Socialpunk is very reflective of today's social media-driven world in terms of artists, curators, and influencers. It's definitely a physical reincarnation of the digital media world. I love the social media concepts embedded in the book and was inspired to write a cyberpunk novel.
What was your first published work?
A book called Social Pollination, about digital media and strategy. It was published in English and French.
What inspires you in both writing and life?
I wouldn't say any one thing helps me stay inspired, because that doesn't create anything new. You create new things by combining inspirations from all sorts of different sources and then adding your own touch or twist. But if you want to be inspired, you should expose yourself to all sorts of media - books, television, movies, radio, art museums, you name it. If you are writing one book you should consume at least ten books, ten movies, ten TV shows, ten songs, etc. to prepare. It doesn't matter if they are related or not - in fact, the more diverse, the better. And how much fun is it that I just told you to watch TV in order to do work? You're welcome for that.
What made you want to get into writing, and more specifically the marketing angle of what you do?
I feel like I mostly write because I can't help it. I love to write and that's how I express myself, day in and day out. I can never understand how people want to be writers or authors when they don't write. I always think, "Then why aren't you writing every day?" I organically average at least 2,000 words a day writing. When I'm finishing up a manuscript, I average closer to 5,000 words a day.
The marketing angle comes from my work background and education. After spending years as a Marketing Director at various start-ups, I now consult writers on getting word-of-mouth marketing for their books. I've helped improve the writing of an Inc. 50 CEO, a late-night TV show host, and several A-list bloggers. I also specialize in independent book marketing via blogger outreach. You can learn more about me at proseonfire.com.
Looking at your career up to this point, is there anything you would change, or anything you would do differently given the opportunity?
Not really, I don't have any regrets. I would maybe have started writing fiction sooner. I only have two books published and another one in the cooker... I'd love to have a huge backlist by now. The people with the most success seem to have that. Maybe in five years or so!
What's next for you, both writing and career-wise?
More fiction and more non-fiction writing. I would go crazy if I just did one or the other. I like that my marketing business is all about strategy, and that I'm able to provide a ton of value to would-be writers. For example, I have free e-mail consultations that are killer - they are getting really popular, actually. One allows you to ask three questions about writing, publishing, and/or marketing a book. I send back detailed answers. The other is for writers with a manuscript - they can upload their first 1,000 words and receive detailed feedback on how to make their book more hooking.
Novel writing is what I do for fun, but it also ties into my business nicely, I suppose. I am working on a better balance between the two at the moment, and considering doing more serialized fiction so I can get my fiction out and into the world faster. I spend a lot more of my time on my writing consults and editing services, at this time.
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