Interview with Stephen cates

Author of Echoes of “The Blue Tango”

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

Born in Lubbock, Texas, I now live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

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

My father was in the navy, and mother was living with my grandparents when I was born.

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

I picked up a copy of a novel by Danielle Steel, read two pages, and said aloud “I can do better than this.” My wife heard me and answered “Well why don’t you?” So, I did, letting her read the first fifty pages; she said “Honey, this is good,” then asked the fatal question “What happens next?” I shrugged my shoulders and got busy turning out daily quotas for her to read. Eventually in six months, I had a first draft which I revised over the next six months before proceeding to get it published.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I attempted to do better than Danielle Steel and, as a first effort, learn how to write a book. It is a story of the love of two people who meet on a cruise and encounter a duplicitous pair who furnish the ultimate conflict.

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

Those who enjoy a good story about people caught in difficult and even hazardous circumstances.

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

Unsolicited feedback from the reader. It amazes me that characters I create can affect people as if they are real. I credit this to the imaginative powers of the reader as much as to any creative skill I may have: it is in the end a collaboration between author and reader.

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

Invent WORD. It is an invaluable tool. I haven’t used Liquid Paper in years. Do they still make it?”

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

Eight Billion.

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

Balancing graduate studies with writing time. Both are important to me, and they compete for my time.

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

My degree in English and my graduate studies furnish me with a background for the continuing honing of the craft. I learn something new everyday.

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

I do everything slow. I like to think that quality outranks quantity.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’ve got 95,000 words on “Novel #2” but doubt it will be ready for publication until next summer. I’m almost halfway on my Masters and will have to concentrate on a thesis at some point.

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

Authorhouse.