Interview with Martin Golson

Author of Shadow World Revealed

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

I was born in Baton Rouge, LA. After a career int he military, my family settled in Clarksville, TN.

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

My father was a minister when I was growing up. This led him to move every few years. I initially worked in the oil fields, then went into the Army. My family moved around the world with me. As my career in the military was winding down, my wife and I began thinking about where we wanted to settle down. We love the Clarksville area, so we decided to make this our home.

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

I have always been a storyteller. My children grew up listening to my tales. My wife asked me for years to write down some of my stories. I resisted, feeling that by writing the stories I would kill them since they would then only have one version. Finally, I decided to write a story. I found that contrary to my initial beliefs, rather than becoming stagnant and dying, the story and its characters came to life. I feel like I know the characters as well as I know some of my friends. When my wife and I proofread a book, we can tell when a passage doesn’t sound right because it doesn’t match the way that character would act or say something.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are urban fantasy. When a reader opens the first book, they will almost think they have picked up a murder mystery, but there are things about they murder that don’t match up to the realities of our world. The reader soon discovers that people from another world have come to our world and brought their war with them.

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

People with imagination. Anyone who has ever dreamed of magic, dragons, noble warriors, or treacherous villains will enjoy immersing themselves in the world I have created. They will find that courage, strength, and cruelty are not bound to any gender as the women in my stories are just as powerful as the men.

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

I was amazed at how much fun writing can be. It is a lot of work to work through the editing process, but is really fun to get to know the characters in the tale.

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

Get the readers involved in the work. As we publish the second edition of the books, we have invited readers to submit artwork for the book. Some of the art submitted is quite exciting. It also allows for more interaction with the readers.

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

My dream is to someday see a movie created from the tale, allowing millions of people to be drawn into the Shadow World Chronicles.

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

The biggest challenge was coming to terms with the modern publishing process. We initially tried getting published through a traditional publisher, but we found that self-publishing is much more effective for us.

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

a) For writing, my greatest strength is my imagination. I really do know my characters and the lives they lead.

b) For publishing, my greatest strength is my wife. She is amazing at reviewing and setting up the books. Our books are out their because of her hard work.

c) For marketing, my greatest strength is again my wife. She is a human dynamo. She also enjoys using social media and understands how to build a following.

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

a) Procrastination. I have many other things going on in my life. I have to make time to sit down and write the initial draft. Then, it becomes much easier to get the rest done.

b) Honestly, I think we have the publishing down to a system now. I don’t see any issues here.

c) Building a following. I tend to be a fairly private person. If not for my wife, we would probably have very few followers.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am working on it now. It will be Shadow World Reborn.

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

We self-publish.