Dialogue is also easy for me, since snark is one of my languages.
Aaron C. Cross – 4 April 2018
The Back Flap
The year is…some year. Let’s say the present. Yellow cake uranium sits, waiting to be sold, in a foreign country. The leader hides himself away, fearing assassination – as he should, because that’s how the country works. It’s kind of a stupid country. And well he should worry, for skulking his way around Europe is an ambitious Baron just looking for the right opportunity to seize the throne and all the powers and chances that come with it. If only his pets would stop exploding… Across the ocean, Adam Bitchenstein attempts to win over Miss Girl from Ipanema for the nth time. However, a phone call from out of the blue will change everything in their lives forever. It’s always a phone call, right? Join Adam, Miss Girl from Ipanema, and a cast of idiots and perverts as they seek to stop the balance of world power from changing before it’s too late. Also, there’s a Robocopter. Not sure if you picked that up but…it’s kind of important.
About the book
What is the book about?
Essentially, it’s a send-up of the cliché ‘one last job’ action movie trope, but it’s more than that. Honestly, it’s a bit difficult to describe, but the plot revolves around a dictator coming into power (in a stupid way) and the group of heroes looking to stop him. There’s also some reality/time travel and a sentient helicopter.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing the book proper back in, I think, 2010, though it was in stages before that.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me three years, give or take a few months.
Where did you get the idea from?
The idea came from some friends when we were doing a play festival in Atlanta in 2009. We were sitting around and tossing around ideas and it got scribbled down on a sheet of computer paper. I still have that sheet, actually.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
As with any book, there are difficulties. I can’t think of a specific point at which the book was tricky, but I know there were some parts that just didn’t click right away.
What came easily?
What was the easiest for me was that I gave myself permission to do whatever I wanted. If I wanted to write something, I put it in there. I actually have a note that demands that I justify why something CAN’T work. If I can’t, it went in. Dialogue is also easy for me, since snark is one of my languages.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters are mostly fictional, but I took bits and pieces of personalities from some of my friends at the time. Ace, in particular, is borrowed from a friend of mine that would get into scrapes while drinking. It seemed fitting.
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?
For influences, Terry Pratchett for sure. His whole giant universe and sense of humor speak to the heart of my writing. Writers like Mel Brooks, Matt Stone, Trey Parker, and the crew behind Archer also have an impact and I think that shows in the writing.
Do you have a target reader?
My target reader is anyone who wants to laugh. My goal in writing is just to create something to entertain others and that helps relieve stress and anger over the world at large.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
It’s not particularly pretty or specific. I try to write every single day and, sometimes, that just doesn’t happen. Life and all that gets in the way. Still, my process is just to work on it when I can.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
It depends, but I really don’t outline. My writing is mainly organic, in that it comes as it comes. I do try to have some plot points scribbled down in advance, just to keep me on track, but the story and characters go where they want and I’ve found that’s the best way to really make the books interesting. I don’t even name the chapters until I’ve finished writing them.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I usually wait until the end to do a full-scale edit. However, when there are days that writing isn’t coming easily, I often go back and do some editing then to get myself refreshed on the story and see where I can go from there.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I don’t, mainly because I can’t afford it right now. Maybe if things take off a bit.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Absolutely. Music really helps me writing. As for what, it varies. Some nights, it’s heavy metal. Others, it’s Latin jazz, Others, it’s an 80s playlist. I don’t really know until it happens, but it works well.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I haven’t as of yet. I’ve thought about it and explored it a bit, but ultimately I haven’t felt comfortable doing that yet.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Going indie was just out of necessity. I was turned down from several MFA writing programs, which was disheartening, and decided to just write something and get it out there. A friend of mine, Ashley Wrigley, had self-published and was invaluable in helping me do so.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Well, for Robocopter, I took a whole five minutes to make sure that book cover looked as professional as it does. The others I actually used some default covers from my publishing website.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I just rely on word-of-mouth and having others read it and talk about it. I don’t have the budget or time to go full-scale marketing right now, but I’d imagine that would change if circumstances were different.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Just do it. Write. Publish. Even if it doesn’t get traction, holding YOUR book in your hands is an incredible experience.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I honestly would say I grew up all over. I’ve lived in the Dakotas, Atlanta, Nashville, and in Oklahoma, so I’ve lived all over the United States.
Where do you live now?
Currently, I’m up in Fargo, North Dakota. No, we don’t use woodchippers for people.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m a doctoral student that will hopefully have my degree within a couple years. Dr. Cross just sounds awesome, right? I can always be reached at www.aaronccross.com or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RobocopterSkiPatrol/ or even Twitter as @daneatscatfood. I’m happy to talk to anyone about my books or about writing, so don’t be shy!
End of Interview:
Get your copy of Robocopter Ski Patrol from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
