Q: What are you working on now? What's the next release?
A: The next release will be Bounty Hunter which is just about finished. I've been taking care of a lot of personal stuff the last couple months so I didn't really write too much but I don't have much more to do with Bounty Hunter. It should be out before the end of the year.
Q: I know I've heard that Escape has had some distribution issues, is that taken care of now?
A: It seems to be. It actually was supposed to be released in January but there were a few issues and it kind of got sidetracked but everything seems to be OK now.
Q: You've released a couple short stories recently, how did they come about and how are they faring?
A: Yeah, both are on Amazon Shorts. They're both doing pretty well actually. Day Of The Assassin which was the first short that I released actually hit #2 in the Western section. Misconduct, which is a hockey story, was listed as one of the hot new releases. And the third one, The Mason Files, is a private detective story which is doing pretty well also so I'm pleased. They were just stories I wrote to give some of my fans new material while they were waiting for Escape to come out. I'd encourage anyone interested to check them out as they're only .49 cents each on Amazon. I also have another short story, Fury At Sundown, which is on Authorsden and on my website for anyone wishing to check them out.
Q: You seem to be very in touch with your readers and creative in trying to gain new ones.
A: I think as an independent author you have to be. If you're John Grisham and you're making millions of dollars you get interviews, shelf space, notariety, recognition, an established fan base and a big publishing house behind you. As an independent author you really have nothing to rely on and can't take anything for granted. Your readers have to like you, want you to succeed, pass your book or name along to others and the only way that'll happen is if you're down to earth, friendly, talk to people, and market yourself out there.
Q: How does Escape compare with The Assassin in terms of marketing?
A: The process is basically similar. It's a different genre and most likely will appeal to more people in general but you still have to promote it in a similar manner. It's not gonna sell itself so you have to try to create some interest in it.
Q: So you expect it to sell better than The Assassin?
A: Yeah, I do. It's just a genre that most people will read. Some people won't read a Western no matter what.
Q: Has The Assassin met your expectations in terms of sales?
A: Umm, yeah, pretty much. I obviously would love for more but I think it's sold about what I expected so far.
Q: Will we be seeing any more short stories between Escape and Bounty Hunter?
A: I'm pretty certain I'll have a few. It's a great way to keep yourself out there and let people know you're still around and it gives people a chance to keep getting new stuff.