While the characters are fictitious, some of their traits may be based on people I know.
Chris Arneson – 4 December 2017
The Back Flap
How have certain, significant moments in your life heightened or quelled your fears? Why do we fear a certain collection of things while another individual holds different fears? Are these fears based on our experiences and surroundings or are they innate, born into us, things that are beyond our control?
Some things occur that are beyond our control, such as meeting certain people that will change our lives forever. You never know when that moment is coming or who that person will be, however, so it is critical to always carry an open heart. By walking around with an open heart, you are indicating to the world that you are ready to make the next step to reach your full potential.
Anyway, the morning after my whole family slept in my father’s Dodge pickup truck, we were out eating breakfast by the campfire. My dad was shrewd enough to bring some kindling wood and a box of matches so we were able to have at least half of a normal camping experience. We were all eating bacon and eggs around the campfire, sitting in our comfy chairs, one happy family. It was a tremendous breakfast, one of the best ones I had in my whole life. Afterwards, my father pulled me to the side to have a private, father to son type of chat. We walked about five minutes from the campsite to a breathtaking clearing in the trees, where the Atlantic Ocean was somehow, impossibly visible far off in the distance. I could hear seagulls calling out to the heavens.
About the book
What is the book about?
This book is about the trials and tribulations of a family who relocates to a small New England town.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing the book in the beginning of November, 2016.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me about two weeks to write it.
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea for this book stemmed from a combination of personal experience and media consumption.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The hardest part to write was the end.
What came easily?
The beginning was the easiest.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
While the characters are fictitious, some of their traits may be based on 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?
Bill Bryson, Chuck Klosterman, John Grisham, Malcolm Gladwell, Bill Simmons, Mark Titus. They have inspired me to be creative and forward thinking in my writing.
Do you have a target reader?
My target reader is anyone who buys my book.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Finding a quiet place where I can gather my thoughts, typically the library.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I did a very general outline for this book.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I wrote all of it then edited the whole thing.
Did you hire a professional editor
I edited it myself.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes.
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 could not find a literary agent or publisher so I had to self-publish. It was a gradual process, contacting agents and publishers over months.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I paid for a stock image.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’m trying to promote it via social media, word of mouth and interviews like this.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
You have to find time to just sit down and do the writing; treat it like any other job. Also, don’t get discouraged by rejection.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Bothell, Washington
Where do you live now?
Pullman, Washington
What would you like readers to know about you?
I love to travel and spend time with people.
What are you working on now?
I wrote a motivational, self-help book that will be coming out soon.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Sponge Cake from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
What a wonderful interview. I wish you good luck. As a published author, would you help me review my novella? Help, please.
Interesting read and I like the interview style 🙂 I almost spat out my coffee when you said it took you two weeks to write! Am I the only one that would be happy if I finished a book in two years? Oh well, back to the writing desk I go.