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Interview with Henry Tobias

Published 2015-09-29.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
From lists sent to me by the various e-book retailers and recommendations from friends. I also look for e-books relevant to research for my writing.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I have always loved reading. I am never more happy than when I'm with my little granddaughter, who inspired one of my favourite stories in my book, 'Just for Fun'. I also like watching cooking shows on TV and fancy myself a fairly good cook - I'm always ready to try a new recipe I've seen on TV.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, it was terrible. I've still got it in my files, but it remains unpublished. I also remember trying to write a radio play when I was about 18. Never got further than the first line or two.
What is your writing process?
An idea for a story pops into my head. I write and then rewrite, edit, rewrite until I'm satisfied. I'm very lucky to have a great writing group who critique and then I do it all over again. Without my writing friends, I'd never be able to succeed.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Well, it's not the first story I ever read, but 'The Verger' by W.Somerset Maugham, is the most compelling short story I've ever read. Writing like that is a joy to read.
How do you approach cover design?
I use a site called Canva. The cover of my anthology 'Just for Fun' was designed with it for only $1.00.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Many more than FIVE, but I am an avid reader of history, especially of the The Second World War and the Holocaust.
What do you read for pleasure?
Reading any book is a pleasure, although I don't particularly like sci-fi and fantasy. I like history and humour.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I use a Kindle e-reader.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Blogging, and social media, like Google + and LinkedIn. I also tweet a lot, but don't use Facebook.
Describe your desk
Messy
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in London, England, but was raised in Apartheid South Africa. My parents' English/Jewish background influenced my sense of humour and love of history. My parents lived in London before and during WW II and their experiences instilled me an interest in that period of history. I have always loved English humour. Growing up during apartheid has also influenced me, hence a few of the stories in my book 'Just for Fun' reflect the times.
When did you first start writing?
About ten years ago.
What's the story behind your latest book?
I'm writing a story of the Kindertransport and the Holocaust.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
It is so difficult to get an agent and a publisher and so easy to indie publish.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Not yet!
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Writing itself is a joy!
What do your fans mean to you?
If you don't have fans, you don't sell books. They are most important.
Who are your favorite authors?
Historians and many, many others. Richard Overy, Bernard Lewis, Winston S. Churchill, A.A. Milne, Hemingway, Steinbeck, etc. etc. etc.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
A need to stretch my old aching bones.
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Books by This Author

Regan - a Love Story by
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 16,210. Language: Commonwealth English. Published: February 13, 2018. Categories: Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome, Fiction » Women's fiction » General
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
Regan - a Love Story. The narrator reminisces about true and undying love.
Just for Fun by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 42,340. Language: British English. Published: February 8, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - single author
(5.00 from 1 review)
'Just for Fun' is an anthology of short stories, some fiction, some faction, some autobiographical, but always interesting. The book is a mix of humour, pathos and a little bathos. The author called the book “Just for Fun’ for two reasons. Firstly because that is the lead story and secondly because writing is fun—lots of fun and hopes that the reader has fun reading the book.