Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name’s Stuart Keane. I’ve been reading books for twenty-five years. I love reading and always had a desire to write and due to recent circumstances, I’ve finally had the chance to start pursuing that dream. The dream came true on April 2.
I’m a debut author. I’ve just released a novella called The Customer Is Always… a suspense thriller which takes a normal, everyday situation and turns it into a tense, pulse pounding game of chance. So far, it has thirteen 5* reviews across Amazon and Goodreads in five days. Not a bad start.
My first full novel, All or Nothing, is due to be released via Kindle (and possibly CreateSpace) in late May 2014. This book is currently with my editor. I’m also working on several new novels and novellas which should be released in due course.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Customer Is Always… was inspired by one particularly tedious shift at my day job. I work in a call centre and for some reason, my brain posed the question about one certain situation…what would happen if a customer called me and threatened me, claiming to have a hostage and started blackmailing the company?
How this would unravel in reality, I don’t know, but it certainly became an interesting idea in my mind. I hope it never happens as it does in the story because I’ve a sneaking suspicion things wouldn’t end well. I think taking normal everyday situations and turning into something more sinister is always going to engage a reader. The more realistic the better.
The story just developed from that shift really. The type of customers that call us varies from friendly to downright rude so that helped me gauge how the call would go. I used my imagination for the remainder since I’ve never had someone call up threatening to endanger someone’s life. I wrote it in two weeks, nurtured it and had it copy edited. I released it and the general reception has been very positive.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
This is probably shared by many authors but I can’t have any background noise. TV and people can’t be around me when I write. I tend to write when my fiancée is at work or asleep. I’ll turn the TV off and hammer on the keyboard for several hours. Music is okay but thankfully I can choose what I listen to. My iTunes has a specific playlist for certain genres. For horror (my default genre) I listen to rock and metal. For thrillers and suspense, I listen to film soundtracks and instrumental music. However I feel I’m more focused and write better in total silence. This can become lonely so I break on every two hour interval. Even when I read books it has to be in total silence.
When I’m not home, I keep a pad on me at all times. You never know when an idea will surface so I’m always prepared. It amuses people when I break out the pad…maybe because it’s from Paperchase and has a fluffy dog on it. My fiancée is very supportive.
I drink loads when I write. Sometimes I’ll go a whole day without eating as long as there is water or Diet Pepsi in the vicinity. I feel preparing food can ruin my concentration and every author knows when you’re in the zone, nothing can/should stop you.
I also strive for 2,000 words a day. Even if it’s garbage (thankfully, this hasn’t happened to me yet, I can always change and reshape something I’ve written) I get it down and it’s there to be built on.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King and Richard Laymon are my two biggest influences. Laymon taught me that horror can be gory but also intelligent, while Stephen King confirmed this and showed that you should write the way YOU want to write.
If your writing is personal to you, it feels more vibrant and more real. I was recently told this about my debut. I feel this was due to my working in that environment. If it’s personal for you the chances are it will flow better.
In recent times, Brett Easton Ellis and Lee Child have influenced me too. I actually met Lee Child a few years ago and he gave me a personal message of good luck. What more did I need to get my writing cap on? I still check my signed copy of A Wanted Man if I get tired or disillusioned with my progress.
I wouldn’t say any specific books have influenced me, apart from Flesh by Richard Laymon and The Shining by Stephen King. Reading these books convinced me I wanted to write horror/suspense novels. I read allsorts of books though so picking a book specifically for one solitary reason would be very tough.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’ve three novellas in production. They’re bare bone ideas at the moment. One is set in a mysterious town called Herbert (in dedication to another cult favourite of mine, James Herbert), one is about a man on a ledge and the other is the first I hope to release as a collection. The collection is yet untitled. These will be traditional horror stories.
My first full novel, All or Nothing, is due for release in May 2o14. Details can be found on www.stuartkeane.com
My second novel is a personal piece for me. It’s a working title but it details the adventures of a group of boys (based on my childhood) that stumble upon a dark, deadly secret in an abandoned World War II bunker. My third novel is likely to introduce my first reoccurring character…but that’s a while off yet.
I’m always working on ideas at the back of my brain so this could all change slightly until I officially announce what’s next. All or Nothing is first…I’ll take it a step at a time from there.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t think I’ve found one yet. I think self promotion is a patient and long winded process, especially if you’re new like me. I think generating a fan base takes time and it shouldn’t be rushed. I’m slowly building this and its a pleasure to speak to my fellow authors and slowly build a following.
I use Twitter, Facebook and my personal website primarily. They all link to one another so people can read about me, my work and any updates. My site has a blog (which is now linked to Goodreads). Goodreads is new on my list for promotion. I’ve only been a member for a few weeks but the people on here are phenomenal and so friendly. It’s a lot more focused on readers and authors, which Facebook and Twitter lack.
I always say that I’ll help my fellow author. And I do. If an author wants me to read their book and give a review, I can do so as a reader, I feel I’ve had enough practice to keep my writing opinion and reading opinion separate. I use this on Twitter and I follow any author who follows me in return. Same on Facebook. Goodreads peeps, if you add me as a friend and I can help you (read a book, write a review) and I have time, I will happily do so. All I ask is that you return the favour. We’re all in the same boat so spreading the word benefits everyone.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being a new author myself, the one thing I can recommend is having faith in your work.
I say this because when I was preparing the novella, people said to stick it on Amazon for free. I was like “why?” and they responded to put it into the hands of people first and foremost.
Now, I don’t have a problem with this method and it must work for people to suggest it. However I see so many new authors giving their work away for free. I feel if you think your work is good enough you should be paid for it. At least for a introductory period before giving it away. You wouldn’t go to your day job for free would you?
One more piece of advice is to create your brand. Get a website (with a blog), create a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a Goodreads account. I’ve met so many awesome people through these channels (my editor, proof reader, various authors with invaluable advice). I wouldn’t be here now without them and for a new starter, this can really fill you with confidence. If self-publishing is your thing, this is vital.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For risk of sounding repetitive, the first is from Stephen King. The other two I picked up along the way.
1. The best ideas stick. This means no matter what, you’ll never forget a good idea. I carry a notepad around with me just in case but I find that a good idea will always stick in my mind, working, developing and building. If it sticks in your mind, you know its a good one. Get it down!
2. Don’t listen to the critics. This is probably sage advice for anyone but if you listen to the critics, it only takes one bad review to kill your confidence. I fell victim to this some years ago when I was trying to get into film and script writing. I got past it and now, no one can shake me. Remember, even the best sellers get bad reviews. You can’t please everyone.
3. Get a second opinion. My fiancée checks my work for basic errors but always ALWAYS seek advice from a professional. Fresh eyes are vital! Twitter is great for this. I met an editor and a proof reader on here, by accident, and they’re amazing. They really helped me improve my craft. A writer is only as good as his editor…or something along those lines. I always thought I might be able to skip this step…DO NOT do this.
What are you reading now?
At the moment I’m working on IT by Stephen King. 1376 pages is taking some time. I’ve always wanted to read this book though. Once this is done, I have Christine lined up for my third read. It’s one of my favourites.
I’m also venturing into my first YA (Young Adult) book with ARV-3 by Cameo Renae. So far, I’m impressed. Cameo has a great presence in her books and a very friendly outlook on Facebook and Twitter. It’s nice to see someone so genuine making it for herself.
I currently balance these between my writing and reading books for fellow authors. Always helping…that’s me!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Promotion.
Publishing my first novella was a dream come true. My aim now is to release a full novel (in May, mark the date) and start getting my work into as many hands as possible. Becoming a full time writer is my dream and achieving this is top of my list.
I have the support of my peers and family and I feel the time has come for me to do this. I’m very passionate and determined to do this (my days are 19 hours long at the moment, 8 for work, 11 for writing) and I know my hard work will pay off. It’s just having the determination to do it and realising my dream is all the motivation I need.
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?
Hmmmm. American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis, The Stand by Stephen King, Richard Laymon Collection Volume 11 (which contains Quake and Island, funnily enough…that’s not cheating is it?) and…Heartbreak and Triumph by Shawn Michaels (Michael Higginbotham).
This question is too hard, can I bring my Kindle instead? No? Okay.
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