Author Spotlight: Peter J Meehan

 

If you had a writing motto what would it be?
Life is a road trip, so travel and write about it

Where do you draw your inspiration?
My life experience has been one of continuous movement, first as an air force brat and then as a field worker. Summers were spent in the Arctic barrens or northern latitudes, so I used the winters to travel the Mediterranean, Mexico or southern states. Even when I "settled down", holidays were for traveling. I was able to get overseas postings in Europe and Asia.
All these travels and experiences have contributed to my stories and novels, several more of which are ready for publication.

What is one interesting fact about you?
I was born in Northern Ireland, but left at an early age. Our family was the only one of our immediate relatives to leave Ireland, so returning there is always interesting, as many of my cousins have lived in the same town all their lives. I am so glad my father decided to emigrate!

Have you learned anything from the self publishing process and would you do anything differently next time?
You can talk to everyone about the process, but only by committing to the process do you realize that there are many variations on how to proceed. Advice is great, but rarely have two authors done it exactly the same way. E-books are a great way to keep costs to a minimum, but for print copies, I would like to try reducing costs more, as the final book product (particularly on consignment) is too pricey for most people.

What has been your most successful marketing strategy?
Contacting potential reviewers is the single most important strategy for first time book authors. The more (positive) reviews that are available to your customers, the easier it is for them to feel comfortable in purchasing an unknown author.

What is the best kept secret you have found in regard to indie publishing?
Everyone has advice, but rarely can an author follow exactly the same path. Often advice is second hand: the giver may not have actually done what they are advocating. They have someone assisting or others have given them the advice. Or the advice is specific to a different genre.

Visit the author’s website
Read That Weekend in Albania