As I am now retired, I have plenty of time to write. However, I try and fit it in when my wife is busy doing what she likes doing, and in between our going out for a walk.

Colin Guest – 13 November 2019

The Back Flap

When Melissa married Ian, she expected the same sexual relationship as they had before getting married. However, he changes and has no interest in sex or Melissa. After Ian dies in a traffic accident, Melissa meets Steve. They enjoy making love with Melissa happy when they marry. Unfortunately, Steve has a dark secret and later dies while trying to strangle her. With two failed marriages, Melissa has had enough of men. She gets a dog and once again is happy and content with her life.

About the book

What is the book about?

A woman who wanted love & affection, has two failed marriages, with her last husband dying while trying to kill her. Given this, she has enough of men and after getting a dog, is happy and content with her life.

When did you start writing the book?

In March 2019

How long did it take you to write it?

Including the time I spent self-editing, around 2.5 months.

Where did you get the idea from?

Like most of my ideas, it just came to me one day.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

No, I don’t suffer from writers’ block. I do, however, check out various sections I mention in my books online.

What came easily?

As one who has travelled around the world, lived in over ten countries and reads quite a bit, I find it easy to write about a variety of subjects.

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

Yes, all the characters I use in my books are 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?

I love Lee Child and try and get a sense of his style of writing in my books.

Do you have a target reader?

I think readers of this book and my novel A Dangerous Love Affair would be between 30-65

About Writing

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

As I am now retired, I have plenty of time to write. However, I try and fit it in when my wife is busy doing what she likes doing, and in between our going out for a walk.

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

No, I never outline, or at least not so far. I just think of something that I feel will appeal to readers and start to write.

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

Although I try not to, I use Grammarly, so when it shows up a spelling mistake, I rectify it. Apart from that, I usually wait until I had finished before I self-edit.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I usually have a professional editor check my work before sending it to a publisher/agent.

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

No, never. I like peace and quiet so I can concentrate on my writing.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I have done in the past but without success. However, I was pleased when I received back some helpful feedback from a couple of agents.

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 had my first book, a memoir, published via a publishing company, with my paying for the privilege. Unfortunately as it turned out, I used Authors Solutions. As this did not turn out as I had expected, I then used to self-publish via Draft2Digital, who I found most helpful. To my surprise, earlier this year, Endeavour Media contacted me offering a contract. After I accepted, they have since produced new covers and re-published all but one of my previously published books under the name of TigermanPress. I love tigers with Tigerman a name I use on various of my social media accounts. On the same day, I received an offer from Liquid Gold to publish a manuscript I had sent them, which I was delighted to accept. They then published Fatal Love in both print and digital format. They are going to publish my novel a Dangerous Love Affair in print, which at present it is doing well in an audiobook format. As  Endeavour Media does not publish erotica, this works out very well.

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

The cover for my book was one suggested by Liquid Gold. In the past, I used a gig from Fivver.com to have my book covers produced.

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

I have no set marketing plan. I pay for book promotion companies to promote my books every so often.

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

Before you self-publish or try and obtain an agent/publisher, first have your work professionally edited. A good editor is worth their weight in gold and can make a big difference in the quality of your work. As costs for this vary widely, I suggest you check out Fivver.com. I have been pleased with the results I have obtained from doing so. Also, join a few online organisations via Facebook, and take note of what other more established authors are saying. Also, when self-editing, after checking it out on the screen, I then print off a hard copy. I find this is a great help, and usually, find bits and pieces I had missed.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up mainly in Plymouth, England, Devon, and in the London area.

Where do you live now?

After obtaining a work contract in Turkey back in 1988, I have lived here ever since.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am 78 years old, married, and living in Istanbul, Turkey

End of Interview:

For more from Colin, visit his website and his blog, follow him on Twitter, and like his Facebook page.

Get your copy of Fatal Love from Amazon US or Amazon UK.