Author Spotlight: Chris Roy

 

If you had a writing motto what would it be?
If a person says they intend to do something, they need to find the nerve to see it through. It's the same to me with writing. When I outline a story, that's it - I'm going to start writing it.

Where do you draw your inspiration?
Ideas for stories come to me in different ways. Sometimes I'll think of a great title and then the story comes to life from there. Usually, though, I get inspired to write from ideas generated during banter with family or friends, humorous or horrifying conversations that make lightbulbs blink on.

What is one interesting fact about you?
I'm typing this on a phone stuck to my wall with tar (only spot to get a clear connection) while sitting in my prison cell, locked down on High Risk for 2 escapes, serving a life sentence for murder. I write everything on a phone; my life revolves around Google Docs!

Have you learned anything from the self publishing process and would you do anything differently next time?
Indie publishers should be thought of as a great first step in making it as a professional writer. There's no money, no fame, but there is plenty of opportunity to get exposure for next level publishing where money and fame exists. Getting published by an indie house is by no means the end of the trip. You can say "I have arrived" but you can't say "I've made it!" You have to keep writing, use the small platform to try and make it to the big boys.

I'm fortunate to have a new publisher, a new book out, and I know what not to do this time.

What has been your most successful marketing strategy?
My first 3 books in indie didn't sell or get me exposure because the publisher had no strategy. They just threw it in a pipeline and hoped it would catch. My new publisher, Near To The Knuckle, has a great team with a plan. My latest, "Her Name Is Mercie", is already generating a buzz. ARCs were send out months before the publication date, numerous interviews, podcasts, and a blog tour were slated, and everything was timed correctly so results came about around the publication day. There is definitely a process, and it's tricky. The time of year, the audience, genre, the media outlets that review your work - you have to consider a lot when planning a book release or it won't be successful. You can have the best written story, have it on Amazon, etc., but if no one knows it's there no one cares.

What is the best kept secret you have found in regard to indie publishing?
The general public believes that when a person gets published, they will make serious money. The truth is most books don't get published, and only a small percentage of published books sell. It's a mad world filled with competition, even at indie level.

Visit the author’s website
Read Her Name Is Mercie