Interview with Ray Decker Jr.
Published 2018-10-06.
When did you first start writing?
I remember coming home in the second grade with a story I wrote about a boy and his dragon that ended up eating the little boy. I didn't start taking writing seriously until about 2010, about two years after I moved out I began working on my first novel, Torn.
Describe your desk
Aside from my MacBook Pro, I always have coffee or tea and a bottled water, a composition notebook and ball-point pen, something to snack on. When I'm writing I normally have a show on TV for background noise. Lastly, I remove ALL phones from the area.
How do you approach cover design?
I create all the covers myself. It really helps me stay focused if I create the cover while I work on the book itself. Like, if I come up with a great scene in the story I'll try and recreate it in the book.
Take a look at the cover for my short stories Wilting and Wilting: Dismay Edition. I drew the cover for the books after I wrote the short story that the Doctor reads to Mike. I wrote that little tidbit about two-years prior to even started Wilting.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Word of mouth is any entrepreneurs best friend. It's cheap. I find Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram paid marketing ineffective. If you are using social media to market, its best to invest AT LEAST a few hundred to have a good outcome. Before you do anything make sure you know your audience.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Wellsburg, NY and lived there for fourteen years. I would say so much it influenced my writing however, I would say it feeds a goal to be successful and eventually buy the house I grew up in.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Finding Autumn started with an experience I had when I moved back home to go to college. I don't want to get to personal, but needless to say it was quite traumatic and inspired a book that I am a quite proud of.
What do you read for pleasure?
It is difficult for a lot of books to keep my interest, but when I read I read about astrology and things of that mystic nature, and I love reading short stories (The Yellow Wallpaper and Perks of Being a Wallflower are current favorites). I also really enjoy reading The Witcher Series and Harry Potter (of course).
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I am sure mine and many others first story ever read was something Dr. Seuss. I believe mine was Green Eggs and Ham. Honestly, the art of Dr. Seuss children's books had an enormous impact on my creativity. I loved that none of the people looked human. They art was so over the top and hectic.
What do your fans mean to you?
I am not sure if I have 'fans', but I prefer to call it a readership. I don't write for readership. This is a therapy or me and though I appreciate the feedback and following of my work, its more important for me to have my work out of my mind and on paper or screen for people to enjoy.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I really enjoy playing a video games. I play a lot of Final Fantasy XIV. I also enjoy cooking different things. I really enjoy my day job.
What are you working on next?
Currently, I am working on a series of micro-stories or flash-fiction. I am trying my best to stay focused on them for the time being.
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