Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Too many to count. I write a lot of technical non-fiction under another name. But the stuff I really enjoy is creative non-fiction, and I’ve wrote about a half dozen–depending on what qualifies as a book sense some are shorter.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Organic Theology and Organic Christian. It’s actually one book that was previously published, but when I got the rights back, I decided to put it out as two separate books. The book was originally called #OrganicJesus. It was written several years ago while my wife was pregnant. I wanted to write a book that explained to my future son why I believed in a religion that sometimes seemed a little…wacky.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write everything backwards…on a phone…in the shower. Just kidding. No unusual habits. I’ve been doing it so long, it’s all second nature at this point.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Flannery O’Connor had a huge impact on me when I first started writing. I’m also a fan of David Foster Wallace and John Updike.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
BookBub seems to be the crown jewel, but I rely heavily on smaller websites to get to BookBub status. When a book first comes out, I’ll spend the first three or four months doing campaigns on places like Awesome Gang. Once it gets enough organic reviews, I’ll submit it to BookBub and usually get a deal.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Build a platform and self-publish. I didn’t start selling books until I left traditional publishing. My first traditionally published book, which was through Da Capo (a pretty big publisher) sold less than 5000 copies; my first self-published book? Over 10,000 copies in the first year.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Steinbeck on critics: unless the bastards have the courage to give you unqualified praise, I’d say ignore them.
What are you reading now?
Breath: The Science of a Lost Art
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully become an Oprah book club selection.
Author Websites and Profiles
Scott Douglas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile