Interview with Kelly Brandt

Published 2013-11-08.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Due to the fact that Stalking Hollywood is information about the entertainment industry, the opportunity to guest write or blog for websites geared to the need for celebrity content is helpful.
Describe your desk
Controlled chaos. I have stacks on top of stacks, organized in my mind. No one is allowed to throw anything away but me. This way, I have no one to blame when something is missing but me.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in the Phoenix area. I believe the biggest influence on my writing was as a result of my travels. I made reference in the book to time spent on both coasts. New York City was fascinating and Hollywood was inspirational in directing my writing toward the entertainment field.
When did you first start writing?
Officially, my first attempts were in screenwriting, in my mid twenties. After a few years I was able to draw the attention of an agent. That led me to several opportunities and assignments.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
The chance to create my own marketing strategy. With a traditional publisher, if they had to incur the costs of a printed rollout, they would have asked me what I was going to do to insure wide spread popularity. Knowing that I would be putting in the leg work to increase the chances at success, I felt that a lower price point, at the same percentage for me, was all the reason I needed.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
This kind of platform makes it easy for the writer that knows where and how he/ she wants to move forward. Their artistic creation can retain its original voice.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
To sit down in the morning with a vague idea of where you think the days writing will lead you, then find yourself that afternoon in a whole different place and loving it.
What do your fans mean to you?
In regards, to this book, it will mean that they get back to me, to tell me about their own Fan Success Stories, like the ones written in Stalking Hollywood.
What are you working on next?
The funny thing is, requests for fan/star encounters resulted in contact with so many people working in the industry. So many of them have stories that will knock your socks off. Nannies, Assistants, even Body Guards, there is another book, if not more in all that info.
Who are your favorite authors?
I know it might seem odd, but I gained a whole new appreciation for the beat writers that process the day to day happenings the celebrity elite. You've heard the expression that no one wants to see what goes into making hotdogs. Well these hard working individuals have to juggle the fact from the fiction, what's real and what is the creation of a publicist. Not an easy job.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The creative process at times can feel like an oxen yoke across your shoulders. But when inspiration strikes, it's like a cloud that floats you away and there aren't enough hours in the day to get the words from your head, down on paper.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Stalking Hollywood
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 32,410. Language: English. Published: November 4, 2013 . Categories: Nonfiction » Entertainment » Entertainment industry, Nonfiction » Entertainment » Celebrity culture
Stalking Hollywood is Kelly Brandt’s ultimate guide to the world of Celebrity Spotting. Filled with the hush-hush and behind the scene information you’ll need to see and meet your favorite stars. Included are the secrets the professionals use and the tips the A-listers don’t want shared. With just one click, you’ll have everything you need to create memories that will last you a lifetime.