Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Indie Author Interview With R.K. Gold

Next up to go under the interviewers gaze, is indie author R.K. Gold. Join us as he chats about writing and his new book Just Under The Sky which is available on the amazon kindle store now !

If you use a Pen Name why did you choose it?

I always wanted a pen name. Even before I became an author I just loved the idea of pen names. The first one I ever heard was Lemony Snicket and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Anyway, when I actually started writing I played with the name Arcade Gold. It sounded nice but I hated how it looked—it was a rare combination of pretentious and dumbass. I realized the initials R.K. not only kept that same sound, but looked a lot cleaner on the page. I got my first work published— a short poem titled “Blue Balloon” and ran with it. 

Why do you write?

I write because I love it. If I go a day without writing I start to feel incomplete and go a little stir crazy—I need to let my imagination out of the cabin frequently.

When did you decide to become a writer?

Officially? I started writing February 2014. It was my final semester of University and I had just gotten in a bad car accident. I was stopped at a red light, minding my own business when this car came out of nowhere, jumped the middle divider and knocked the fucking crap out of me. Thankfully I didn’t have any serious or lasting injuries but I realized even if you’re doing nothing wrong, it can all end in an instant so I need to spend my time pursuing my passions not just talking about them. 

What genre are your books?

I mostly write magical realism/super natural. I like to place characters in bizarre situations and watch them work their way out. They really come to life.

What draws you to this genre?

There is just an infinite combination of possibilities. I have the opportunity to just let my imagination run wild. Re-writes are a mess but that’s what they’re for anyway.

What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?

I had some great teachers in high school who encouraged me to pursue my passions. Though it took me until my last year of college to actually realize what direction I want to take my life, their message is always resonated with me.

Do you write full-time or part-time?

Full time. I am currently signed to Weasel Press based out of Texas and love working with them. They bring an intense enthusiasm, which is a real treat to work with. It’s nice having someone in your corner who really believes in the work you produce. I also write articles on finance a few days a week.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

I usually workout and read every morning. I start with the New York Times then move to my kindle and get lost in about 40 pages of fiction. I write late morning and early afternoon. Take my dog for a walk, play a little Xbox. If it’s Monday or Thursday I watch WWE, then crawl into bed and read another 30 pages. I usually read anywhere from 60-80 pages a day and try to write around 2000 words of fiction.

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

I’ve become more structured, which is great because I have really seen more results.

What have you written?

The one thing I have officially published is my novella Just Under the Sky. Weasel Press published it in October 2015. It was my first book deal so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I also self-published a ridiculously short collection of short stories. I’m really into rap music, so I called it my Literary EP. It’s called The Little Black Book.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just seeing where an idea takes you?

I have 9 manuscripts on my computer at the moment. Probably 2 were outlined. The rest I just watched develop in my mind and wrote everything I saw. Best way I can describe it is watching a movie in my head and writing the important details on the page.

How do you market your books?

Social media mostly. I also have a great publisher. Weasel really takes care of me.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

You need to read every day, write every day and get a dog. There really is nothing more relaxing than taking a dog for a walk.

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he do that is so special?

Jasper is wonderfully mediocre. Somehow, despite being out of shape he manages to outrun death. What I love about Jasper is his curiosity. He was raised in a contained environment, but does not fall complacent. He is curious about what else is out there.

Where do your ideas come from?

My dog. He has all the answers.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

Finishing the book. The closer I get to the end the easier it is to procrastinate. I fall into “I can finish it next time” syndrome.

Which writers inspire you?

Stephen King is my role model. He is who I want to become. But I mean how can I narrow down this list—there are so many writers who inspire me. John Grisham, Alan Moore, Langston Hughes, Swift, Hemingway, Snicket, Vonnegut, Heller.

What is the current book you are promoting? 

Just Under the Sky. But that’s only until Brinwood comes out in May.

What one person from history would you like to meet and why? 

Oh shoot, Louis Armstrong in a heartbeat. He could play! Those NOLA artists are on the verge of divinity. 

How do you write your books? 

In the wise words of Stephen King: “One word at a time.”

How can readers discover more about you and you work?
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