Interview with Tom Drinkard

Tom Drinkard

Interview Date: 6/15/2012

Biography

Thomas Rowe Drinkard was born and reared in Alabama. He graduated from the University of North Alabama with a degree in English. At graduation, he was commissioned an Army second lieutenant. Within two years he completed parachute school and was selected for the U.S. Army Special Forces (the Green Berets).
After his active duty, he found his way into teaching and writing in the securities exam preparation business. Many of his articles and texts are currently in use.
"Tom is now a full-time writer/ part-time editor. He is the author of Piety and Murder, Where There Were No Innocents and the novella, V Trooper - First Mission. He is also the author of a chapbook of Vietnam poetry, Finding the Way Home.
A sequel novella, V Trooper - Second Mission - The Demon and a new novel, Overload will be published by the end of April, 2012." Two additional novels are works in progress." I'm adding three books to the Spring <$5.00 collection.


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I’ve been storytelling since the first grade. During the time I was in the Army, my writing was confined to military subjects, but after I became a civilian again, poetry came to me, then prose.


If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would be reasonably "powerful.")

Mind control.

Kev's response: Sooo many applications...!


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

Superman. He’s the ultimate, with just enough vulnerability.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

Daily news and societal trends.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

Mostly, I’m a “pantser.”


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

As a “pantser,” I tend to work best when the muse is speaking to me.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

I enjoy action/adventure, although any genre (except romance/erotica) can hold my attention if it’s well-written.

Kev's response: Well, those are generally geared toward the ladies, aren't they? Action! Explosions! Excitement! Evil plots! That's what we're made of.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

Getting the characters to tell me their stories so that I can relay them to my readers.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

Getting people from one exciting part of the story to another pulse-pounding section without boring the reader. Finding a way to maintain the tension, even during mundane, connective-tissue sections.


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

At the moment, I’m confined to my recliner, a wheelchair and a walker. I was in a serious car wreck on April 18 and broke a leg. Surgery was required. Odd, for me, because I’ve never been disabled before.

Kev's response: Sorry to hear that, Tom. I'm all-too-familiar with pain, between a bad L2-L5 section in my lower vertebrae to injuring myself all too often during weight lifting. (No pain, no gain, right? RIGHT?!) Hope you are back on your feet soon!


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

At the moment, I have two novels that are completed and waiting for their final edits. I have cover art for both. “Overload” will be published before the end of June. “Devil’s Blade” is tentatively scheduled for mid-August. I have two WIP novels and a beginning novella.


I'm looking to advertise for evil minions for my plot to take over the world, any suggestions?

Craig’s List?

Kev's response: Fantastic! I've never considered that option, and it's countrywide at the least!


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

Digital is the future. Yes, there will always be paper books. Many people enjoy riding horses, but their primary means of transportation isn’t fueled by hay.

Kev's response: Good analogy.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

Three things: 1) Write a good, well-constructed book. 2) Find a good editor/proofreader and follow his/her advice. 3) Get a good cover. One may not be able to tell the book by the cover, but the buying decision for a shopper will most frequently be influenced—positively or negatively—by the cover


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

I am a member of a group, www.independentauthornetwork.com , that does a great job in assisting indie authors in publicizing their books. I also maintain a blog, called Pinnacle Writing at http://brinson1.wordpress.com . Thank you for inviting me to your blog.
Here is Tom's direct Autor page at IAN: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/thomas-drinkard.html.

Kev's response: Tom, thank you for your time, and I wish you the best on your books! I hope your leg heals soon, too. (Next time, I advise against stopping the other car by running in front of it....)



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