Interview With Author Thomas C Turner, Jr
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an oil and gas lawyer by trade and a writer by passion. I studied at the University of Texas, majoring in Plan II and Philosophy, and attended the University of Texas law school. I’ve recently written my first book on New Mexico Oil and Gas Law and will follow it up with a humorous philosophy parody book and a coloring book. I’m also working on a guide to the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Oil and Gas examination. It’s pretty boring stuff for non lawyers! Other than that, I am an avid fly fisherman and enjoy spending time with my wife, Kathleen, and daughter Izzie. She’s the best!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
New Mexico Oil and Gas Law: State, Federal and Fee Lands. I was quite ambitious as a younger attorney and got licensed to practice law in New Mexico in addition to Texas and Louisiana. Texas has numerous secondary sources explaining and interpreting oil and gas law, but I found no such resource for New Mexico. Hence the genesis of my book. It’s written to cover the basics and give landmen and title attorneys a handy manual to aid their work. It is also written in such a manner to appeal to the layman as well.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m ashamed to admit it, but I love to eat peanut butter pretzels while I write. And i drink Diet Mountain Dew like its going out of style!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Steinbeck is probably my favorite author. His Tortilla Flats is hilarious, and as a young man I was very taken with East of Eden. The Winter of our Discontent becomes more and more relevant to me as I get older.
I was also enamoured with the Beats early on, Jack Kerouac especially. As I’ve grown older I’ve gravitated more towards Gary Snyder. He is pretty wonderful.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a book where Donald Trump explains the greatest philosophers. It’s pretty fun, and I hope people enjoy the humor. I’m also working on a study guide for the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Oil and Gas examination. On the back burner are Oil and Gas treatises on Wyoming and Louisiana law, akin to my book on New Mexico.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m pretty new at this so I don’t have a lot to say. I’ve followed kindlepreneur’s advice and done Amazon ads, to mixed results. I also have reached out to relevant facebook groups. Again, to mixed results. I’m still learning so check in with me in a year!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get it right. Just get it written.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One page. David McCullough said this to me when I was 18. Sit down at your computer and write one page a day. That’s all you have to do. 300 words. I use it to this day.
What are you reading now?
The Master and Margarita
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hone my craft, especially my marketing skills.
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?
Shinkishi Takahashi’s book of poems
East of Eden by Steinbeck
Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac
Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon