Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
At the risk of giving away my age, I’m a Vietnam Veteran, former auto repair shop owner, and an avid Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider. I’ve been in this writing business for 25+ years. Along the way I got totally frustrated with traditional publishing, agents, and the meager scraps they called royalties, so I started my own publishing company and self published my work, along with authors from around the world. I’ve written eight novels, several short stories, three feature screenplays, all of which have finalled in International Screenplay competitions, and one television series script.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Inspiration for each story comes in many forms. Injustice in the legal system inspired my latest book, “Justin Graves,” which was nine years in the making. A newspaper article about the world’s largest pearl being part of a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado set me on a research mission through history and Tao legend for “The Pearl of Death,” and a short film I saw at the Smithsonian in 1986 inspired “The 13th Power” sci-fi series I wrote.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do, but I’m not giving my secrets away. Writing is a craft that requires the same amount of dedication, effort, and practice as any other artform, sport, or career. I dabbled at first, got serious, joined a writers group, critique, entered contests, and eventually developed a thick skin for criticism. All in all, that made me a better writer.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big Michael Crichton fan. James Patterson too. Stephen King, not so much lately, but I loved his book “On Writing.” Edgar Rice Burroughs … his Mars Series … totally mesmerized me as a teenaged boy. The De Vinci Code – Wow.
What are you working on now?
I’m editing a book by a New England writer, as I often do for many self-publishing authors. There’s a difference between editing and proofreading. I edit for content including character arcs and story structure in an effort to get that writer’s craft to a higher level.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Marketing and self promotion is a large part of an author’s workload. Every author should have his or her own websites. You’d be surprised how many authors do not. Readers buy authors, not titles, so an author needs a central hub where readers can find the latest books and news. Most beneficial reviews are those on Amazon by ‘verified purchasers’. Social media is good for self promotion where writers can let people know ‘who’ they are, hopefully get people to like you, and then, oh by the way: “I have written a book.”
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Rewrite. Never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never be worth more dead than alive.
What are you reading now?
“Eternity Base” by one of my author friends, Bob Mayer.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Tahiti, I hope.
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?
Ah, the classic question from H. G. Wells’ “The Time Machine.” In this case I’d need books on survival.
Author Websites and Profiles
Terry Wright Website
Terry Wright Amazon Profile
Terry Wright Author Profile on Smashwords
Terry Wright’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile