IndieView with David Hammons, author of, The Bean Straw: Non-Flying Objects

“I edit all the time. I don’t think I actually create new cartoons. I just edit old ones to the point that they turn into new ones. :)”

David Hammons 16 March 2011

The Back Flap

About the Book

What is the book about?

“The Bean Straw” is a single-panel comic strip. It is reminiscent of Gary Larson’s “The Far Side.” The humor is surreal, quirky, and downright bizarre. I take the mundane and familiar, and turn it on its head. Each panel twists the everyday event into the outrageous. I am not an artist by any stretch of the imagination, but the humor will stretch your imagination beyond its comfort zone.

When did you start writing the book?

I just started drawing cartoons as I thought them up, beginning about 2005. It wasn’t until 2007 that I thought of actually putting them together in a printed book. I put the book in Kindle format in December, 2010.

How long did it take you to write it?

It is hard to say exactly how long. As I mentioned above, I did not initially set out to put the cartoons in a book.

Where did you get the idea from?

I started writing “The Bean Straw” in response to comments from family and co-workers about my unusual sense of humor. At first, I didn’t know how to channel this talent. Since I was a fan of Gary Larson’s “The Far Side,” I decided to try cartooning. I would describe my cartoons as light on the art and heavy on the humor.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The art is definitely the hardest part for me. Since I am not really an artist per se, I can redraw a portion of a cartoon many times before I like it. Sometimes, I never get it the way I would like it.

What came easily?

The intial idea and the text for the cartoon, whether it is a caption or dialog, come pretty easily.

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

A lot of my ideas come from real-life people, situations, or conversations. I just add a little twist to them to make them humorous.

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?

Among cartoonists there is Gary Larson (The Far Side), Scott Adams (Dilbert), Johnny Hart (BC, Wizard of ID), Brant Parker (Wizard of ID), and T.K. Ryan (Tumbleweeds). Honestly, I haven’t read very many humorous novels or shorts, but my favorite writers along those lines are Steve Martin (Cruel Shoes) and Patrick McManus (Column for Outdoor Life Magazine). I think the influence is obvious.

Do you have a target reader?

Anybody who loved “The Far Side” will have a deep appreciation for my book. Also, those who like the comedy of Steve Martin or Stephen Wright would really relate.

About Writing

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

Generally, an idea for a cartoon can come to my mind at any moment.  It may occur during conversations with friends or co-workers, walking around the mall, shopping at the grocery store, etc. The moment I have an idea, I will jot a note down on a post-it note, scrap of paper, or anything immediately available. When there hasn’t been anything to record the idea with, I have, on occasion, asked my family to remember a catch-phrase to help jog my memory when I get home. Once I’m in front of my computer, I enter the ideas into a spreadsheet.

Do you outline?

Once the ideas are in the spreadsheet, I describe the scene in the cartoon and possible captions and/or dialog. The idea may sit in the spreadsheet for months or years before actually being drawn.

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

I edit all the time. I don’t think I actually create new cartoons. I just edit old ones to the point that they turn into new ones. 🙂

Did you hire a professional editor?

I have a great editor. Fortunately for me, my editor is my wife. She majored in English and has worked for a newspaper. So, she is really good, but she sighs with grief every time I ask her to edit something – like when she reads this interview.

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

I sometimes do listen to music, but not very often. If I do, it has to be music without lyrics. I find lyrics distracting.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I submitted samples to some syndicators, but was turned down by all. I must admit that I was not very persistent. After the fourth or fifth rejection, I turned to self-publishing.

What made you decide to go Indie? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

As I mentioned above, I went indie after a few rejections.

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

I did the art myself. The cover for my book is just a colorized expansion of a cartoon found within the book.

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

A plan?? What’s that? I feel like I am just floundering around in this area. Given my limited knowledge of marketing, I can only tell you what I have done so far. I have been active on web sites like Kindle Boards, Twitter, and blogs like this one to get the word out. I also created a book trailer on Youtube. It seems to be working, as I am seeing my sales slowly increasing.

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

I still feel like a newbie myself, so I don’t feel qualified to answer this question. However, I can tell you what seemed to work for me. I have learned some things from other indie authors, and this applies to novels as well as cartoons:  First, have a good editor and have great cover art. Get involved with discussion sites with other indie authors. Those people have a lot of experience. Get a Twitter account and tweet about your book. Approach people like Simon Royle to do an interview and feature your book.

End of Interview

You can buy David’s book, and a few belly laughs, for yourself, here.

Just for the record I think David’s story pretty much exemplifies the beauty and spirit of indie publishing. David’s current ranking is #3 in Amazon Cartoons and Humor – how cool is that :).