Interview with Casey Bottono

Today I'm joined by author Casey Bottono.

What genre do you write and why?
Although I have experience in a wide variety of genres, I am most comfortable with poetry. I view verse as the writer's equivalent of sketching - a good way of getting to the heart of a subject succinctly and quickly.

Tell us about your latest book.
Stones in the Road: Poems of Grief and Growth has been seven years in the making. I began to write the pieces in the book following the death of an Argentinian friend whom I came to know via a George Harrison fan forum in 2006. She was undergoing treatment for breast cancer when we first came to know one another, and unfortunately passed away in 2007. Other poems in the volume honour another friend who lived in Tennessee, and supported me through that loss.

What marketing methods are you using to promote your book? 
I am using Twitter and Facebook in the main, although I am also involved with indie author platforms such as Kindlemojo and iAuthor.

What formats is the book available in?
At present, the book is available in PDF format only.

Who are your favourite authors?
Seamus Heaney was my favourite poet - I was deeply saddened when he passed away. My favourite contemporary poet is Owen Sheers, and my favourite fiction author Sarah Rayner.

What advice do you have for other writers?
As much as you can, try not to intervene with the course of your work. When it is going well, you just follow along. You only need to poke it if it's not showing signs of life.

What's the best thing about being a writer?
The best thing about being a writer, in my opinion, is having total control. There is no chance of it being snatched away, unless your characters are stronger than you might have imagined.

Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
It is a work in progress, but I have recently launched my author website http://www.caseybottono.com - connecting with me there will allow you to connect with me on other platforms.

Where can a reader purchase your book?
You can obtain your copy of Stones in the Road: Poems of Grief and Growth from http://www.caseybottono.com/stones-in-the-road - the greater portion of the proceeds from each copy goes to METAvivor, the only charity currently directing 100% of their funding into stage IV breast cancer research.                                               
When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time? 
When I am not writing, I enjoy playing guitar and singing original songs at local venues. I have recently taken up crochet, but that tends to frustrate me more than engage.

Jo Linsdell, CEO Writers and Authors

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