This week it's a genuine pleasure to welcome one of the nicest men around author, Lee Carey. Pick up a FREE copy of his book Gabby... All About Me today!
1
When
and why did you decide to become an Indie writer?
The idea of Indie publishing really
never crossed my mind back in ’99 since it was then called Vanity Publishing.
After completing three mystery/crime novels several agents wanted to see full
manuscripts, but I soon received more ‘rejection letters’ to go into the
ever-growing pile. However, those faceless letters only fueled me to pursue
this wonderful craft. After penning my first pet novel about our rescue dog,
Gabby, I felt it was special and proudly sent it out to agents. When the
rejections rolled in with their normal sorry excuses in form letters, I made my
decision to have it printed in paperback. The sales here at the small coastal,
tourist town were excellent. Later on I formatted it for Amazon, and the sales
and downloads over the past two years have blown my mind. Now NY agents are the
last thing on my mind. Indie publishing gives me satisfaction in that all of my
novels are now before a huge market of people who want to read something other
than what the publishers steer them toward. It’s not about the money…it’s about
being read and receiving emails and reviews from loyal readers.
What
genre do you write in and what genre do you prefer to read?
I began my writing career with three Southern
mystery/crime novels. I soon tired of the consistent hard language and violent
scenes, so I switched to YA/Crossover and Pet novels. I still enjoy reading
good mystery/crime novels, and now I only read Indie authors, and am impressed
with the talent out there.
Where
do you sell most books, USA or UK, Amazon or Barnes and Noble?
I am currently selling only on Amazon in their
KDP Select Program. I like the option to offer my novels ‘free’ at times to get
my name out into this huge Indie market. The majority of my sales come from the
USA and the UK.
During
your childhood who was your biggest influence?
My parents, for many reasons besides
writing. The gift of writing was passed down from my wonderful grandmother.
Are
you fortunate enough to write full-time?
Yes, I am able to write full time,
however, since I live at the beach, it’s difficult to stay inside and write
during the summer. Another advantage for Indie writers is there is no
publishing company breathing down your neck, pushing for another novel to
improve their profits. Writing for me is still fun and not a pressured job.
If
Hollywood came knocking who would you want to play your main character?
I’ve not really thought about who could play
Scooter in a movie about ‘Gabby…All About Me’, but if and when I’m faced with
that decision, you can bet I’ll have an opinion. I’d worry more about which
pooch plays Gabby.
Name
6 people, dead or alive, you’d love to have as guests seated around your
dinner-table.
Since I never had the opportunity to
meet my wife’s parents (they are deceased), I’d like to have them to dinner and
tell them what a wonderful lady they raised. Then I’d invite my late
grandmother, along with Wilson Rawls, the author of ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’,
and the head honcho from Disney movies, and finally, any young writer who
really loves the craft but has become depressed with rejections and doubts and
are contemplating giving up.
What
one piece of advice have you found the most important in your writing career?
A very talented, published author
once told me, “To be successful you must write, edit, read others works, write,
edit, write, read, etc.” Truer words were never spoken.
What
are your plans for the coming year?
I’m halfway through the first draft
of a sequel to “Gabby…All About Me”. I hadn’t planned on doing one and was
nearing completion of a family sage; however, I received many emails from
readers wanting to know ‘when’ the sequel to Gabby was coming out. So, since I
feel my readers’ opinions are priceless, I began one titled “Flash”. It’s proving
to be a very enjoyable write.
And
finally, if you were stranded on a desert island what 3 books would you choose
to have with you?
The Bible. My compilation of short
stories about my coming of age years, “If You Dance…You Will Pay the Fiddler”.
And the largest book of jokes possible. At least if and when they found me, I’d
be smilin’….
Lee’s Bio (if you need it)
Lee Carey lives in a coastal town
known as Sandbridge Beach in Virginia Beach, VA. He has been writing since '99.
His popular pet novel "Gabby...All About Me" is his first published
novel. "Pets in Paradise" came out April '11.
Lee has also penned five other novels in various genres: 3 Southern Mystery/Crime and 2 YA/Crossover and 2 compilations of Short Stories.
Lee enjoys surfing, writing, golf, fishing, and hanging out on the beach with his wife, Kay.
His attitude and slogan is: "Paddle hard for every wave...it might be your best ride." And..."Keep smilin'..."
Lee has also penned five other novels in various genres: 3 Southern Mystery/Crime and 2 YA/Crossover and 2 compilations of Short Stories.
Lee enjoys surfing, writing, golf, fishing, and hanging out on the beach with his wife, Kay.
His attitude and slogan is: "Paddle hard for every wave...it might be your best ride." And..."Keep smilin'..."
Lee's Website: http://www.leecarey-author.com
Lee's Blog: http://lee-carey.blogspot.com/
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