I knew in the 6th grade that I wanted to be a dentist and have always enjoyed telling funny stories. So, writing this book has allowed me to combine those two loves.
Jim P. Sandras, DDS – 10 January 2022
The Back Flap
Three rebellious dental students who meet the first day of school begin a series of unforgettable misadventures, creating havoc everywhere they go. The trio indulge in the carefree party culture of the Big Easy in the 1980’s and let the good times roll as they turn their classroom assignments into dangerously funny fiascos. Will they successfully finish the long four years of dental school? Or will they end up in a New Orleans prison? Either way, you will never look at your dentist the same.
About the book
What is the book about?
It’s a comedy about three guys who meet in dental school and become best friends.
When did you start writing the book?
1986-my senior year in dental school.
How long did it take you to write it?
One year
Where did you get the idea from?
Watching the movie Police Academy I thought I could write something funny like that about dental school.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The ending.
What came easily?
Writing the stories since I was living them.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Borrowed from my real friends.
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?
Dr. Hunter Thompson. I liked his style of storytelling. He could take a normal situation and turn it into a crazy experience.
Do you have a target reader?
Any adult who has been to a dentist.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I kept a daily journal of stories as they happened.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
No outline. I just started off with a theme for each chapter per year of dental school.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I waited until I had finished the book to begin editing it.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes, I hired an English professor at our local university.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No, I prefer to write in quiet.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, in 1988 I submitted it to an agent who said it needed to be condensed. So, I sat it aside as I got busy with my dental career and just recently decided to edit it for publication.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
It was a gradual process as I learned through the years about self-publishing a book and realizing how easy it could be.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I hired a graphic artist on Fiverr to do the book cover.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan that includes podcasts, social media, and magazine ads.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Go for it. Publishing your book is an extreme accomplishment and very rewarding.
About You
Where did you grow up?
New Orleans, LA
Where do you live now?
Tuscaloosa, AL
What would you like readers to know about you?
I knew in the 6th grade that I wanted to be a dentist and have always enjoyed telling funny stories. So, writing this book has allowed me to combine those two loves.
What are you working on now?
Final editing of Dental School Debacle-Part Two.
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of Dental School Debacle from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
