I began writing two decades ago as a way to express my personal life experiences and as an outlet for my creative energies. I actually wrote the beginnings of an adventure similar to the Davinci Code back then for which an acquaintance published 1000 paperbacks of it in Europe. It is even possible that Dan Brown got the inspiration for his book if he stumbled upon it. I put my writing on hold due to my real life adventures consuming my time, but found myself back at this task in 2010 after reading the Count of Monte Cristo for the first time.
What genres do you write?
Excessive creativity demands fiction as my preference. This genre allows me the flexibility to layer plotlines and build rich characters to engage my readers.
Who do you imagine you're telling a story to as you write?
With The Sultan of Monte Cristo, I primarily aimed at satisfying the die-hard fans (myself included) of the original literary work, The Count of Monte Cristo. That novel left its' readers thirsting for more, and so I wanted to quench that uncanny thirst. Yet this sequel seems to have surpassed that initial target audience. I've received accolades from people that have not read The Count of Monte Cristo. So needless to say, I'm quite pleased with that unintentional feat.
What is your latest book about?
The Sultan of Monte Cristo is the first official sequel to The Count of Monte Cristo. It documents the past journies of Edmond Dantes through the eyes of Alexandre Dumas. Alexandre Dumas, the author of the classic now appears in his own story as an investigative reporter in the 1840's. As many know, that story originated with the drama of a man unnecessarily imprisoned to emerge year later unrecognized, only to stealthily take revenge using knowledge of a hidden treasure, provided by the elderly, long-bearded prisoner to the Count of Monte Cristo, but now Dumas is documenting and publishing these accounts after they occur, which comes together in this sequel as the book, the Count of Monte Cristo. This first sequel is a bit more risqué than the classic. Subsequent books in this series will show (as Milton penned) that no matter how sweet revenge is at first, it will err long recoil on its victor.
Which authors inspire you?
I would have to say, Alexandre Dumas... as I feel I have that same literary spirit flowing through my veins.
What's your favorite book?
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas is my favorite perhaps due to similarities between Edmond Dantes and my own life story.
Why did you choose independent publishing?
Honestly? Independent publishing allows me to reach a greater number of readers in a faster amount of time. Yes, it takes a bit more work, but it can pay off in the end 10 fold. Times are changing and technological advances are making traditional publishing archaic. Most people are not aware that the Count of Monte Cristo was written in a series before becoming a giant book, and I’m certain if Dumas were living in our time he would be on the same path.
What one piece of advice would you offer other indie authors?
Authors usually have a spark or small fire within them. I call it a burning desire to creatively express one’s self through writing. Feed that fire. Be persistent and focused and never, ever give up. Never let that dream die. Keep the vision in your mind and no matter what, never sway or falter. Know that you can do anything you set your mind to do. It is only those, who hold on to their vision that succeed and see the fruits of their labor.
Also, as you know the Holy Ghost Writer is part of the book and will reveal his/her true identity in one of the forthcoming books. Clues are given in each book. A grand prize will be given to the first person that can guess (from the clues planted through the series) the real identity of the Holy Ghost Writer before he/she reveals his/her identity through interaction with the characters in the final books.
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