Interview With Author Wallace Briggs
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Retired from a technical sales background, almost an octogenarian, I have now brought seven children’s books to market. Some of my stories were created forty years ago but early efforts to find an agent or publisher were fruitless. Once I retired I found I had the time to pursue self publishing with the aid of Amazon/Kindle.
Pat and I are celebrating fifty nine years of marriage in September, having first met when we were eleven years old, walking home from different schools. There was a six year break before circumstances brought us together again at the age of seventeen. After that, there was no holding us back, except our parents who did not approve of mixed faith (Catholic/Protestant) marriages. So had to wait until we were twenty-one before tying the knot. Its a tight knot which has held despite any onslaught.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: The Emerald Lake” is the fourth in a series. Originally. Jimmy was born out of necessity to entertain my son and his newfound beach friends during a showery family holiday. For the first time, I made up a story ‘on the hoof’, to entertain four rowdy youngsters crowded in the shelter of our beach tent. Jimmy Crikey’s adventures grew over the following days to meet demand whenever the rain came down. It would be many more years before they appeared in print
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know there others like me who generally, pick up a pen and the words flow, usually.
In my fifth Jimmy adventure, I am trying to work to an outline. It is heavy going and restrictive but that’s the way the story must conclude.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Without a doubt Agatha Christie and the Far Away Tree was greatly enjoyed be my sons and me.
What are you working on now?
The fifth and possible last in the Jimmy Crikey series. Hopeing there will be enough gas in the tank for me to complete a memoir.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotion sites on the Internet are my primary route to market with great affection for Literary Titan. Book Bub, Choosy Bookworm, my face book pages and a scattershot approach with other affordable promo sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Develop a thick skin. You can’t avoid disappointments along the way. Don’t let them get to you and keep on writing. Never stop trying. Don’t expect to make a fortune (or anything).
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep at it
What are you reading now?
When I finish the latest James Patterson (+a.n. other) there is a stack of Baldacci novels to start on.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I must finish Jade’s rise from mini to mighty witch in the Jimmy Crikey series. After which I have a half-finished memoir to tackle.
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
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
An encyclopedia of the natural world