I got into writing because I wanted to write, I didn’t want to pitch/wait/re-pitch/pray/wait and I figured I could do that by self-publishing.

M.H.J. Rice – 10 July 2014

The Back Flap

What is a person’s potential?

When struggling writer James Cicero learns of a secret school called The Academy Place, he embarks on an incredible journey to discover how and why this organization turns out the most talented people on Earth.

Amusing and thought provoking, Mental Dessert is a tale that will leave you wishing you could spend a single day at The Academy Place.

About the book

What is the book about?

The protagonist is James Cicero, a struggling writer who is desperate for a story idea to save his career.  Right when he needs it most he learns about a secret school called The Academy Place, the perfect story, and somehow finds himself invited to tell the tale.

The school is unlike anything he has ever experienced.  There he hears the daily musings of an incredible young man named Stephen, listens to world leaders, learns new games, meets fascinating students and works feverishly to finish his career saving article.

James’s sudden lifeline is threatened by bad luck at home, worse behavior from his daughter, and the worst boss this side of the written word.

When did you start writing the book? 

I started writing the book in the summer of 2011.

How long did it take you to write it? 

On a part-time basis the book took me 3 years to finish.   Because I save my progress in separate files each day, I know that I actually made progress on the book 325 days during those 3 years.

Where did you get the idea from?

Stephen has been floating around my head for many years – the plot and supporting characters came from trial and error.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The beginning was the hardest – I knew the situation I wanted James in but it took longer to figure out how we got there.

What came easily? 

The middle of the book came very easily for me, where Stephen is sharing his daily dreams and James is going through his personal journey.

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

I would say half the characters are fictitious and the other half are amalgamations of real world people I know.

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? 

I really enjoy the writing of Stephen King and how he gets readers emotionally involved in the story.

Do you have a target reader?

Certainly an adult target, but beyond that, simply someone that is curious about the potential in people.

About Writing

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

Wouldn’t say I have a “process”, but when writing early stages of a book I won’t stop to read/edit – need to make sure the thoughts flow freely and quickly.

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

I use a book map – where I lay out all chapters horizontally, and character development/main plot/ and sub-plots vertically to build a matrix of how they evolve throughout the book.

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

Generally only once finished, but at times I may edit a chapter if I am feeling especially stuck.

Did you hire a professional editor

Yes, I used a professional editor for a lengthy line edit, and then went back two more times for polish.

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

No music

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No

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

I got into writing because I wanted to write, I didn’t want to pitch/wait/re-pitch/pray/wait and I figured I could do that by self-publishing.

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

I hired someone to do a cover but was unhappy with it, so I eventually did it myself.

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

Yes. I am a brand manager for my day job so am very familiar with digital marketing and promotion.

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

Just start writing, don’t feel intimidated.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Syracuse, NY

Where do you live now?

Rochester, NY

What are you working on now? 

I have a middle grade series I am working on along with two other adult novels.

End of Interview:

For more, visit the book’s website, like it’s Facebook page, or follow the author on twitter.

Get your copy of Mental Dessert from Amazon US or Amazon UK.