IndieView with C. J. West, author of Dinner at Deadman’s

There is one other character in the book that is strictly based on his real world personality and that is me. My brother needed a sidekick and who better to play that role than his real life author brother? I had fun with my character and made myself omniscient. 

C. J. West – 10 December 2012

The Back Flap

Lorado Martin has loved junk since his grandparents took him bottle digging in the backwoods of New England when he was a boy. The search for antiques and collectibles led him to a unique hobby: digging through the estates of the newly deceased, arranging the sale of goods for the heirs, and keeping the leftovers for himself.

To make a living he builds and maintains housing for recovering addicts and along the way he’s employed a number of his clients. The men wrestle with the siren call of drugs and teach Lorado about the difficult struggle to stay clean one day at a time.

When these two worlds come together, Lorado learns that not every elderly person dies of natural causes and that some estates are sold to benefit a killer. His latest project hits close to home. A woman he’s known since childhood haunts him from a fresh grave. Her grandson, an affable addict who has fallen off the wagon, stands to inherit a considerable sum whether he deserves it or not.

About the book

What is the book about?

When did you start writing the book?

I began working on the book in May and published it in October, so this was one of my fastest projects from start to finish.

Where did you get the idea from?

I have a tendency to write unlikeable protagonists. This time out I wanted to find a hero that people could really root for. I ended up basing the book on the life of my brother who works in two very interesting worlds: estate sales and narcotics rehab. He is a very funny guy and his influence made this book lighter than anything I’ve written.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Some of the research for this book was very difficult. I spoke with recovered addicts, families, and others in the rehabilitation community. The reality of drug abuse and the lengths addicts will go to feed their addiction are very hard to hear. When writing the book, I used realistic scenarios for the addicted characters. Knowing those scenes were based on reality made me feel physically sick many days while writing.

What came easily?

Capturing the main character was the easiest part of this novel. When I finished, my mom said that it seemed like my brother had written the book. I feel like I really captured his character even if my  mom is a bit biased.

Have you borrowed any other characters from real world people you know?

There is one other character in the book that is strictly based on his real world personality and that is me. My brother needed a sidekick and who better to play that role than his real life author brother? I had fun with my character and made myself omniscient. Other characters are informed by real events, but not based on real people. Jim Stevens, the CEO of GiftsToGive, is mentioned for the great work he does for needy families in Massachusetts.

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?

Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child were my favorite authors when I began writing. They heavily influenced the structure of my stories without me realizing it was happening. Most of my reading these days is indie writers and I enjoy stories that aren’t constrained by genre rules.

Do you have a target reader?

Anyone who’ll give me $2.99. Seriously, my ideal reader is someone who is not tied to a particular genre, but enjoys being surprised and entertained. I try to keep my books entertaining but usually there is a deeper meaning for those interested in exploring the human condition.

About Writing

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

My writing process has evolved over the last several years. I began my early books with detailed outlines, character biographies, and lots of research. In my last book I knew the beginning and end when I began. I had a basic idea where I was going, but I let the story flow on its way through the middle of the book. Now I plan key turning points and fill in the rest as I go.

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

My first drafts are getting cleaner and cleaner as I’m now on my eighth book. I don’t stop to edit during my first draft unless I’ve gone back to read for some other reason. When my first draft is complete, I make my edits in two or three additional drafts.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes. When a writer publishes a book that hasn’t been edited it is almost always obvious. It is annoying to readers and I would recommend that any serious writer hire an editor. Even a trained proofreader will make the manuscript much more enjoyable for the audience.

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

I never listen to music when I’m working. Any lyrics are a distraction, so I’m best in a quiet room. Often I will go for a walk or a run when I’m working to plot a new chapter. That works well for me.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Long ago I submitted to agents, but I quickly tired of the process. I never gave it the time necessary to land an agent. When I first began writing it was for the love of creating stories. It wasn’t a professional pursuit until I started finding success.

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

I think I was made to be an indie. I like doing things myself. I like the control of the editorial process and marketing program. I also want things to move quickly and as an indie they do.

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

I have had a number of cover designers. This latest cover is by far the best I’ve released. I took the photograph myself and the design work was done by Sandpiper Artisans.

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

I don’t have a formal marketing plan, but I am making an effort to connect with bloggers for this release. I’ll be on blog tour beginning December 14th and I’ll be reaching out to bloggers and reviewers for the next few months to promote the release.

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

Learn to sell. I’m a terrible marketer and making a living at this really comes down to marketing. It’s very important to create a professional product, but a professional product isn’t enough. You need to learn to sell the product to be successful in the long run.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a tiny town in Massachusetts. Looking out our back windows, we saw a wide cow pasture stretching out for nearly a mile. To this day I’m happiest in wide open places.

Where do you live now?

I live near Cape Cod in a small town not far from where I grew up. We can smell the ocean in the morning and it is a great place to get out and enjoy when the weather cooperates.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m a regular guy and I’m glad when readers reach out to talk about my books. I’m easy to find on Facebook.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the sequel to The End of Marking Time and I think the ending of this one will be as shocking as the original.

End of Interview:

Visit West’s blog or website. Like his facebook page.

You can get your copy of Dinner at Deadman’s at Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook).