Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Thomas Whaley. I am married with two young boys and live on Long Island. I have been an elementary school teacher since 1999 and recently won the NYS Teacher of the Year Award. I have written seven children’s books that I am in the process of publishing, but my first novel, Leaving Montana, just debuted in August.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Leaving Montana, my first novel of literary fiction, was inspired by true family saga. My life parallels with the main character, Benjamin Quinn, and although some of the story line has been changed to protect the “innocent”, most of the story actually happened.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do…some of which I can share, others I will leave to the imagination. When I write or know I will be writing for some time, I need to have a bowl of those crunchy, hard, mega-pretzels next to me. Ya know, the BEER ones. They help me concentrate and keep me focused.
Oh, and I need to be in my underwear. ONLY underwear. Odd I know – but hey, could be worse.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love David Sedaris. Everything about him as an writer makes me excited! His pure, almost blusing, honesty – his ability to paint a scene in your mind – and the way he can make you FEEL his anxiety, sarcasm and elation on any given page. He has most definitely influenced me when writing Leaving Montana. My main character, Ben Quinn, is very much like him.
As for my children’s books – I would say Eric Carle, Robert Munsch and Mo Willems. Their simplicity is what makes children happy.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my second novel, a psychological thriller, which has yet to be titled.
I am also working on another children’s book – called Winnie & Pinnie; which is about a little girl and a bowling pin that fear being the center of attention.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite ways to self-promotion are through Twitter and the various Facebook Groups I have joined. It takes time to establish the right relationships, however, once you do – you make quality connections and people respond. Here is a blog article I wrote about the process of making those connections and choosing your methods of self-promoting wisely: http://sakura-publishing.com/sakurawordpress/?p=524
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know! Write what you feel! It does not need to be rational, outlined or beginning to end. Eventually it morphs into something wonderful, so when it begins to frustrate you – step away and come back to it later. Too many writers I have encountered feel pressured to “get it done” – and this, in my opinion, can leave you with a loosely written, editor’s nightmare. Some stories come quick, so take months or even years – so just go with the flow that your mind will offer up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That it’s OK to abandon what you are writing and start from scratch. This can be very difficult. When you sit down and finally start that next “Big Thing” – the story idea you have been weaving in your mind for months – and then it just becomes too painful to write because everything about it sucks – THAT SUCKS. However, the best thing you can do is toss it. Start over. Trying to make something work that just can’t is the worst thing you can do.
What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Holidays on Ice, by David Sedaris. It sounds so warm and fuzzy, right? Especially since the holidays are upon us. Well, it isn’t.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My main focus is my second novel, a psychological thriller. It is coming along quite nicely and I am glad to say I will NOT have to abandon it! While I work on this – I will be quite busy meeting with various book clubs who have purchased Leaving Montana and I am also preparing for my first big book event at Book Revue on Long Island.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Naked. By who? David Sedaris – of course! Maybe this is the reason why I like to write in my underwear! LOL
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