Micheal Maxwell |
Location:
California/U.S.A.
Question: How long have you been writing?
I think
I have always been a writer. I have copies of stories published in school
literary anthologies from 6th, 7th and 8th
grade. In high school I submitted something every year and only got accepted twice!
I wrote
my first full-length novel thirty years ago. I’ve also written movie and music
reviews for magazines.
In the
past five years I have really gotten serious about writing though.
Question:
What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when
was it published?
"Diamonds
and Cole" published in 2013'.
Question:
Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?
I was
fortunate enough to be put in contact with a terrific Science Fiction
writer/editor, David VanDyke, who is self-published and very successful. He was
kind enough to take me under his wing and guide me through the mine field of
self-publishing.
I had
pretty much shelved my manuscripts because I couldn’t get much passed “Hello”, with
most traditional publishers and agents.
Self-publishing
I believe is the future of literature. There are a lot of terrific writers out
there with a lot to say, and self-publishing is a great way for their voices to
be heard.
Question:
Tell our readers about this very first book. (For example: What was the inspiration for writing it, and
what was it about)?
It
actually started when I was driving down the street listening to a song on the
stereo. By the time I got to work I had the story pretty much put together in
my head. I remember racing in, turning on the computer and practically chanting
the plot waiting for it to boot up! I sat down and in about fifteen minutes had
a pretty solid outline.
Now four
books later, I am happily releasing the "Cole Sage Mystery Series" on
Amazon Kindle.
Question:
Can a person still buy this book?
If so, where?
Yes, "Diamonds
and Cole" is available on Amazon Kindle worldwide.
USA:
UK:
INDIA:
ITALY:
GERMANY:
CANADA:
AUSTRALIA:
Question:
How many total books have you published?
Two so
far, and a third will come out on, or about, November 5th 2013.
Question:
List all of your titles.
"Diamonds
and Cole" (Sept.2013)
Five 5 Star Reviews
"Cellar
Full of Cole"
(October 2013) 5 Star Review
Question:
Any future writing projects in the works? If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent
dates to go with it.
I have a
short story titled "Return of the Bride" that will be part of an anthology coming out in November 2013'. Watch
my Author pages for information on that one.
I have put a novella, I’m trying
to get feedback on called "Three Nails", on my blog: http://www.Michaelmaxwellauthor.blogspot.com It's a freebie that may, or may not get Kindled!
A project I am really excited
about is a spin-off series I’ll be collaborating with the prolific
Sci-Fi author, David VanDyke based
on a character from the "Cole Sage Mysteries". Her name is California
Corwin, an ex-cop with a passion for fast cars, guns, and Indian food. How’s
that for a teaser?
Then
the Cole Sage Saga continues with:
"Cole
Dust" (December 2013)
"Shot
of Cole" (Early 2014)
Question:
What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little
about it.
The
October release "Cellar Full of Cole" finds Cole Sage moving to San
Francisco, but before he can get out of Chicago he gets pulled into a nasty web
of child abuse, blackmail, and sexual harassment. He hardly gets his feet on
the ground in San Francisco, before he’s involved in trying to solve the murder
of several young girls. This tale of two cities
exposes the soft white underbelly of human
trafficking and child
pornography, and finds our hero going outside the law to protect those he loves.
Last
question,
if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell
them about why you think they should try reading your book or books? (Basically, what can you offer
them in the way of information or entertainment)?
This
will sound funny on the heels of the description for "Cellar Full of Cole",
but I have tried to fill a niche in the market for people who want an edgy
mystery/thriller minus the usual gratuitous sex, profanity, and violence.
Cole
Sage is a throwback to real heroes with a strong moral compass, and a steely
resolve that makes him someone men wish they could be, and women wish they had.
I think "The Cole Sage Mystery Series" is what a lot of people are
looking for and I think the reaction to these books is bearing that out.
Anything
else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with
our readers?
They can
find out more about me on Facebook at:
or
Follow
my adventures on Twitter at:
https://twitter.com/MicLeeMaxAuthor
I really
look forward to hearing what people think of the "Cole Sage Series"
and the upcoming projects this fall.
Thanks
for this great opportunity to let people know what I’m all about.
BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: You sound like your have quite the series. I have to tell you that I agree totally about what you said in regards to self-publishing. I feel that the Internet and technology has made publishing a book an even field for all of us who want to share our love of writing and story-telling with the world. Good Luck with your future writing projects, and thanks for the interview.
Your series sounds great, Max. Kudos to you for self publishing. I have a small press publishing my mysteries, but tried self pubbing a non-fiction book for girls. So hard to get the word out without a lot of support. Marketing is no fun, but very necessary. Any secrets? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi
DeleteIt is incredibly difficult to get the word out. Even harder to get reviews posted! Sometimes I feel like publishing is water dripping on a rock. Over time and continued, promotion on FB, Twitter and putting yourself out there people start to notice. Look for groups and blogs that address the theme or issues addressed in your book. Most of all don't be shy! Best of Luck and Happy New Year! This is your year!