Interview with Zak Schmoll
Published 2016-05-18.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I was motivated to become an independent author because I had invested three years in developing my daily devotional blog, A Chapter Per Day, and I wanted to find a way to bring the content I already created to a new audience.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, William Golding and Charles Dickens.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I discover most of the books I read from the recommendations or reviews from people I respect. Obviously, time is valuable, and it is impossible to read every book that has ever been written. Therefore, I always check reviews and make the best use of my time. I think a lot of people are like me, and that is why as authors, we care so much about reviews. I know they at least influence my decisions.
How do you approach cover design?
My approach to cover design is rather straightforward. The cover undoubtedly helps draw people in, but I never want my cover to detract from the book or even drive people away. Therefore, I like clarity and simplicity.
What do you read for pleasure?
For pleasure, I like to read mysteries. I'm not good at writing them, but it is probably my favorite genre.
What's the story behind your latest book?
As I was working on my daily devotional, I had people telling me that I should publish short collections of my work. I never really took it seriously until I had made it through the Bible and my mission was complete. At that point I decided that I didn't want my content to simply sit there forever, so I began to work on compiling my work.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love the way that writing allows me to share a piece of my mind with other people. I'm certainly not the most eloquent person in the world, but when I am writing, I have the ability to communicate ideas and present positions in the marketplace of ideas. We live in a country where we enjoy freedom of the press, so I like having the ability to take advantage of that.
What do your fans mean to you?
Readers are awesome! It means a lot when I think about the fact that someone has taken hours of their time to read what I have written. It really is humbling, and I am grateful for every one.
What is your writing process?
I need to get my ideas on paper first and foremost. It is important for me to dive in and simply write. After that initial outpouring, there is always plenty of polishing that needs to take place. I find it easier to simply have all my ideas on the table and then work on strengthening my work rather than going inch by inch.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
1. The Bible: It is foundational in my life.
2. Lord of the Flies: I know of no better book to illustrate the fallenness of humanity.
3. The Hobbit: This is the best storybook ever written.
4. The Abolition of Man: If you want to understand modern society, read this book.
5. The Last Battle: Hope shines brightly in the darkness.
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