Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World had a significant impact on my creativity. I think the nihilism in his novel carried through into Bobbit Rock.
Joseph Landing JR – 25 November 2019
The Back Flap
Still reeling from the death of his beloved wife and unborn child, homicide detective Isaac Murphy must investigate a growing string of unsolved murders in the shadowy city of Callahan, South Carolina. When mass hysteria plagues the populace, Isaac begins to lose his sanity and questions whether the killer is a man or a monster. But a terrible secret plagues Isaac’s heart–when he was a child, he climbed the forbidden Bobbit Rock and unknowingly unleashed a curse. Now, he believes the deaths are his fault.
Has Isaac doomed everyone to the wrath of the Wretched Man?
About the book
What is the book about?
It is a psychological horror about a homicide detective searching for the culprit of a growing list of murders. As the bodies continue to pile up, he questions whether the killer/s is a man or a monster.
When did you start writing the book?
It was originally a screenplay, which I wrote over the summer of 2018.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took six months to adapt the script into a novel.
Where did you get the idea from?
It was heavily inspired by the works of Steven King, and the movie Pi by Darren Aronofsky.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The beginning was exceptionally difficult to write. Starting at square one can be such a challenge. Lack of motivation plagued me in the first weeks.
What came easily?
I love writing dialogue, so that was always a joy to write.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Entirely fictitious. Though I did throw in a few first or last names of 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?
Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World had a significant impact on my creativity. I think the nihilism in his novel carried through into Bobbit Rock.
Do you have a target reader?
Adults.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Be sure to jot down any good ideas you come up with randomly. Even if you don’t have anything relevant to add them to. You never know…
Almost all of my writing is done in the late night. I just can’t seem to concentrate during the day.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
A brief outline can be helpful. What’s most important is having a beginning and an end.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Editing as you write can save everyone a lot of trouble later on.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Yes.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Yes. This whole book was written to music.
Red Hot Chili Peppers. Cage the Elephant. Johnny Cash….
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No.
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 wanted to get the book out and wanted full control.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Professionally. I hired a good friend of mine who is an artist.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
A lot of social media pushing, Amazon ads, Facebook ads, reached out to newspapers and news stations and was thankful to get a few interviews.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Twitter has a great writing community. I recommend you check it out. They are very supportive.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Charleston, South Carolina.
Where do you live now?
Charleston, South Carolina
What would you like readers to know about you?
I love to write and to shoot film. I even have a few short films on Youtube under my name. Cooking is one of my favorite past times and turmeric just might be one of the best spices in the world behind salt and pepper. I’ve been an avid snowboarder since I was a little kid and am currently re-reading the Harry Potter series.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am promoting the book. After that, I’ll focus on commercial film work for a while. I’ve got a few ideas in my head about another novel after that.
End of Interview:
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