Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve for the most part been a short story writer, only venturing out to longer form with my first novella. I recall a professor in college saying that most stories start too early, and finish too late. I took that to mind when writing the novella, which could have been half or twice as long if I’d chosen it to be. Consequently I always try to keep the narrative concise, with every word earning its place.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book The Gaiety is set initially in Victorian London, in 1899. I was attracted to this period by the launguage used back then. People generally spoke with more eloquence than they do today, which I think makes for a potentially greater nobility of character.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Some or many writers have the entire plot of their books written down or at least in their heads before they put pen to paper. They have a general idea where they’ll be plotwise on page 50, 100 etc. I’m a writer that comes up with an idea and then just starts writing (“stream of consciousness,” if you will). For instance, I somehow got the thought of a retired circus dwarf that mysteriously starts growing taller one day. That’s all I had, but soon I had a 20-page short story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dickens’ Christmas Carol is one of my favorites, as is Jayne Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I like some of Haruki Murakami’s works, and I’d imagine like myself he must go for the “stream of consciousness” approach.
What are you working on now?
I’m polishing up a few short stories that I wrote in grad school. They’ve sat in the drawer for too long and like forgotten friends thay want to come out to play.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m very new to the whole marketing aspect of the writer’s life. Many writers I know simply place their stories on Amazon, and then forget all about them. I understand that desire but the job of the writer (or any type of creative person) is to get their work out into the public consciousness. That takes marketing. And usually money. I’ve heard good things about Inkitt, but have yet to try them myself.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think it was Thoreau who said something like “How vain it it to sit down to write when we haven’t stood up to live.” In short, we all need some experience of some kind to write about. Also, write, edit or market each day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Major in business, minor in art.” It sounds negative, but while we’re becoming writiers of reknown we still need to put food on the table. It doesn’t do to forget that.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading some non fiction books by Bill Bryson, and also Malcolm Gladwell. Both great writers, and I believe fiction writers can learn from the non fiction crowd.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep chugging along trying to understand the mystery of e-book marketing. It’s a whole industry all to itself, and like most industries it has its share of those who will take your money and offer little in return. But there’s some good guys out there (like this site) who really want to help the likes of you and me in getting out stuff out there to the wider world.
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?
The Bible, Shelley’s Frankenstein, Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot and Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.