Post date: Mar 20, 2016 3:31:41 PM
Dennis Fortier interview with David Alan Binder
President and CEO of Medical Care Corporation
https://www.caring.com/experts/dennis-fortier
Blog: http://www.braintoday.com/
1. How do you pronounce your name?
Fortier (for-tear)
2. Where do you live?
Rhode Island
3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
That having a life-time of experience (I’m 57) is a deep well to draw from. You don’t need a literary background to write but you do need a good imagination. Good story telling doesn’t come out of a book.
4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
I guess the fact that as a man I chose to write a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. You can count on one hand the number of men that have written Austenesque books.
5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
Create-space has made it easier to be independently published. However it is still a very involved and expensive process. Don’t skimp on your cover. An attractive cover sells the book.
6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
eBooks are a necessary part of publishing in the modern era. I understand that books on tape (CD) are the growth area of the market.
7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
You need a good editor, even if you have a background in literature.
8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
I didn’t use one
9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
Look for opportunities to write. I started by doing the newsletter for my club. Many clubs have newsletters and are always in need of people to write or contribute to them.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
How many times you can read your manuscript and have it proof-read and still find errors.
11. How many books have you written?
One
12. you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?
Write what you know. You’ll be surprised how much of yourself will come out in your work.
13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
Good question. I believe you need good characters built up layer by layer using care to not let the cat out of the bag. Interaction between characters well governed can offer opportunities for twists to your story.
14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
Still trying to figure that one out myself.
15. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
Word of mouth with my customers at work, neighborhood website, radio interviews, family and friends, Book clubs, website.
16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
I would have bought fewer copies of the book.
17. What would you like carved onto your tombstone? Or what saying or mantra do you live by?
Don’t write anything you wouldn’t want your family to read.
His Additional Comment:
Getting editorial reviews is very important. If there is a magazine that caters to your writing area try and get them to review your book.
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