Monday, May 2, 2011

The one where I do another author interview...

That's right...I'm like the Barbara Walters of the Indie Author world. Or I will be. Some day. Only without so much nasal voice. So hurry up, grab a seat and a beverage (BYO of course). Today's interview is with Anthony Izzo whom I met through the Indie Horror site. If you are a writer of horror, a reader of horror or offer services to authors you should definitely check this site out. Oh and they're going to put up my review there as well. Which is probably only exciting to me but I thought I'd let you know anyway. So without further ado...

Anthony Izzo writes, draws, and plays guitar with his wife and two sons at his home in the creepy snow covered hills of Western New York. When he is not horrifying his neighbors, he can usually be found in a local library, museum, or billiard room. And I found out his favorite color is blue...you know...because I'm all investigative like that...

You may also find Anthony online at www.anthonyizzo.com, or on facebook at Anthony Izzo.

I took the time to ask Anthony some questions about his writing life....

1.)How long have you been writing novels?
I've been writing novels for about fifteen years.

2.)What do you do for your day job?
For my day job, I work in the wild-and-crazy world of health insurance.

3.)Is this your fist published novel?
No Escape is not my first published novel. My first, Cruel Winter, was published by Kensington/Pinnacle books in 2005.

4.)What made you decide to go the Indie route?
I went Indie because the market for my print books seemed to dry up. I also love the creative freedom of being an independent author.

5.)In No Escape there is a huge military presence and the main character is ex-military. Do you have a military background yourself?
I don't have a military background, but military technology and military history have always been interests of mine.

6.)What scares you personally? Do you have any silly phobias?
I have a horrible fear of heights. Tall ladders are my sworn enemy.

7.)What is your writing routine?
I typically write 3-4 pages a day. Usually in a couple of writing sessions.

8.)Have you always been a fan of horror?
I've loved horror since I watched the first Halloween movie back in the early eighties.

9.)What other authors inspire you?
I'm inspired by Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Cormac McCarthy, and most recently, Joe Konrath.

10.)What advice would you give to newbie writers out there?
Read a lot and write a lot. Above all, don't quit!

Thank you very much Anthony, it was a pleasure both reading your book and doing the interview. Don't miss my review of Anthony's book, No Escape over at See Spot Read! You can find No Escape for sale at Smashwords and other ebook retailers. His other works include: Cruel Winter, Evil Harvest, and The Dark Ones.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by. Those of you who are new...sit a spell, look around check out the archives. To all my regulars...I promise more nonsense from my family next post.

Happy Monday,
♥Spot

9 comments:

  1. It's great that you interview Indie authors. It's a nice way to get the word out about them in your own voice.

    I'm now curious about the difference of Indie publishing and other publishing houses. Is it easier to get published? Why go that route?

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  2. LMB~ Thanks! Indie publishing is either self publishing or publishing by small independant publishers who are not affiliated with any of the big NY publishers. I wouldn't say it's easier because it means that the writers are more involved in formatting, marketing and sales than they are with a big publisher. They also have to find (or should) editing services, proofreaders, cover artists, ect. The positive side is that the middle man is completely cut out and you retain your rights to your work and get more of the money from sales. It's worked very well for some authors and many say its the wave of the future. I just like to tell their stories...

    ♥Spot

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  3. While I am not a fan of horror fiction, I am fascinated and gratified that you do interview Independent Authors. This is how I would learn of a new author. A great service. Thanks.

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  4. Wow! Is there anything you DON'T do really well? 'Cause you answered every question I'd think to ask.

    I've missed you! Trying to catch up...

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  5. Nice interview! (BTW, I love how all of your posts begin with "The One Where..." I went back to 2010 and apparently you've been doing this for awhile!)

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  6. Only 3-4 pages a day? I love that!!
    I also love that he's just a real person...in a real job...and happens to write books sometimes. Very cool!!

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  7. Good interview! 3-4 pages..that is dedication! I can't seem to muster out one page of blog. LOL!

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  8. :)

    I'd like to be as cool as you (and never grow up).

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  9. Hi Spot! I found your blog though my sister's blog (The Suburban Life) and have really enjoyed it. Being able to read about someone else's life is so fascinating! Thanks for providing such a great outlet to my day!

    Brandy

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