Interview with Gregory Coffin

Author of The Gospel of Reason; Sterling Honor; A Social Carol; The Justified Trilogy

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

Rapid City, SD

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

Though not growing up especially religious, I still heard often of God and Jesus. Even when my family was not dogmatically following them, they were still lauded as as good, even the best and the ultimate standards of, and creators of the good. As a child, I thought that there were parts of the biblical narrative that I disagreed with, in particular why were some things sin and deserving of Hell even though no one was hurt. I never got a satisfactory answer as to why there was a problem. For a time I tried to obey and accept the ‘mysterious ways’ and ‘the human mind cannot understand’ mentalities, but I could not stop the thought that there had to be standards beyond what was God-based. A better narrative that showed there is an objective standard of the good was needed, and to counter a book I thought a book would be best. In addition, I’ve had a creative part of which used to be sated with other artistic venues, but I tried writing in a class for my undergrad, and I liked writing.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I follow the Classic Greek standard that art should either move your heart or your mind. In some way the experience of the work should leave the reader different. Through various situations, ideas are represented in the ways that people clash and exert different influences upon one another. Depending on which story is being told, how much more the scale may weigh on one side or the other between emotional and intellectual, but every story has both and will leave you different from before you read my stories.

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

My stories have an overarching theme of the main characters battling the self-direction of their individualism, against the expected role-fitting that others want for them. Along with those individual battles, are the broader philosophical issues battling against one another. Each reader has their personal battles which are themselves battles common in humanity.

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

How involved and tedious editing can be.

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

To start writing earlier.

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

The four books I’ve completed so far have some overlap, but also have more specific audiences. Practically, I’d like to sell to as many as possible, but my focus is on having an audience that gets moved in the intellectual-emotional manner I created the work to elicit.

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

I’ve earned my undergad, and have continued to earn my Masters and am finishing my PhD while I’ve written my books.

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

I am a better writer than marketer, by far.

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 ideas for multiple books, and am working on one while still earning my PhD.

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

Self-published.