Interview with Michael Lighten
Published 2015-07-05.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I have tried postcards and flyers and have found these to be the best so far for advertising.
Describe your desk
It's a small black desk able to hold a computer, printer, and sliding desk.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up on the mean streets of Philadelphia, Pa; but my memory was not so good. My father said the best thing to do when I forget something to write it down. When I wrote it down books poured forth in spiral notebooks and the rough man concept was born.
When did you first start writing?
My writing career began at the age of 13 when I wrote from spiral notebooks and moved into novellas at age 16 and 17.
What's the story behind your latest book?
"Cory's Fears," is a story about fear and how these fears came alive for Cory Logan.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
The big name publisher's have a limited budget I suspected there was a chance the stories I presented would not be seen, so I did some research and began publishing online.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I like Smashwords because they have grafts of who saw what as in downloads, free or paid. Some publishers do not believe the sample downloads or free books should have a graft of their own; but I beg to differ. How can an indie writer know if their advertisements is working and if not to change their strategies for more exposure?
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I like the freedom to be able to change a story for more intensity. I like the variables of a story in the future so these are the stories I write. Many of my stories deal with variable futures when humanity is struggling to survive.
What do your fans mean to you?
Any fans who download free books, samples or purchase books connects us. I believe wholeheartedly in the fans and would like a constant connection to them. Also, I believe in constructive criticism and who best to give that to me than someone who can only see my stories objectively?
What are you working on next?
My next project is "Arvid's Lost Story." It's set in the year 2128 A.D in Africa and planned to be intense and filled with action.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I am usually working in factories dealing with products other than books. Other times I am watching action, thriller, or science fiction movies or playing chess on the computer.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
There are many free e books all over the place. Also e books are economically low compared to books in print and if I really want to read an e book I will pay the price to do so. Many of my e books come through my e book device that flashes advertisements when I have off it off. It's a subtle but effective way to impress on a tired mind.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The Novices was a story about Other Worldly Aliens who came to earth to find peace, but only gained war. The children were novices at emotions and did not know how to handle them, especially when it came to their telekinetic powers. The aftermath to The Novices was the Rough Man Stories, where Rough Men Battles and Rough Man Daughters were born.
What is your writing process?
I do about 3 hours per day and sometimes less. Within that time I can usually write a chapter and some extra outlines.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The first one I remember reading was "The Omen," and it took me one day!
How do you approach cover design?
I try to get a cover design that is affordable since I work in a factory and money is tight.
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