Featured Author: Ray Wenck
I very excited to bring back this feature, highlighting Authors I think you should learn some more about. This week’s (second) inagural author is Ray Wenck.
About Ray WenckRay Wenck taught elementary school for 35 years. He was also the chef/owner of DeSimone’s Italian restaurant for more than 25 years. After retiring he became a lead cook for Hollywood casinos and the kitchen manager for the Toledo Mud Hens.
Ray is the author of nine novels including the highly acclaimed, Amazon Top 20 post-apocalyptic series, Random Survival, the paranormal thriller, Ghost of a Chance and the mystery/suspense Danny Roth series. A list of his other novels can be viewed at raywenck.com.
His hobbies include reading, hiking, cooking, baseball and playing the harmonica.
Ray lives in the Toledo area where most of his stories are based.
Ray’s Links: Website | Facebook
The Interview
Tell us about your latest release?
The latest release in my post-apocalyptic series, Random Survival 3: The Endless Struggle continues following the adventures of Mark and his two children Bobby and Becca as they try to rebuild civilization and survive in a new and dangerous world.
This volume introduces three new survivors, Mel, Tara and Caryn as they fight to evade capture by a warrior clan. It’s non-stop action.
Are you a plotter or pantser?
I am most definitely a pantser. I love seeing the story unfold before my eyes just as if I were the reader instead of the writer. Sometimes I have no idea where a story will go. It makes the writing process fun.
What was the most difficult part of the publishing process for you?
Understanding the process and the fact that I really wasn’t ready. It took a year the help of some awesome fellow writers to educate me enough to become a better writer.
How about the most fun?
The creation of the idea. The running with it and watching it grow. That first rough draft before I know the entire story is the best time for me. The second a third times through are work.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Wow! I’m not sure. I used to create stories in my head all the time, but never had the desire to sit down and write any of them. When I finally decided to sit and write it was so much fun I couldn’t stop. I fell into a routine and became obsessed. I finished four big novels before I ever stopped for a break.
Do you have any writing rituals?
I write almost every morning for 3 or 4 hours. I like writing away from home, usually the library or Panera. I can’t write at home. There are too many distractions. The dog wants attention, Facebook tries to entice me to look at my timeline, the refrigerator calls to me. Yet, in public, I can block out everything. Nothing bothers me.
Who is your go-to author, the one you know you can always count on to deliver a great story?
I wish I could say I only have one. Baldacci, Sandford, Coben, Coontz, Crais and several others.
What projects are you working on at the present?
I just finished editing a new paranormal thriller, Three’s A Crowd, I hope to have out soon. Live To Die Again should be out within a week. Rebel e Publishers is working on The Bottom of the Ninth, book four in the Danny Roth suspense series and I’m currently writing book 4 in The Random Survival series. Lots going on.
What do your plans for future projects include?
I’m looking into doing an audio book of Random Survival and a graphic novel of the soon the be released Zombie thriller, Tower of the Dead. I’m also doing a lot of traveling doing shows, book signings, and promotions. It’s been a busy year.
The Endless Struggle: Random Survival 3
With the mysterious event that wiped out the majority of mankind now five months past and winter fast approaching, Bobby, Becca and Myron hunt for game. Although life is not easy, it has at least settled into a somewhat normal routine. That is until they discover a band of hunters stalking human prey.
For Mel, Caryn and Tara, the end of the world has been a constant struggle to survive. The new world has become chaotic and dangerous. Those with the power make the rules. Life has little value except in the depths of depravity in the minds of those who own you. Now, pursued by armed men, the three women are forced to flee or be sold into slavery.
Bobby, Becca, and Myron rescue the women but are then hunted themselves. With time running out and the hunters closing in around them, the small band must find a place to make a stand, as much for themselves and humankind, as for humanity itself.
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