IndieView with Paul Flanagan, author of Carving Up Riley

All of my books are PG rated and aimed at anyone who enjoys a good, clean, laugh and a fun adventure. 

Paul Flanagan – 25 May 2023

The Back Flap

Meet Riley MacLeod…loving husband…caring father…faithful friend…successful writer…and the world’s biggest idiot. Of course, in Riley’s insane mind he sees himself as the world’s biggest…well…hero. However, when Riley’s wife insists they take a romantic drive from Vermont to Minnesota to spend Thanksgiving with her family who is far from normal themselves, the man who is hated by his neighbors and loathed by an angry tom cat, sets out to prove that he isn’t an idiot…under duress, of course.

The trip begins with Riley getting tied up by his best friend, his clothes stolen by a group of mischievous teenagers, and a tow truck driver with a happy gun finger. Determined to keep pushing forward, under duress of course, Riley continues down the road desperately trying to leave the state of Vermont only to encounter a killer truck driver, a girl with strange colored hair, and a pair of old people who turn out to be drug dealers. Yet, through it all, Riley somehow turns out to be a hero…well, kinda.

Will Riley MacLeod and his wife make it to the Thanksgiving table in one piece or will they end up in a mental hospital locked away in little padded rooms?

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is a clean comedy that is about a silly husband named Riley MacLeod. Riley lives in Vermont and writes movies for a living. He and his wife attempt to drive from Vermont to Minnesota for Thanksgiving. Riley not only gets into trouble with his wife, but through the entire trip he gets into one hilarious predicament after another. In the end Riley and his wife don’t even leave the state of Vermont. They fly to Minnesota, but Riley’s trouble doesn’t end there. He ends up in the hospital after his crazy sister-in-law falls on him.

When did you start writing the book?

I enjoy clean humor and I wanted to write a book series that was funny, clean, and created for the family. Riley is a hilarious character that my wife and daughter both love. They are my number one fans. I enjoy making my family laugh and wanted to write a series that could make others laugh.

How long did it take you to write it?

The series has three books total. Each book is 40K words. Each book takes me about two weeks to write.

Where did you get the idea from?

My crazy imagination. Imagination is the greatest gift.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Writing about Riley and his crazy adventures came as natural as breathing. I didn’t encounter any parts of the story that I struggled with.

What came easily?

Writing about Riley’s insane mind, how he thinks, and why he gets into trouble.

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

All of my characters are all fictitious.

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?

Believe it or not I mostly read non-fiction books. Robert Fulghum and Lewis Grizzard are two top authors I enjoy. When I do read fiction I like Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet In Heaven.

Do you have a target reader?

All of my books are PG rated and aimed at anyone who enjoys a good, clean, laugh and a fun adventure.

About Writing

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

When I begin writing I never start with a direct plot. I start with an idea and let the words flow. I guess you’d say I’m a Panster. That’s okay. Some people set strict plots. I like to fly with the wind.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

No. I don’t outline.

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

I wait and edit at the end.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No. I try my best to edit my own work. Editor’s cost money and as a new author money is tight.

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

I don’t listen to music as I write. I work with the sound of my desk fan running. The white noise creates the perfect atmosphere for me.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did at first, but then I decided to self-publish. I’m not writing to become famous or rich. I’m writing for the joy of writing. If people can enjoy my clean comedy series and laugh then I’m satisfied. Agents can be picky and difficult at times. I don’t need anyone telling me my work isn’t good enough.

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 decided to publish my own work because as a writer I write for the sake of writing, not for fame or fortune. I like telling stories, making people laugh and enjoy knowing that I didn’t have to push my work through the teeth of a difficult publisher who more or less might have changed my work into something I would not have approved of. More than anything my wife and daughter love my clean comedy series and I write for them.

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

I hired an illustrator in Ukraine to do my book cover. She was extremely talented and worked within my budget. I was very blessed.

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

My wife is trying to market my book for me. I’m not skilled in that area.

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

When you a book, write for the sake of writing. If you write for fame or money then you may fail.  A writer writes because that is his or her passion. An artist, poet, singer, explorer…everyone has a passion. If you write a book expecting to get rich then you will fail. The book you write must be from your heart. Whether the book sells a million copies or one copy, what matters is that the book is a part of who you are.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Georgia.

Where do you live now?

Georgia.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I love JESUS more than anything and it’s my faith in JESUS that makes me who I am as a writer.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Carving Up Riley from Amazon US or Amazon UK.