Interview with David V Mammina

Author of The Angels of Resistance

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Greetings. I’ve always been a New Yorker, or perhaps more, a Long Islander.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

My family decided that Brooklyn was fine for them, but Long Island was better for the family when I made my dramatic entrance into their young lives.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve always loved writing. In fact, as a young lad with a speech impediment, writing became my preferred form of expression. Of course, my speech pathologists helped me control my speech, but the written expression remained. It was in my last years of high school that a great English teacher inspired me to write down the fantasies in my heart and head. Though it took me five long years, and years of edits long after, my first epic novel was born.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My work could be characterized as dark fantasy epics. The Angels of Resistance and Redeem the Knight easily fall into that Game of Thrones meets Mad Max read. Paltronis is more of a young adult fantasy novella about a ghost knight fighting for justice in the kingdom he had once lived. Finally, the odd child out, Protector of Children is a psychological thriller about an assassin diagnosed with schizophrenia who challenges his secret society in order to protect a child he believes he saw in his recurring dreams.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I find that anyone could read and get engrossed in my tales based on my writing style, but perhaps fantasy and science fiction lovers would get the best experience.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I learned that writing the story, in my opinion, is the easiest part. The editing, marketing and selling is a whole different experience—altogether. I’m still learning the art of the deal!

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Don’t publish your work until five friends and five strangers have read it first. Gage your audience and writing style. But…in the end, enjoy the beautiful ride and build your world.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Millions! Billions! Am I reaching too high here?

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest challenge has been, as an indie author, reaching and building my fan base along with finding those elusive reviews. Oh, those elusive reviews.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Allow me to share my strengths in the writing endeavor. In writing, my style can accommodate almost any reader type with good flow and pacing. I use Lulu Publishing and they have been lovely partners in my journey. My strength in marketing includes my person to person rapport with readers and authors alike in Book Cons and Comic Cons. I just love connecting with people in person.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Ooh my weaknesses in writing can be found in my editing. It’s been my Achilles Heal—having to edit my books over five times before they are perfect. My kink in my publishing armor would be the rushing of the whole process. I can’t wait for it to have life—though I need to be more patient if I wish for it to succeed!

When do you think you will write your next book?

I believe I ran the race of novels for now. Currently, I’m writing a compilation book of short stories. It’s been a rewarding experience to compile these diverse tales.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am an indie author at heart.