Name: Patrick C Greene
Book Title:
The Crimson Calling
Genre: Horror
fiction
Publisher:
Hobbes End
Thank you for your time in
answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having
you explain to us why you decided to become an Patrick and pen this book?
Patrick: My father was an author
and the skill of writing came naturally if not easily. I excelled in English
classes –that is, when I “applied myself” as the teachers say. But I’ve always
had an overactive imagination, often spending more time inside some elaborate
inner world than in this so-called reality.
Is this your first book?
Patrick: It’s my second novel.
PROGENY was my first, followed by a collection of shorties called DARK
DESTINIES and a string of e-published short stories.
With this particular book, how
did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you
choose this method?
Patrick: My publishers, Jairus
Reddy and Hobbes End, worked absolute wonders with PROGENY so it was an easy
decision to submit this one to them as well. From proofing to graphics to promoting,
they knock it out of the park.
Can you tell us a little about
your publishing journey? The pros and
cons?
Patrick: I started as a
screenwriter because I was an actor for a while and entrenched in that world of
film production. Frankly, the prospect of writing a full novel was daunting. I
had many fears, most of them ridiculous as it turns out. I was afraid I
wouldn’t finish, afraid I didn’t have the talent, afraid my prose would be too
weird and inaccessible, afraid I would be starting over after years of trying
to pay my dues in film. I’ve seen a lot of authors go through hard times, so I
feel like my path has been a little easier. On the other hand, screenwriting is
much less satisfying, and much more frustrating, so I consider that to have
been my dues paying phase.
What lessons do you feel you
learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing
industry as a whole?
Patrick: The industry is
obviously very fluid right now, with e-publishing rising so quickly, then
settling, many many books being self-published, etcetera. The biggest lesson
for me was to keep my eyes open and stay on my toes. Try to be good not just at
writing the story but also at marketing, self-editing, and never ever
forgetting the huge role played by readers, not just in purchasing our work,
but in sort of “charging” it with their enthusiasm and involvement.
Would you recommend this method
of publishing to other authors?
Patrick: It’s the traditional
method and obviously a proven model despite industry changes, so yes, absolutely.
I admire those who self-publish exclusively, but having a top shelf team behind
you and your book and making it arrive on market as the best version of itself
is an incredibly satisfying experience.
What’s the best advice you can
give to aspiring authors?
Patrick: Be prolific! The more
you write, the better you get and the more you have to submit.
Shake it up. Write different
kinds of stuff. If you’re exclusively a horror or sci-fi writer, you can still
add elements of other genres. Use your break from writing your latest novel to
write a short story or article.
Research the publishers. Some
are more inclined toward your particular niche than others. At the same time,
take a chance sometimes on someone who is doing something that seems unlike your
type of writing. They might be bored with the usual stuff and delighted to see
something unique.
