Interview with Christopher McGarry
Published 2020-04-16.
What is your writing process?
I try to write for at least two hours a day. I spend at least an hour researching topics that are included in my stories.
How do you approach cover design?
For my second novel, I enlisted the help of a local graphic artist. I sat down with her and gave specific instructions as to what I wanted the tone of the cover to be: dark, mysterious, somewhat violent, just like the story.
What do you read for pleasure?
For pleasure, I enjoy reading books about history, mainly medieval and Tudor-era. I also enjoy crime thrillers as well as autobiographies about famous actors and rock stars.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
In my opinion, the most effective marketing technique is social media. That being said, if one has the time to do so, have as many book signings as possible. Set up a book reading at a local library. You want to meet with people so they'll get to know who you the author is.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in rural Prince Edward Island. Having lived in an area of fishing villages and farms, it gave me a strong appreciation for country living, conservative-minded people, which is often reflected in my writing.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing stories around the age of 12.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Summer of Fear is the story of Antonio Guardini, a New York City police detective who struggles with his strong personal convictions about abortion when he is tasked with hunting down a deranged maniac who is killing abortion doctors in the midst of a burning heat wave in the Big Apple.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I would honestly have to say that my biggest joy in writing comes from being allowed to let my creativity flow. I've always enjoyed telling stories. The more I write, the better it becomes.
What are you working on next?
These days, I have stepped away somewhat from writing novels to focus on fanfiction. My works can be found at https://archiveofourown.org/users/CanadianWriter78
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When not writing, I enjoy working outside, walking, going to trivia with friends, swimming, and reading.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I generally search on my Kindle device for any genre of books I might be interested in reading.
How many books have you written to date?
To date, I have written roughly 17 novels, a few of which are yet to be published. My first novel, Unforeseen Fury, was published in 2011.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Definitely my Kindle. I can't live without my Kindle. It's like an entire library on a little electronic device.
Describe your desk
My desk is neat and tidy.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
My love of writing goes back to when I was a child. I would always write short stories and later got into writing screenplays. About ten years ago, I received a book as a Christmas present about turning a screenplay into a novel. I love novels and reading so I thought, sure I can do this.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords has given me an excellent platform in which to promote myself and my books.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favourite authors are James Wesley Rawles, James Patterson, Matthew Bracken and Tom Clancy.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The fact that I can have a productive day writing, working around my farm, or even travelling is a great inspiration to get up feeling excited and full of energy.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
'Treasure Island', by Robert Louis Stephenson. It's the ultimate adventure.
What are you doing these days?
Recently, while I've released a new book, Clash of Dragons, I've been stepping back somewhat from novel writing to focus on fan fiction.
How do you promote your books?
Over the past few years, I've built up an extensive mailing list. In addition, I am very active on social media and often use paid advertising.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean everything to me. Without them, I would not be where I am.
What are your favorite genres
While I have a respect and appreciation for all genres except Erotica, my favorite - and especially those I write in - are military adventure/espionage, crime and science-fiction/fantasy.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
Books by This Author
The Triad Connection
by Christopher McGarry
It’s another unbearably hot and humid Houston summer. Gang violence is at an all-time high with Mexican drug cartels and Chinese triad organizations killing each other at alarming rates in a brutal war for supremacy of the city’s criminal underground.
