetween house work. One of my cats will come and sit on my shoulders and watch me work. It was cute when he was a kitten, but not so much now he’s eight years old.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a wide range of genres and authors. I like Matthew Reilly for his non stop style, his books are one long action scene which is breath taking and exhausting. I also like Lee Child, David Baldacci, and Raymond Feist for his world building ability.
What are you working on now?
I’m about to send my second book off to the printer, so I’m just tinkering with the last minor changes. After that I have a young adult book which is in first draft that I need to get back to.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As I sell on Amazon I’ve been doing some promos through them. I also did a couple of giveaways through Goodreads before they started charging. And there’s a new website called Bookgobbler which you can use to get free reviews.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to go for it. It took me a long time to commit to writing as a profession, because of self doubts. So don’t let yourself stop yourself from going for your dream.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If, when you wake up in the morning, you can think of nothing but writing…then you are a writer.
Rainer Maria Rilke
What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey, so I’m on the search for a new book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Working on my Young Adult book, then deciding whether to go back and write a sequel to Troy’s Possibilities.
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?
Only 4!!!!!
I would bring:
Magician, by Raymond Feist
Killing Floor, by Lee Child
Seven Ancient Wonders, by Matthew Reilly
The complete short stories of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle
Author Websites and Profiles
Rodney Strong Website
Rodney Strong Amazon Profile
Rodney Strong’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account