Interview with Ronald N. Goulden, MBA, PMP

Published 2016-01-27.
What is your writing process?
I generally have an ultimate 'end-game' in mind. However, I tend to let the characters write the books for me. As I write, it is as much an adventure for me as the author as it is for the characters and the readers. I've found that by using this process, I develop links and 'smoking guns' for stories I haven't even thought of yet. Since many of my stories have connections of one sort or another, this makes writing much easier for me.
How do you determine your pricing?
I started reading when paperback books sold for 25 to 35 cents. While I put a lot of work into my stories, I don't believe in over-pricing them. I keep my fiction prices low, usually 99 cents. I want people to buy them, read them, and get others to buy and read them. Times are hard and money is tight; I would rather sell a lot of 99 cent stories than a few five (or more) dollar books.
How many books have you written?
I've written probably three dozen books. But so far have only published half of them. I did a quick word count and to date, I have published over 1.2 million words.
How do you approach cover design?
For the cover, I try to provide a design that embodies the underlying theme of the book without relying on extensive artistic abilities (which I severely lack). Ideally, for my novels, I would like to have Frazetta-esque covers, but I haven't found an artist willing to do that work at a reasonable price. So, I compromise and try to work up an intriguing cover sans the exciting artwork.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Pick any five Edgar Rice Burroughs books, I've read them all. I like his descriptive style of writing and the fact that he creates entire cultures, languages, and histories for most of his series. I also like the fact that many of the separate series (Mars, Pellucidar, Venus, Tarzan, Moon, etc.) all have subtle threads that connect them.
What do you read for pleasure?
Semi-classics such as 'Atlas Shrugged' and more factual or thought-provoking non-fiction. Being a technology worker, I also read computer textbooks.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I prefer the Nook. It does all that I want it to do. I'm sure the other devices perform equally well. I mean, let's face it, the purpose of the reader device is to present the words for your reading pleasure. I could care less if it lets me surf the Internet or make phone calls. I have a laptop and phone for those functions.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I participate in forums and comment sections for news stories. But much on my marketing is word of mouth.
Describe your desk
My lap is my desk.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I spent my early years in California, but I spent two years in Noel, Missouri, where I feel I grew up. I went to High School in Arkansas City, Kansas. I think exploring the forests of Missouri had the greatest impact on my interest in writing, and I wrote a few short stories when I was fourteen. When I was sixteen, I had a massive dislocation of my shoulder and my arm was immobilized for months, the only thing I could was 'peck' on a cheap typewriter. I wrote my first novel during this time.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing as a teenager in High School as the result of an injury. I was always an 'outsider' and of course, lived through typical teen-aged angst. I had crushes, but was too shy to approach the girls I liked, so I spent much of my time alone. When I survived Viet Nam, I started writing in earnest.
What's the story behind your latest book?
This is a tricky question since I typically work on two or three books at one time. The one I am working on today is the fourth book in the Mabus Chronicles and I currently plan that to be the series finale. However, as I mentioned elsewhere, My characters tend to write the stories rather than me, so the Mabus Chronicles may not end with this book.

Additionally, I am working on two books that provide the back-stories for some of the characters within the Mabus Chronicles.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I got tired of rejections from the brick & Mortar publishers and realized that in the near future, printed books would lose popularity. I like the idea that I do not have to purchase a large number of copies of my books to get published. The electronic delivery solves that problem. I feel I've invested a lot of work in writing my stories, why should I have to invest hundreds of dollars to get them published? Going Indie gives me options that traditional publishing cannot.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords provides me outlets I could not otherwise reach. Most of my sales come through Smashwords channels. I like that they continually negotiate for new channels, increasing my return on investment.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans are important to me, not only financially, but because they get to enjoy the thrills that my characters provide me as they develop the storylines. I feel like the fans join me on that journey through different worlds.
What are you working on next?
Like I said, I work on multiple projects simultaneously. That way, if i hit a 'writer's block' with one story, I simply move to a different story and work on that; usually, the second or third story will provide some insight that moves me around the 'block'.

I am currently working on three stories and one non-fiction.

"Fall of the Immortals" - is what I plan to the the finale for the Mabus chronicles and features an all female cast.
"Three moons, One Island' - is the backstory for the Cave-couple, David and Ann, in the third book of the Mabus Chronicles ("A Time of Uncertainty")
"Asylla" - Obviously is the backstory of the Galactic Space Princess who has appeared in all of the Mabus books, with an increasing presence in each subsequent book.

Finally, I am adding to my "Learn Excel" series by working on "Learn Excel: WBS, EVM, and Pert"
Who are your favorite authors?
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first real story I ever read was "Pellucidar" by Edgar Rice Burroughs. I wasn't much of a reader at the time, but my mother bought this for me and I read it in one sitting and immediately re-read it. It introduced me to a world and style of writing that was infinitely more exciting than what I had ever seen before. I've read all of his books and even some copycats. While I read voraciously and other authors, I always go back to Burroughs.
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