What genre do you write and why?
Adult
contemporary fiction; heartfelt novels. If I can’t make my readers feel, then
it’s not worth the time and effort.
In
Ashes, two brothers—estranged for fifteen years—are brought together under
circumstances that neither can avoid. By trapping them in a car for several
long days, I was able to play out some deep, dark emotions that quickly rise to
the surface. The outcome proves to be biting and comical exchange that the
reader can experience as if they’re sitting right there in the backseat with
the box of ashes. Although there are several twists and turns along the way,
the goal was to keep the journey real and relatable—proving that every family
has its fair share of dysfunction, as well as unbreakable bonds.
What marketing methods
are you using to promote your book?
Book
blog tour; Netgalley; Goodreads giveaways; press releases to local and national
media; New England book signings, etc.
What formats is the book
available in?
It
will be released in hard cover and all electronic formats (pdf, mobi, epub).
Later, we will release it in paperback and audio versions.
Who are your favourite
authors?
Stephen
King, William Paul Young, Mitch Albom—just to name a few.
What advice do you have
for other writers?
Never
forget the passion you felt when you first picked up a pen. It’s easy to get inundated
with all the sales and marketing, but it’s all about the creative process.
What's your favourite
quote about writing/for writers?
“If
you can dream it, you can live it.” – Walt Disney (I believe it applies to
writing as much as anything else).
What's the best thing
about being a writer?
I’ve
been able to touch lives in a positive way and make some sort of difference (at
least I hope so). I’ve shared my dreams with my children and proved that dreams
do come true—with a whole lot of perseverance and hard work. And I’ve been able
to give life to the creative thoughts that constantly fight for my attention.
Where can people find
out more about you and your writing?
My
website is: www.stevenmanchester.com; I’m also on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorStevenManchester/ and Twitter:
https://twitter.com/authorSteveM
Jason,
the brother who is a Correction Officer. As an ex-CO, I can closely relate to
him. He’s flawed, a work in progress—but his intentions are honorable and pure.
Why do you think readers
are going to enjoy your book?
I
think readers will really enjoy the characters in this book, as they’re both
real and relatable. The brothers carry the storyline and will make readers
laugh, cringe and maybe even shed a tear.
How long did it take you
to write your book?
The
first draft took me approximately six months; from storyboard to print took
eighteen months.
Who designed the cover?
My
publisher, Lou Aronica—and I love the cover!
Did you learn anything
from writing your book that was unexpected?
It’s
happened to me before, but even more so with this novel: If the characters are developed
well enough, they’ll actually tell the story for you. It happened in this case.
I got to know both brother so well that there was never any doubt about how
they would act, react and speak. When you get to that point, it feels like
magic.
Where can a reader
purchase your book?
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2kGOdpi
Barnes
& Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ashes-steven-manchester/1124072813?ean=9781945839009
as
well as all other online retailers.
What are you doing to
market the book?
Book
blog tour; Netgalley; Goodreads giveaways; press releases to local and national
media; New England book signings, etc.
Who inspires you?
My
children—more than anything.
How do you research your
books?
A
lot of my work is taken from real life. For Ashes, I also conducted some online
research; and mapped out a trip with AAA.
What is your work in
progress? Tell us about it.
I’m
actually in the process of developing a storyboard that I can present to my
publisher. The working title for the book is Three Shoeboxes. I plan to take an ordinary man, have the world and
all its troubles bring him to his knees and then see how he finds the strength
to get back up on his feet. More to
come…
What are your thoughts
on self-publishing verses traditional publishing?
I
think that the market has changed dramatically in the last decade. Traditional
publishing used to be the only route if you wanted to be a legitimate writer.
That’s not true today. There are some wonderful self-published books being
released today. The key is to ensure that the work is vetted by talented copy
editors, proof readers, etc.
Who or what inspired you
to become a writer?
When
I was young, my grandfather was an amazing storyteller. Although he never put
pen to paper, I was awed by the power of words—to make people laugh or even
cry. I knew then that I wanted to be a storyteller too.
I’d
just returned home from Operation Desert Storm, and was working as a prison
investigator in Massachusetts. Needless to say, there was great negativity in
my life at that time. I decided to return to college to finish my degree in
Criminal Justice. During one of the classes, the professor talked about police
work but nothing else. I finally raised my hand and asked, “The criminal
justice system is vast. What about the courts, probation, parole –
corrections?” He smiled and told me to see him after class. I thought I’d done
it! In his office, he explained, “There’s no written material out there on
corrections or prisons, except from the slanted perspective of inmates.” He
smiled again and dropped the bomb. “If you’re so smart,” he said, “why don’t
you write it?” Nine months later, I dropped the first draft of 6-5; A
Different Shade of Blue on his desk. From then on, I was hooked. I was a
writer.
Does your family support
you in your writing career? How?
My
family is the foundation on which I stand. I am constantly inspired—and
grateful—by their support.
What are you currently
reading?
The Pentinent by A. Keith
Correiro
What books or authors
have most influenced your life?
The
truthful to answer to this is all books and authors that I’ve been exposed to
have influenced me—whether in a positive way or not. As a student of my craft,
I pay close attention. To name a few specific writers: Stephen King, the master
of our time. Harper Lee, John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Charles Dickens, Mitch
Albom, William Paul Young, Frank McCourt…the list is endless.
When you’re not writing,
how do you spend your time?
When not spending time with my beautiful wife, Paula, or our
four children, I’m promoting my published works or writing. I also love to
read, watch films and attend live theatre. And I enjoy fine dining.
Ashes
author interview
books
Interview
interview feature
Jo Linsdell
partners in crime tours
Steven Manchester
1 Comments
Great interview. I read this book, as well as all his other novels, and I can attest he definitely makes the reader "feel". Can't wait for his next book THREE SHOEBOXES. Sounds like another fantastic book from the master story teller!
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