Author Spotlight: Keith Hirshland

 

If you had a writing motto what would it be?
Embrace the challenge and enjoy the process

Where do you draw your inspiration?
I try and draw from things that happen in every day life. If the ideas, thoughts or stories come out as things I can hear in my head then I feel they are worthy of an initial place in the manuscript. They might not all make the final cut but I write them down all the same.

What is one interesting fact about you?
I spent nearly 40 years in the broadcast television industry both in front and behind the camera

Have you learned anything from the self publishing process and would you do anything differently next time?
I have learned that there are many enthusiastic, creative, talented people working in that part of the business and, for me, they have been fully invested in both of my projects. I look forward to doing it again.

What has been your most successful marketing strategy?
Word of mouth. For the first book, my memoir, I had an incredible network of colleagues, friends and co-workers who, I felt, had a built-in interest in the stories. I went back to that well a bit for my novel because many of those people spent half their life travelling and they are often looking for a "good read" on a flight or on the road. Twitter and Facebook have been positive too.

What is the best kept secret you have found in regard to indie publishing?
Again, I go back to the enthusiasm and passion every single person with whom I have worked has exhibited. They genuinely cared about both of my projects and I honestly believe they wanted to be a part of them.

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