On Writing Author Interview: Stephen Hise

To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?
The fame, adulation and money.

What is your least favorite part?
There has been no fame, adulation or money.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.
I had to clear a pretty high barbed wire fence once when someone gave me bad information about when her husband would be home.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?
Yes, the part where the books actually sell.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?
I think maybe I’m most proud of the nouns.

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?
We are both fictional.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?
There were a lot of steamy love scenes in my book, so – no, I just had to guess.

How do you use the internet for your writing?
Why? What have you heard? Those files were on my computer when I bought it.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had? 
Well, I did win a “Stevie,” which is a very prestigious award I just made up. I have to say, I didn’t expect to win and it has really encouraged me to strive further toward mediocrity.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?
What is this “success” of which you speak?

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?
When you get to the end, stop.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?
Do not write out your manuscript out on the backs of twenty-dollar bills and send it off to a “publisher.”

Do you have any strange writing habits?
The list is so long and depraved, that decorum prohibits listing them here.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?
Yes, I enjoy reading various medication labels.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?
I am trying to take over the world.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS
What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?
Write slowly, some people are not fast readers.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?
Write something really good and send it to a publisher.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?  Two.

Do you have an agent?
I used to have an insurance agent, but she doesn’t return my calls anymore.

Are you self-published?  Yes, unfortunately I cannot blame anyone else for this.

How many different companies have you published with?  Three or more.

How long have you been writing?
I think it started in the first grade.

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?
I stand on the side of the road holding a sign that reads, “Will write for food.”

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

Stephen Hise lives between two dumpsters behind a seven-eleven, or his “mountain enclave,” as he calls it. He largely passes his time trying out various cough and cold remedies and chasing wildlife through the park.

The incomparable Stephen Hise’s titles include:  UPGRADE – Bodice-ripper with a Twilight-Zone twist; and Creepier by the Dozen – short story anthology written with two of his three children.

You can purchase his books at Smashwords, Amazon.com and at Wordclay. 

THE FUTURE
What are you working on now?
A laser death ray. Early results are not encouraging.

PARTING WORDS
Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?
Expenses and blame.

Where can people learn more about you?

I’m pretty sure most law enforcement agencies have some further information.  

If you're interested in some quick wit, reviews, interviews and interesting guest posts, check out Stephen's blog at http://www.indiesunlimited.com/

Is there anything else you'd like to know about this author, or any questions you'd like added to future interviews?  Let us know...drop us a comment below.