Indie publishers are a mixed blessing. Sure you can get published even if you are an unknown, even if you’ve never written so much as a word before, even if you don’t have an agent. But the other side of it is that you won’t get a sweet advance check from the publisher. And even though the publisher will, depending on the publisher, do some marketing for you, most of it is up to you. 

Jon Bradbury – 2 June 2013

The Back Flap

Simone White has a problem—her money is about to run out, and, oh yes, she doesn’t start her new job for an entire three weeks. But Simone also has a roommate named Jacque, who suggests that Simone use her beauty to get a rich boyfriend. Simone has to decide between her pride and her need for money.

Will Marcus is a freelance writer who just hit the jackpot thanks to the deal he made with a movie studio to adapt his book into a screen play. His agent persuades him to go out and celebrate. After all, a payday this huge doesn’t come along every day.

Featuring some of his best dialogue ever and his most explicit writing yet, this latest interracial romp from veteran writer Jon Bradbury will keep you turning the pages.

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s about a woman who, as the story starts out, she’s in a situation. Namely, almost all the money she has saved up is gone and she doesn’t start her new job for three whole weeks. That’s the initial situation.

When did you start writing the book?

About a year and a half ago.

How long did it take you to write it?

Oh gosh, almost a year.

Where did you get the idea from?

Well, the autumn equinox of 2011 really did fall on a Friday. So that was how I got the idea.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Oh yes. I got to a certain point in the book – where Simone is about to go the party – and got stuck. I kept trying to get past that point but nothing seemed to work. But eventually I got past it and finished it.

What came easily?

To write Simone as a conflicted person. Someone who wanted to make their way in the world with honor and not cut any corners.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Not from anyone I know personally. The characters were inspired from celebrities I’ve seen on TV but otherwise they are entirely fictitious.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Excellent question. Terry McMillan, especially her book Disappearing Acts, influenced me. As did Eric Jerome Dickey with his early books Friends and Lovers and Cheaters. Tom Clancy and Timothy Zahn also influenced me greatly.

Do you have a target reader?

All of my books so far have been written for the interracial niche market but this latest book, Sugar Daddy, was specifically marketed to the Chick Lit segment.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Yes, I have the same process I go through with every book I write. I start with a character, be it male or female, antagonist or protagonist, and put them in a situation. The character makes a decision to do something and the plot goes from there.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t really do an outline, to be honest. I do write notes, though. Usually rambling, stream of conscious kind of notes LOL, but I do write notes to keep myself on track.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I’m sorry to say that I edit as I go. It might take a little longer that way but I’ve tried waiting until after I’ve finished writing the manuscript and I can’t help myself.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No, I am fortunate that my publisher does that for me.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Oh yes, I listen to music all the time while I’m writing. Oddly enough dance remixes are what gets my mind going. If I’m having trouble focusing I’ll listen to a meditation bells recording as I’m writing. That helps me focus on what I’m writing.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Well, I live in a town far removed from Los Angeles or New York City, so sending my writing to an agent was prohibitve.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Well, when I first got published back in 2005, I had no idea of the e-book scene back then. I had originally tried sending my very first manuscript to what was called a vanity publisher, but they wanted a LOT of money. So one day I was looking around online and tripped across Extasy Books, my first publisher. I sent them a manuscript for a book called Colorblind, and the rest is history.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Oh the publisher hired a professional. I just give them a few guidelines as to how I might want the cover to look like.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

At first, I was just winging it because I had no idea how to do my own promotion. Now I have a better idea of what I’m doing. I’m a member of the big social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and I use those.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Indie publishers are a mixed blessing. Sure you can get published even if you are an unknown, even if you’ve never written so much as a word before, even if you don’t have an agent. But the other side of it is that you won’t get a sweet advance check from the publisher. And even though the publisher will, depending on the publisher, do some marketing for you, most of it is up to you. But the basics remain the same. You have to know how to write a good story. If the writing is solid, you will attract a fan base that will keep coming back.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Born in Oklahoma City, partially grew up there, then moved to Stockton, CA.

Where do you live now?

Reno, NV.

What would you like readers to know about you?

In college I studied journalism. So even if you feel that your background isn’t suitable for creative writing, you might be surprised.

What are you working on now?

I’ve taken a page from a TV show and I’m writing a story about a US Senator who hires a beautiful secretary.

End of Interview:

For more from Jon, visit his blog or follow him on twitter.

Get your copy of Sugar Daddy from Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.