Why did you choose to write in your genre?
I am fortunate that I can write multiple genres, but the one I return to most often is mystery/thriller. I love them, both as a writer and reader. I have been fond of mysteries since I was a kid, inspired by Encyclopedia Brown and Scooby Doo. As I got older, the thriller aspect of mysteries appealed to me. I love the danger, the suspense, and the action as much as the mystery. Of course, all of these stories begin and end with the characters. Putting characters I love in these type of stories is one of my favorite things to do. I trust they will help me tell the best story.
Are you a full-time or part-time writer, and how does that affect your writing?
At the moment, I am a full-time writer. Several years back, the corporate job I worked was purchased by another entity and we were all laid off. I was already a published author at that time, so I figured, if there was ever a time to try to make a full-time go at it, that was the moment. It’s a great job, though a bit feast or famine at times. I love it.
What have you written so far?
At last count, I have 211 published credits spread across novels, comic books, short stories, graphic novels, essays, novellas, audio dramas, and film scripts. I am in a fortunate position to write in multiple genres and mediums. I never get bored or feel like I’m in a rut.
Do you work with an outline or plot sketch, or do you prefer to let a general idea guide your writing?
Unless I’m doing a work-for-hire or media tie-in story, I have a loose plot and a good grasp of the characters involved. I then allow the characters to lead me in the direction the story needs them to go. That bit of spontaneity allows for discovery as the story unfolds. This is where my characters really start talking to me. Some amazing developments have occurred in this stage of writing for me.
Work-for-hire and media tie-in projects are a bit different as they tend to require plot approval before writing begins. In those instances, I write a more detailed plot.
I am not good with outlines. I’ve tried, but they just don’t work for me. By the time I complete the outline and go to write the story, I feel like I’ve already told the story and am ready to move on to the next. Not a good method for me. I have writer friends who swear by their outlines. Different strokes.
What role does research play in your writing?
I love research. I have spent time studying various jobs my characters hold. Sometimes, this is online or book research. Other times, it means visiting people that do the job in real life. I’ve spent time with FBI agents, Secret Service agents, doctors, nurses, a forensic photographer, police officers, private detectives, and more. Hearing people talk about their jobs grabs me in a way that simply reading about it does not.
I also like to research locations, whenever possible. Visiting places where I can set scenes. That’s fun for me though I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like.
Did you independently or “self” publish, or did you go the “traditional” publishing route, and why?
I do both. When I started, self-publishing was not as readily accepted as it is today so my first works went the traditional route. My first novel found a home with a small press. It turned out to be a horrible publishing experience, but I had a book in hand that I used to talk with other publishers and editors. When my contract expired, I released a new version of that first novel, Evil Ways, myself. When I did the sequel, I self-pubbed it as well to keep them under the same banner. A few years later, I had a similar experience with Snow Falls. When I got my rights returned to me, I released them myself under my BEN Books banner. That was when my self-publishing imprint really started taking shape. Today, I do both traditional and self-publishing. I’m happy doing things this way.
How do you market or promote your books and what strategies (e.g. social media, email, blog tours, in-person, etc.) have demonstrated the most success for you?
I am always trying new promotional ideas. I write and send out press releases to news outlets and bookstores, I keep my websites, newsletter, and Patreon regularly updated. I do podcasts, interviews, on-line discussion panels, utilize social media, and more. One of my most successful strategies is in person. Meeting readers at conventions and writing conferences, local literary events, and when I visit libraries, bookstores, and centers for the arts has been the best way to connect with readers and sell books. Building word of mouth does wonders. I try to get readers talking about my work, my books, and me.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
First and foremost, have fun. Very few writers are making big bucks, so this is not something you get into for the money. You have to love it. Sometimes, the money will follow. Sometimes, it won’t. Love what you do.
That said, if you want to make a go at writing as a career you have to treat it like one. When I started, I treated writing like a hobby. I wrote what I wanted, when I wanted, in whatever format I wanted. Nothing wrong with that, if writing was my hobby. I wanted writing to be my career. I was given a great piece of advice. You want writing to be your job, then treat it like a job. I go to the office every day, whether I feel like it or not. I have deadlines. They have to be met. Sometimes, this means sacrificing a trip to the movies or sleep. This change in my thinking allowed my career to start moving forward.
Set attainable goals for yourself. Goal one could be to finish the first draft. Once that’s done, celebrate meeting the goal. Then, start working toward the next goal. Maybe that’s finishing rewrites. Then getting it published. Goals help you keep moving forward. Reaching and celebrating them will inspire you to keep going.
Tell us more about your main character. What inspired you to develop this character?
I have several MC’s, but today, I’ll talk about Tom Myers. Tom Myers is the sheriff of Sommersville, a small Georgia town inn Sommers County when we first meet him in my debut novel, Evil Ways. Sheriff Myers is not the main character. He’s a secondary character. Important, but it’s not his story. I liked him but never planned anything more with him. My novel, Deadly Games! Returned readers to Sommersville and as I wrote the story, a little voice in my head kept saying, “Isn’t this where someone would call the cops?” Myers and his deputies joined that book. They were still not the main characters though. Over the years, Myers would whisper in my ear, wondering when he was going to get his own book. The character’s persistence paid off because eventually I found the perfect plot for this character and In The Wind was born. Now, there are three Myers led novellas in print and more on the way. It’s to the character’s persistence that this new series exists. Always trust your characters.
Do you listen to or talk to your characters?
I listen to them far more than they listen to me. Heh. Much like their creator, my characters tend to have minds of their own and do what they want, no matter how much I protest. At the end of the day, though, the characters know best. Always trust your characters.
Want to learn more about Bobby Nash?
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