Interview with Craig Willis

Author of The Deadly Mondaine

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

I have in Iowa City for the bulk of my life.

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

I was born in Trenton, New Jersey, moved to Philadelphia at age 4, and then to Iowa at 12.

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

In 2012, I started participating in a serious of online writing workshops (MOOCs), and the experiences led me to learning the craft and the planning for a book length work. It was, quite literally, a tale that grew in the telling.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I aim to present unusual characters that appear in usual contexts.

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

My book wears the clothes of the mystery genre, so mystery fans should find them appealing. There are some other slants, which should broaden the appeal.

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

Although I knew objectively that writing was demanding in terms of proofreading, editing, and revising, one does not really get it until one does it.

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

Have confidence in the goal, keep working and don’t get frustrated.

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

As many as will like it.

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

Without a question, marketing.

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

I feel that I do a pretty good job of knowing my characters, and conveying their essences to the readers. I have the ability to focus on the big picture issues of my story, even while working on details. I have no natural aptitude for marketing.

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

Marketing!

When do you think you will write your next book?

I have two in process.

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

I am self-published.