Post date: Oct 1, 2016 3:26:47 PM
Garry Ryan interview with David Alan Binder
Bio from his website: Garry Ryan was born, raised and lives in Calgary, Alberta. He received a B.Ed and a Diploma in Educational Psychology from the University of Calgary and taught for more than thirty years in Calgary public schools.
Since 2004 Garry Ryan has published ten novels. The second, The Lucky Elephant Restaurant, won a 2007 Lambda Literary Award (the novels have been short-listed three times since). In 2009, Ryan was awarded Calgary’s Freedom of Expression Award.
His upcoming novels still have Detective Lane based in Calgary while travelling to colourful locales like Cuba, Cancun, and San José Cabos San Lucas.
Website: http://www.garryryan.ca
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/397715.Garry_Ryan
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blackbirds-Garry-Ryan/dp/1927063213
1. Where are you currently living?
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
2. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
Keep writing. It sounds simplistic. The thing is, it’s one of the most difficult/significant things I’ve learned. Keep writing.
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
Use of compressed imagery to paint quirky characters, settings and scenes so as not to detract from the story.
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
It takes a team of people to create a book. The publisher, editor, book designer, publicist and writer are all critical elements of the process.
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they? NeWest Press Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
5. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
Not really.
6. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
Keep writing.
7. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent?
Any tips for new writers on getting one? I don’t have an agent.
8. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
Keep writing. There are many ups and downs as a writer. It’s very important to keep writing though all of it, to grow as a writer, to develop your technique and to keep improving. Find an editor who understands what you are doing and who will make the book better than you imagined.
9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
It’s very cool when the characters take over and the story goes in unexpected directions. And it’s a blast when the fictional world you’ve created replaces the real one.
10. How many books have you written?
Ten published. More written.
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)?
Walk the setting whenever you can. Use as many senses as possible and take pictures to remind you of significant details.
12. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
Look for ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary things. They provide ideas for twists, which help make the novel feel authentic.
13. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
A great cover design.
14. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
I hire a publicist who is very good at her job.
15. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
I would keep writing no matter what is happening. Many times I would allow events to interrupt the writing. I came to realize there is only one person who can stop me from writing.
16. What saying or mantra do you live by?
Bulls*** (*changed due to Google Sites terms) baffles brains.