Don Franklin – Interview
I recently had the privilege sit down and chat with Don Franklin for an interview. Don is a horror author with a unique voice and style of storytelling. He has learned to manipulate the psyche of his readers in a masterful way. Don’s first novel, The Reaper’s Walk: Hellstone is planned to be released in October, 2012, be sure to check it out.
From this point on, anything in italics is my response.
Q. When did you start writing?
A: I started in 2006. before that time my only writing as in high school.
Q. What inspired you to do it?
A: For years I told stories and people always said that I should write a book, so one day i decided to do it! Sounds like me.
Q. Do you find that it is hard to get people excited about what you do?
A: No it doesn’t seem to be. I write horror, and in that genre there are not a lot of lukewarm people, either people like it or they don’t. I’ve heard nothing but good things about my writing so far,(knock on wood). OWE! Could we please leave my head out of this vendetta against wood?
Q. What projects have you done?
A: Well my first and only novel is called “The Reaper’s walk :Hellstone” . It is the first book in a planned 5 book series.
Q. Any new projects coming up?
A: My next project is book 2 in the Reaper’s Walk series. It is titled “Bloodstone”. I’m hoping to have that one finished by the end of the year so it could possibly be out fall of next year.
Q. Do you find it hard to share your work with others?
A: No,not at all. I enjoy writing, but what i love most is seeing others get pleasure from my writing.
Q. What is your opinion on people who post bad reviews?
A: I think reviews good or bad are to be used by the writer as tools. Realistically speaking, I don’t think that any author will ever write something that everyone will like. There will always be critics that do not like your work. I look at their opinions as a means to tune my writing so it can be closer to the mainstream of what people want. I agree, this is a tough business and without a thick skin you can’t hope to be a success.
Q. Are you an independent artist or are you represented by an agency?
A: Up until a few weeks ago I was independent. Then my book was taken on by Greyhart Press. So they represent my writing at present.
Q. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
A: Believe in what you are writing. Look at your work as if you were in a bookstore skimming a potential buy. If it looks like something that you would like to read, then your potential readers would probably like it too.
Q. Any favorite bands? Do you use music to inspire you as you create your art?
A: My favorite female artist is Sade (pronounced shar-day). Her music is very laid back and relaxing. That makes it easy to concentrate on my thoughts.
My favorite male artist is James Taylor. Its JT, nuff said. Good choices, IMHO, JT is especially cool.
Q. Anything exciting coming up in the near future?
A: Well since I’m new to this, its all exciting to me! The cover art for my book should be finished in a few weeks and I’m excited about that. The publisher is shooting for an October release so that’s first and foremost on the excitement scale. The thrill of victory!
Q. What is your opinion on Indie publishers versus Self publishing?
A: I think both are viable options but self publishing was not the way to go for me for several reasons. First because of the cost involved. I have a family and we live on a tight budget. Secondly, I knew I didn’t have a finished manuscript as far as editing goes. I knew i did not have the skills to edit it myself , nor the money to hire someone to do it for me. I was lucky I found Greyhart. They are willing to do that for me because they believed in the strength of the story I wrote.
Q. Any shout outs to people who have helped you along the way?
A: Oh man! There are too many to count! My family and friends for their encouragement. But most of all,my friend Lita Tynes. She refused to let me quit on this, and believe me I almost did several times! She was a constant source of ideas and opinions, as well as a wealth of information. I am blessed to have her as a friend, in fact I named my main character after her. So thanks Lita! Don’t the main characters in horror stories usually end up dead? “Sorry Lita, you’ve been a wonderful inspiration…but now you must die!”
Q. Do you think that the future is e book or print?
A: I think that E-book is the future but,…I also think that some people like the feel of a book in their hands and the sound and feel of turning the pages. So to a certain extent, I think that print books will be around for quite some time to come. Yep, nothing feels the same as an old, worn out, smelly book…aaahhhh…
Q. Do you use video to promote your work? Do you think that giving people a visual helps with sales?
A: I do use video, and yes i also feel that visuals will help create interest and thus generate sales. Lets face it, the best book ever written would not sell much with a dull uninspiring cover!
Speaking of video, folks can stop by my webpage and take a look at my book trailer. All comments are welcome.
http://donfranklin.wordpress.com/ and/or visit my face book page : http://www.facebook.com/TheReapersWalk
Thanks to all.
No, thank you Don. Some nice insights into how you work here.
I have also included Don’s trailer video below, please feel free to leave comments for either of us, thanks for stopping by.
Related Posts:Market Yourself, Market Your Book – Launch TimeFind Your Muse – Or Be Your OwnWrite For The Sake Of Writing
