A great many authors who come through here write epic quests through fantastic worlds. Today’s author, RK Gold, is a little different. He’s written a highly political novella in a world almost identical to our own. I don’t see a lot of political fiction–or a lot of politics in most speculative fiction–so I’m very excited to welcome RK to the blog.
Please give RK Gold a warm welcome.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your book, Just Under The Sky?
I wrote Just Under the Sky when I was living in Montana. I had just graduated college and wanted to explore the west. Being surrounded by some amazing sights I could not help but immerse my fiction in the wilderness.
Here’s the blurb:
You are invited on a ride you’ll surely not forget. R.K. Gold brings us Just Under the Sky, a novella commenting on harsh political turmoil. Jasper and McMichaels work as journalists trying to cover up the looming food shortage happening in their village secluded in the mountains. One day, Jasper wakes up in the uncertain forest lingering by his home and from there has to find his way back through the ever changing landscape. Two friends trudge through this mystical place as they are forced to confront of the importance of their village.
2. When did you first realize you wanted to pursue writing as more than a hobby?
End of January/Start of February 2014. I had just gotten in a bad car accident while stopped at a red light. This helped me realize that even if you are doing absolutely nothing wrong, your life could end in an instant. So I decided to pursue the one constant in my life- my love for writing.
3. What inspired you to focus on such a heavily political story for your first novella?
I’m not sure. It just sort of happened. My first priority was writing an enjoyable story. From there I focused on the smaller details that could open up political discussion. I am heavily influenced by the work of Robert Reich, so his beliefs have rubbed off on me.
4. Can you give us a brief rundown of your writing process?
I treat writing like I would a typical job. As I described to some of my friends, a lawyer wouldn’t call himself/herself a lawyer if they practiced law only when they were feeling inspired. I aim to write anywhere from 1500-3000 words per day (usually I get around 2000). If I am having trouble getting started I have a work station at my kitchen table, next to a large window; so when I sit there my mind knows it’s time to get to work.
5. What is the most challenging part of the writing process for you and how do you make it easier for yourself?
Finishing the book is by far the most difficult part of writing. The closer you get to the end, the easier it is to slack off and convince yourself you’ll just get to it later. I can probably write half a manuscript faster than the last chapter.
6. Do you believe in writer’s block? If so, how do you conquer it? If not, why not?
I luckily have never suffered from it, but I believe it exists. I am just lucky I guess. Also, I’m convinced it’s impossible to have writer’s block if you have a dog. After three miles through the city with him my mind can’t stop working.
7. Just Under The Sky is a novella. Are you working on any full length novels?
Yes, I have 9 manuscripts in different phases of editing at this point in time. Just Under the Sky is one of only two novellas. The longest book I have written is just shy of 100 thousand words.
8. What type of marketing do you find most successful?
I thankfully work with a publisher (Weasel Press) who cares deeply about the success of their writers. So I would say just find a publisher who really believes in you and your book will sell.
9. If you could give an aspiring author just one piece of advice, what would it be?
Read every day, write every day, and Google every question you have. I guess getting a dog isn’t a bad idea either. I wake up at 5:30 every morning now because of Logan and those extra hours really add up to my overall writing output.
10. What are you working on next that readers can look forward to?
I have two books due to come out in 2016 at the moment. The first is a violent novella titled Brinwood, which is about a man’s return to his hometown after it was taken over by a religious cult. The second is a full length novel titled God Hates You Too, which is about a man’s obsession with killing God.
R.K. Gold is an internationally published poet and author. Born in Buffalo, NY he eventually graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelors degree in English. An avid fan of commercial fiction he will often state his two literary heroes are Kurt Vonnegut and Stephen King.
Gold published his first book, Just Under the Sky with Weasel Press and hopes to one day not only carve out his own magical realism niche in the literary world, but to also stand out for philanthropic endeavors.