Post date: Jun 9, 2016 1:06:09 PM
Joe Burke interview with David Alan Binder
Short bio from his website: Joe Burke is a member of the International Thriller Writers, an honorary society of authors, both fiction and nonfiction, who write books broadly classified as “thrillers.” This would include (but isn’t limited to) such subjects as murder mystery, detective, suspense, horror, supernatural, action, espionage, true crime, war, adventure, and myriad similar subject areas.
My web site: www.jjburke.org
1. Where are you currently living?
#1. I live in Kure Beach, NC
2. What are two important things that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?
#2. You need to have a thick skin and an open mind.
3. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
#3. The ability to become one with my story and clearly see both sides of the active situation presented.
4. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
#4. Unless you get lucky with self-publishing, the best road is a bona fide publisher.
5a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?
#5a. My publisher is Black Opal Books. They are located in Parkdale, OR 97041
6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
#6. None at this time. I still am a strong believer in conventional publishing, but I also understand that eBooks are making strong inroads. I still prefer the solidarity of printed pages.
7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
#7. Be willing to listen, be objective, be willing to make changes and be sure of the genre in which you are writing.
8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
#8. It boils down to the old “water-on-a-stone” method. If you aren’t a famous, or infamous, personality or have not had strong previous success with a published work, you just have to keep the queries flowing and attend any conferences that you can.
9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
#9. If you know a publisher author ask him or her about the path it took to get to published. Some book stores may be helpful as well as a number of books an on-line sites covering the road to getting published. Know your genre and the competition. If you’re rehashing an old situation you’ll get nowhere. Target only agents and/or publishers that specifically work with your genre.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
#10. That I have become willing to listen with an open mind to strong criticism, to learn from criticism and be willing to change, when necessary.
11. How many books have you written?
#11. I’ve written a total of four books. One is for children or early readers. Although complete, I have put it aside and not pursued it. The other two, after The Lethal Fisherman, are books two and three of The Lethal Fisherman trilogy.
12. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?
#12. This is not a trick. Good reading is the foundation for good writing. If you have a genre that you prefer to write in, read some of the works of solid authors who have published in that genre.
13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
#13. Consider what would be totally unexpected in a situation; yet totally believable in that situation.
14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?
#14. A unique but captivating form of presentation.
15. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
#15. As my novel is not yet out, I’m working on that. At this point it’s the web, Face Book, and personal contacts.
16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?
#16. I can’t think of anything, just now. I’ve had my “Trial-by-Fire”, and have come out of it wiser and, I believe, a better writer.
17. What saying or mantra do you live by?
#17. Don’t let rejection stop you. If you believe in yourself and what you seek to accomplish… go forward.
Just a note. Before you rush out and have an illustrator produce a cover for your work, be sure that you are approaching publishers that will, at least, consider your cover. Most do their own covers for an author’s work. If that’s the case you will have wasted time and money.
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Please contact me at dalanbinder at gmail dot com or ab3ring at juno dot com
If you a published author or in a band with or without a book or an up and coming celebrity and want to garner following or get your message out there then I’d like to interview you and feature you and your book(s) or message on this web site in one of my blogs.
Of course, I’m always looking for authors to interview. If you know of one, send them to me, please.
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