Could You Tell Us About Yourself ?
My name is Chad and I like to write in the genres of sci-fi, horror, and thriller. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and hold a Masters of Clinical Psychology from Mercer University. My hobbies include football, martial arts and hiking. I’ve been writing my entire adult life, but just recently decided to publish my stories.
What made you write your book (s) ?
My imagination is the best answer I can give. I have always had a vivid imagination, and I realized that storytelling through my writing was a lot of fun. I always enjoy creating, but recently I decided to finish some of them and publish.
What is the first book you remember reading ?
Where the red fern grows. It is the first I can remember that was substantial for my age around 4 or 5.
What’s your favourite book ?
Jack Reacher the Killing Floor. It is the first book in the series and by far my favorite. I really enjoyed the 6th book as well.
Who is your favourite author and why?
Lee Child is my favorite. I love the way that he is able to incorporate the action and building the scene at the same time. Not all authors do that. It feels like watching a movie every time I read the books.
How many hours a day do you write?
It varies on the week. I have a fulltime job as well. Generally, I will sit and write for word count. My goal everytime I sit to write is 1500 – 3000 words. I write in different genres, so the amount of time for each session varies. The easiest for me to write is romance/erotic material followed by horror. I can get 3000 words in about 3 or 4 hours.
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Honestly, I would give up my day job. I love what I do, but to be able to write for a living is a dream of mine.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
The most difficult part is creating the worlds in my books. I use a lot of realistic elements, and I have to do lots of research to make sure I’m getting it right.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose and why ?
Probably Stephen King. I would love to sit with him and just get into his head about how he does so many different types of stories. He intrigues me because I like to write many different stories.
Where do you get your idea (s) for your book (s) ?
Most of them just come to me a while I’m driving, or sometimes a while I’m at work. I just wrote a 300 word synopsis for a story at work based on some real events. I heard people talking about it at lunch and something just clicked. Also, I get the ideas from my dreams.
What is / was your writing process like?
My process is pretty simple, I will play some jazz or hip hop music in the background with the TV on muted and just write. I usually have a beer or cocktail beside me.
Do you try more to be original or rather give readers what they want?
This is a great question. I personally try to be original and true to myself. I have had some people request things or had some reviews of my work make suggestions. But, at the end of the day, I write for the enjoyment of making stories. If people decide to buy and read those then that’s a win for me as well.
How did publishing your (first) book ?
Publishing my first book was a disaster. I had no idea what I was doing, and the finished product was less than ideal. People still enjoyed the story, but honestly, I don’t like how it turned out. Eventually, I’m going to redo the series.
What kind of research do you do and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
My fantasy and horror books get the most research. Well fantasy/sci-fi. I try and incorporate real elements into the stories so some of the research takes months. Like if I do a story about the ocean or in space I research those elements. I was going to do a story about a cruise ship, and I actually made an appointment with a retired captain to get the characters correct. One of my favorite movies, Die Hard with a Vengeance, was so realistic that the writes got a visit from the FBI. That is the kind of realism I’m going for.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
The plot takes me a while. I usually just write what I want to happen and the ending first. Then I fill in the rest. The characters are pretty easy for me to develop. Honestly with most of them I just start writing and remember where I was going for each character.
What’s your favourite and least favourite part of publishing your book (s) ?
The favorite is the finished product (not my first book). It’s also nice when people buy the book and love it. I think I’m my worst critic. The least favorite is marketing. I have self and traditional published, and if you aren’t a large name, you have to market yourself in both instances.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I need my computer, monitor, some music and a TV. Then a few beers. Interestingly, I will write with pen and paper sometimes, then transfer it to the computer.
What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?
Munchies and Coors lite
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I usually go out with my friends for some wings, darts, and bowling.
Do you listen to music while you wrote your book (s) ?
Yes, jazz and hip hop.
What part of the book was the most fun to write? How did you come up with the title for your book (s) ?
Good question. I don’t remember how I came up with the name.
Normally, I just write the book and at some point the name comes to me.
Would you and your main character get along?
In many of my books I think that we would get along.
If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
I would laugh and tell them to stop being so crazy.
Which of the characters in your book (s) do you relate to the most and why?
I would say that Jack in my new book. He is the calmer leader of the group and tries to be understanding. He likes to protect people, and he is focused on helping people.
What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?
My first book went from being on Mars to another galaxy completely.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
For me, I don’t like to hold back when I write, so an adult reader is my ideal.
What did you edit out of your book (s) ?
Nothing. I generally don’t edit out portions of my books. It may make some people uncomfortable, but I have to be true to the story.
What was your hardest scene to write?
I can’t say right now because it’s in the sequel to this book.
How long did it take for you to write a book ?
The shortest was 3 weeks. The longest was 3 years.
What do you hope your readers take away from your book (s) ?
I just want to entertain. Daily life is so difficult, that I hope someone can sit down with my book and just relax into the worlds I create.
Did you get some negative feedback on your book ? and if so how do you deal with that ?
I have. My type of storytelling can be a little offensive to some readers, but that is life. My thing is, if you don’t like it don’t read that part. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the story.
How did you feel when you first published your book (s) ? Scared ? Excited ? Nervous?
All of the above. Seriously, I was scared that I was doing it wrong, excited that my story was out there, and then nervous that people would hate it. I thought about removing my book from circulation when I got my first bad review. It is a very vulnerable place to be in the process.
Where can people who are interested in your book, buy your book ?
My books are available through all sites, Amazon, B&N, Apple, Kobo, etc. The easiest way to find them all is to use my website, http://www.chadwbooks.com, and fill out the contact form. I keep in contact with a newsletter. The other is to follow me on Amazon, just search for Chad Wannamaker.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers?
Currently, I’m working on 3 books. One is a story about the love of family, more of a dramatic type of story. Second, is the follow up to my new book Obsidian Tomorrow:The Storm. Finally, for adults only is a steamy story about a young woman that falls in love with her dad’s friend (based on true events).
After writing your book (s) what is your advice to people who want to become writers?
Just start and keep writing. Don’t worry about word or time goals when you write. Just focus on telling a complete story. Even if you only write 3 words in a day, that is a good day.
What are common traps for aspiring writers and have you faced any of them ?
I did not fall into the trap, but look out for vanity publishing. As a writer the idea of being published traditionally can cloud judgement. If a situation seems too good to be true, it probably is in this industry. There are lots of people that pray on those aspirations.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I read all my reviews. With the good ones it makes me feel happy and proud that someone is enjoying my work. With the bad, I first focus on if it’s a legitimate critique, then I decide if that makes the story better or worse. I tend to ignore the feelings of the comment and focus on if it will make the story better. Honestly, if I feel that it would harm the work, I ignore it. I love that people read and enjoy my work, but if you don’t like it then don’t read it. I will always write to tell the best story.
Is it something more you want to tell us which I forgot to ask about?
Just go out and grab a copy of my new book! Thank you .
Chad Wannamaker Media Links
The Book Corner Chronicles 