What kind of research did you have to conduct to write your book?
Since the lion's share of the book draws from my personal experience, research was limited to the historical accuracy of the interrelationships of competing organized crime families, with a focus on the Mexican and Colombian drug cartels. I also researched modes and patterns of gang warfare. Lastly, I performed a fairly exhaustive research of Seattle's early days during the 1970's as a venue for touring Rock bands.
Why did you choose your particular genre?
Creative non-fiction allowed me the freedom to recount historic events while maintaining dramatic tension and continuity. The 15% portion of the accounting that is fictional provided the opportunity to get more creative and interweave fact with fiction in a way that allows for social satire and parody.
Do you write mainly by day or by night?
I write mainly by day, as I am task oriented and treat the process seriously, as I would any 9-5 job. I am also a night owl and tend to do my best work in the evenings. Often I'll come up with a new story arc or character in the evening then hammer out the details during the day.
Do you ever get writer’s block and what do you do when that happens?
I simply do not write during these periods. They typically don't last more than a day or two and are a result of exhaustion, tedium or need for a different creative cognitive perspective.
Can you tell us a little about the publisher who published your book? How have they been to work with?
Book Surge. A mid-sized print on demand publishing house wholly owned by Amazon. I looked at all prominent POD publishers out there, and Book Surge's product was far superior. Their rates are higher than the competition's, but you do see a return on your investment in the quality of work. Their editorial team is superb.
Do you blog? If so, what can you tell my readers about the advantages of blogging as a useful tool in book promotion?
I do. Both under the musings section of my website, www.VirtualVice.net, and on my blog, proper, www.VirtualVice.us. Blogs help the writer with the creative process, provide his fan base with insight into that process, and also allow for expression outside the confines of the more structured novel format. From a marketing perspective, blogs are one of the best tools to brand one's name and keep content current and indexed by the search engines.
Article comments
1 - Bubbles
I'd like to read more of your writing, book and more.
Where can I find more?