Paul Harris interview with David Alan Binder About the book: Throughout the pages of Diary From The Dome, author Paul Harris takes the reader on a vicarious journey back to a controversial time when one would find it nearly impossible to believe in America's status as the world's foremost superpower. Harris pulls no punches in telling the real stories of those affected by one of the worst natural disasters in American history - even going so far as to call the mainstream media to task for its more often than not blatant misrepresentations of the events that he not only observed - but struggled to lived through. Raw, real, and refreshingly honest, Diary From The Dome is required reading for anyone wanting to learn the real story behind the natural and human tragedy that was Hurricane Katrina. His Website: http://diaryfromthedome.net 1. Where are you currently living?
Cathedral City, California
2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
That writing is even more therapeutic than I had imagined.
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk? That no matter how many times you may check over your own writing it really needs another set of eyes to catch your typos.
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?
Vantage Press, NY, NY.
5. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
If your topic is timely and you want to get your message out asap you may need to go the self-publishing route. If you’re patient and timeliness is not so important consider all your avenues of conventional publishing. When eBooks came around I was worried that the pictures and other aspects of the original book might not translate well but it turned out perfectly. The option of print and eBooks is tremendous and one should take advantage of both.
6. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
Patience and a definite willingness to do much of your own marketing. A great editor, and being open to submitting your manuscript to many different publishers.
7. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
8. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)? Only write when you are truly inspired. For some it might be drinking a few glasses of wine, or sitting out in the countryside. Find out where your creativity and clarity functions best. Make it clear to others that you cannot be disturbed. Turn off all electronic devices other than what you may be using to compose with. Don’t be disappointed if you aren’t a best seller. Remember you probably wrote because this was your artistic passion rather than becoming a millionaire. Be prepared for all types of online comments you may receive both favorable and ugly.
9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating? That there are applications or websites or persons who can assist with EVERY aspect of your book publishing, editing, illustrating, marketing, etc. And contests can be helpful for getting even more exposure. 10. How many books have you written? One.
11. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?
Go back to basics by reading Strunk & White’s Elements of Style. Don’t be rushed in your writing. It may take you 3 weeks or 3 years to write your story. We are all different. Find what works for you and ask your friends and strangers to honestly critique your writing. Keep multiple, copyright protected copies of your manuscript in case of loss or to prevent any thievery.
12. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story? Mainly, they need to be believable and consistent. Rarely does a character radically change their personality. 13. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
It was the first non-fiction book written about what it was truly like within the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina. This was an important historical event in U.S. history and imperative that the facts be told as there was so much media misinformation and hysteria pervading society.
14. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
Book fairs, Facebook page and boosted (promoted posts) on FB. Speaking engagements. Email blasts to possibly interested recipients. Newspaper and radio interviews. Leaving a copy of my book in the back window of my car for walk by exposure. Submitting to Amer. Library Assoc. groups. Printed up t-shirts with the book cover on the shirt. Make use of free Press Release companies.
15. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
Hire an excellent editor with a specific timeline for him/her to finish.
16. What saying or mantra do you live by?
Never let fear control your life.
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