Written Author Interview
Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
Writing, old movies, and I like to get out to a rock ‘n’ roll show a couple of nights a week. Occasional baseball game.
What inspired your first novel?
A friend told a family story about a Civil War pact with God and I said, I’m stealing that.
What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
JD Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. I couldn’t believe what that book did to me, and I wanted to have that same impact on someone else.
How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
Pretty spontaneous, I’d say. The time period I’ve chosen and the setting factor in.
What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
Most of my reading time is spent doing research. Fiction-wise, I read indie writers like Mary Vettel, Marie Keates, Eve Koguce and Steven William Hannah.
What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
Trying to sell books while fending off predatory marketing experts.
What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
No outline. I usually start with an event in history, then insert a character into it (usually a character from a previous novel), and wish them good luck. I write every day, shooting for at least 400 words. Usually do more, sometimes less.
What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
In my last book, The Packard Salesman, a character gets nearly beaten to death by Hitler Youths in a Los Angeles park. In the context of the novel, though, that’s not really that unhinged.
What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
The very minor impact my work has had on the world.
What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
I’d like to achieve minor cult status and earn $900 a month as a writer.
Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
I’ve been at this for 50 years. It’d make a pretty boring story (unless there’s a totally unexpected happy ending). I don’t think I’d want to try to pull it off.
Want More From Will Tinkham?
Americana series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FFDLBRD
Facebook: @WillTinkhamfictionist
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Website: willtinkham.blogspot.com.
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