Interview with Eric Tressler

Author of The Cannibals of Chaufant

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

I was born and grew up in Pocatello, Idaho. Our family moved to Central California and that is where I am currently living.

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

The story that brought me from there to here is a long and winding one. It includes several other states, the District of Columbia, France and eventually back to California.

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

I had done a little bit of writing and reading along that long and winding way. I have an active imagination and consider myself marginally creative. The Cannibals of Chaufant is my first book. It was conjured up while traveling through the back roads of Nevada and California, something we’ve done a lot of over the years. I decided to write the story down and made a goal to publish it.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Since writing it and seeing the reaction of some close friends and family, I think the book is an easy read. The cannibalism is the antagonist of the story and a little bit scary, but the story has some good humorous sub-plots that one friend said made her want the story “not to end.”

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

I think there is something in the book for everyone. It covers a lot of ground and delves into a lot of good subject matter.

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

It has made me want to write more. I have some other stories in mind and I hope I can get them written. I found the writing process personally rewarding and fun. The publishing part was new to me, but after getting some rejections with traditional publishers. I found that self-publishing was easier than I expected.

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

Pay closer attention to grammar and spelling. Thank goodness I found a good editor to help me. She was amazing.

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

When you read the Cannibals of Chaufant you will find I touch on some philosophical subjects that I hope a lot of people will relate to. I’d like to reach out to everyone in some way.

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

Making the time to write and having the discipline to write more often and more consistently.

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

At this point, I don’t feel like I have any strengths when it comes to writing, publishing and marketing. I am a pretty good typist and I have a good imagination.

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

a) I’m a total novice. b) ditto c) ditto

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am in the process of writing it now. I have a good idea and I am excited about getting it out there.

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

I guess I used a hybrid publisher?