Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written the first two books of my planned series about the titular idiot, Dick Wiener. The books are entitled, “Dick Wiener Must Die!” and “Dick Wiener’s Caribbean Christmas.” I’m a former TV producer and writer who enjoys telling a good story. I’ve always been attracted to absurdist comedy and over-the-top Hollywood action movies, and I decided to try to translate this into a unique, yet intelligent, reading experience.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “Dick Wiener’s Caribbean Christmas” was inspired by my intention to create a title character so outrageous and arresting that readers simply couldn’t ignore him, or my work. While the book is obviously one part silly comedy, I sought to explore much deeper issues. I was inspired to write this book by the rapidly degrading political and social landscape of the United States following the presidential campaign of 2016. It seems conspiracy thinking, irrationality and incivility are on the rise, along with a popular tendency among the privileged toward the boisterous denigration of anyone considered “other” by those in charge. The only way to tackle the complex mental illness that seems to have infected a significant portion of society, without seeming preachy and overbearing, is to use humor and jokes. In this book, many of my main characters embody these groups, and they are pitted against the powerful–and proudly ignorant–elite. Caught in the middle of this explosive fight is Dick Wiener, the stereotypical everyman who must choose between the relative safety of siding with the monstrous status quo or sacrificing everything to defend what’s right and just. And, yes, there is quite a bit of toilet humor involved as well, just to keep things interesting.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Even when writing comedy, I listen to music that embodies the emotional feeling of the scene that I want to convey, so that while the jokes flow on the page, there is a constant sense of steady emotional progress for the characters within the novel.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by some books as silly as Stephen Colbert’s “I Am America (And So Can You!).” Fast-paced thriller writers like Michael Crichton and Dan Brown also influence my style of trying keep things simple and not waste words, keeping the story moving forward. For this particular book, the wild and tropical tales written by Jimmy Buffett were a big inspiration.
What are you working on now?
I am planning at some point to make this series a trilogy by writing the third and (maybe) final installment. I’d also like to write something with a title people aren’t embarrassed to speak out loud.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find using discount book promotion sites provides a decent return on investment. Ads have generated some success, but not with Facebook. I’m not shy to say I hate them and they suck. Getting customer reviews on Amazon is key and Pubby is a good way to do that. Social media like Twitter can contribute as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Publish something. Don’t get caught up in being perfect or you’ll never get anything out there. If you don’t get it out there, no one will read it. That being said, make sure anything you publish has a level of quality that is comparable to the books that sell best. Don’t be a hack.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing. (But if I fail in the end, that will end up being the worst advice I’ve ever heard.)
What are you reading now?
“The Audacity Of Hope” because, quite honestly, I’d like to have some hope right now.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Working on the next book, of course.
What is your favorite book of all time?
An impossible question. But I would say it’s a tie between The Bible by God and “Swine Not: A Novel Pig Tale” by Jimmy Buffett.
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