Author Bio:
I was born in Trinidad & Tobago in the 60’s and emigrated to the U.S. in the 70’s. Music and writing was always in my blood – and still is. After a 30 year journey of playing in rock bands and releasing albums, I took a break a few years ago to concentrate on my writing. The six books I’ve authored (two novels, two novellas, a collection of short stories and a book of non-fiction) are all available on Amazon. They run the gamut from drama to horror to science fiction to non-fiction. I currently have another book of non-fiction in the works. I’m also the proud author of five screenplays and regularly contribute to my blog when time permits.
What inspires you to write?
Boredom inspires me to write. Seriously. Whenever I run into a patch of time where I'm inactive, I go into spasm mode. It almost feels like if I don't put pen to paper, I'll burst into flames. World injustices also inspire me to write; it's almost like I have an obligation to represent in words the thoughts and beliefs of those who are unable to do that, whether it is because they're uneducated, troubled or caught between a rock and a hard place.
Tell us about your writing process.
I wing my short stories a lot. Sometimes, I get the ball rolling on a theme then stand back and watch as the story fills itself out. For my screenplays, novellas and novels, I have to do an outline. Like they say, mysteries are written backwards, so it behooves me to plot the narrative as succinctly as possible. The characters I utilize are 3D; that is, they're actually modeled after real people. Capt. Weick from "Stranded in Paradise" was written with Gene Hackman in mind. PI Gregory Angelicus from "Murder in Rock & Roll Heaven" was written for Will Smith. Ingrid Werner from "Iron Maiden" was designed as a vehicle for Mariah Carey. The five delinquent kids in "Strung Out" were modeled after people I knew in real life. Det. Michael LaTour in "Little Hammer" was written with Wesley Snipes in mind.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I'm sure if I started talking to my characters, a paddy wagon would pull over toot suite and cart me off to a loony bin somewhere. I do keep in mind, however, that each character will respond differently to whatever scenarios they face. Gregory Angelicus, for instance, clowns around a lot and has to be put back in place every so often by other characters.
Who are your favorite authors?
Ayn Rand
Upton Sinclair
Ivan Turgenev
Edgar Allen Poe
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I searched and found a known publishing house for my first book, "Wetland & Other Stories." After I saw how the professionals operate, and using my own background in proof reading, I felt confident enough to publish all subsequent books on Amazon Kindle.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think there'll always be a market for brick and mortar stores alongside ebooks. I suppose it's like anything. Most people have kitchens but they still go out to restaurants. Tons of people have flat screen LED TV's but they still go to the movies. Buses and trains are everywhere but folks continue to rev up their own engines all day long.
What genres do you write?
General, horror, science fiction, mystery, non-fiction, fantasy, crime
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Robin Ray Home Page Link
Follow Robin Ray On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Facebook
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.