Very excited to share with you this Author Spotlight on fellow Independent Author Cody L. Martin. Cody has been kind enough to answer my quick fire questions and to share some personal and professional insights with us.
How long have you been writing?
Off and on for about sixteen years.
I wrote my
first full-length screenplay in high school. After that, I began to write more
of them; starting out as fanfics for TV shows I liked, then moving on to
original works. About four years ago, I decided to write shorts stories as
taking a break from screenplays. When I decided to become an independent
author, I turned one of my original screenplays into my first novel. Adventure Hunters is the result.
Who has most influenced or inspired your writing?
He is the author I read the most
and his book On Writing is pretty
much my writing Bible. The way he writes characters, using their voice in the
POVs, it’s amazing. In a roundabout way, George Lucas and Steve Jobs, since
they brought about technology that has let anyone become an author. Also,
screenwriter Syd Field and his book Screenplay.
I learned about structure and outlining from his book. It’s been invaluable.
What is your most favourite book and why?
That’s a tough one but the the book that sprung
to mind first was The Cold Moon by
Jeffery Deaver. He’s a master of plot twists and The Watchmaker was such a neat
villain.
What are you currently working on?
The Super
School Uniform.
In it, a Japanese middle high
school students gains an alien suit that gives her superpowers. She must stop
an alien race from transforming the Earth into a copy of their homeworld. It’s
been harder to write than I expected but I will finish it. I’ve included
cultural notes based on my experiences as a junior high assistant English
teacher in Japan, I’m hoping the readers will gain a little insight into the
school system and culture.
What is your favourite genre to read and to
write?
Action and science-fiction.
I actually watch
more movies than read, so I try to write novels that would match a movie I’d
want to watch. I like these genres because they are such escapisms. When I read
or watch a movie, I don’t want to be reminded about how bad the real-world is.
I want to get away, away to worlds and characters that are bigger than life.
What tips would you give readers when choosing a
book?
With an ebook, download the sample. That’s why
they are there. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, especially sci-fi and
fantasy. There are some gorgeous covers on bad books. As well as bad covers on
good books. Read the first few chapters, skip to a few pages in the middle.
What tip would you give authors when promoting
their books?
Get help! Hahaha. I’m not good at promoting, so
I’m glad to have a support group like Master Koda on Facebook.
Other than writing do you have any other
passions/ hobby's or jobs?
My current job is teaching at an English cram
school in Japan. I really like it. As for any other passions, probably music
from Hello! Project, an umbrella name for different artists under the same
company. Artists include Morning Musume (my all-time favorite singers), Berryz
Kobou, and C-ute. Watching movies as well and spending as much time as I can
with my wife Yoko (which, sadly, isn’t nearly enough).
What's your dream?
To become a full-time writer. If I could get
paid enough to do it all the time, I’d quit my job and write. With each book
I’m trying to be better and better.
If you could write a book with any famous
author, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My first impulse was to say Stephen King since
he’s my favorite writer, but I’m a huge fan of Jeffery Deaver as well. He’s a
master at plots and he outlines and plans his stories, as do I. I think I’d
learn a lot about structuring and outlining by working with him.
Have you any big writing plans for 2013?
I’ll just be happy to get my second book published.
What is the best review of your work you've
received to date?
Is there anything else you would like to share
or tell us?
Support independent authors. (I don’t like the
word indies). Leave reviews, ratings, comments, anything. The publishing
industry is changing and whatever we can do to increase the quality of our
work, we will do. But we can’t do it without readers letting us know what works
and what doesn’t.
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Do remember to stalk, connect, hook up and support Cody:
Twitter Handle: @kitamurafan
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/cody.martin.52
Blog/ Website: http://codylmartin.blogspot.jp
Here are some links to my stuff:
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