Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
I usually have music playing while I write. I turn on satellite radio and pick a channel. Usually something light or familiar since it basically becomes background noise. Classic rock usually works well. I also visit the Elvis and Tom Petty channels often. The familiar tunes relax me and let the creativity flow.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
At last count, I had 211 published stories. That’s across novels, comic books, audio dramas, scripts, essays, and the like. It’s hard to pick a favorite because, on some level, aren’t they all my favorites? My usual go-to answer for this question is EVIL WAYS because that was my first published novel, so it holds a special place in my heart. It’s also the most “me” of anything I’ve written because I really didn’t know what I was doing when I wrote it. There are things I would do a bit different if I wrote it today. Evil Ways opened a lot of doors for me that allowed me to work for a number of publishers. I’ve worked fairly steadily since its release in 2005.
Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?
I haven’t done it but have considered it. I’m considering it now for a project I’m in the early stages of putting together. It’s different from the sort of thing I normally write so the idea of writing it under a pseudonym is appealing. Of course, it would probably be the world’s worst kept secret. I’m not good at not promoting my work.
Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?
Once or twice. Knowing a character is a favorite makes me want to put them in peril because the audience cares about them. The decision to kill a character isn’t one I take lightly, but I have to take the story where it leads. Sometimes, I regret it. Other times, it works out better because the story goes in a new direction and the characters are affected in ways that make the story better. We’re all here in service of the story.
Have you ever traveled as research for your book?
Yes. I love to travel and have visited places for research. During the pandemic quarantine, my dad and I started taking long drives. We stayed in the car and drove. It helped us get out of the house while remaining isolated. We visited many new locations and some of them ended up in my books. I took a lot of photos. I used to jokingly point out great locations to hide bodies, which happens in my mystery and thriller titles.
How many hours a day do you write?
It varies. I’m in the office anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a day. Sometimes more. That’s not all writing though. Being a writer is my “day job” so time is spent on admin duties as well as writing. I answer emails, update websites and social media, create ads, write press releases, write pitches for publishers, set up and conduct interviews, podcasts, set up event appearances like conventions, libraries, bookstores, conferences, and more, order books, keep up inventory, bookkeeping and taxes, and other business odds and ends. That’s the business side of writing. It’s all important, but it’s not writing. I had to learn how to balance it.
What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
Have fun with it. Write what you enjoy. Try not to force it. Do what works for you. You can always edit, and course correct but write the story you have a passion to tell. Decide what you want out of your writing and set attainable goals accordingly. Do you want writing to be your career? Is it a hobby? Both are perfectly valid paths, but how you do it is different for each.
What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
Characters. Always characters. The basics plots are a dime a dozen. A friend of mine used to say that story is what happens when plot and characters meet, and this is absolutely true. You can drop three different characters into the same plot, and you will get three different stories because the characters will react to the plot differently. Your character drives the plot.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I don’t understand the question. 🙂
Usually, when I’m not writing, I’m making art. Reading, watching TV, and sleeping are also enjoyable pastimes I enjoy.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Learn how to promote yourself and your work. We are usually told as kids that bragging is bad so many writers feel uneasy talking about their work. An author I admire told me once, “who cares more about your work than you?” in terms of promotion. She was right. No one has as much passion for my book or characters. I use the same passion in talking about my work as I did in creating it. Sure, you have to learn to temper it so you aren’t being obnoxious, but I love talking about writing, characters, and publishing. I talk about my work, about the craft, and about the struggles and triumphs. I love what I do so I’m happy to talk about it with anyone who wants to hear it.
Bobby Nash is an award-winning author. He writes novels, comic books, short stories, screenplays, and more. Bobby is a member of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, International Thriller Writers, Southeastern Writers Association, and Atlanta Writers Club. On occasion, he appears in movies and TV shows, usually standing behind your favorite actor. Occasionally, he puts pen to paper and doodles. For more information on Bobby Nash and his work, please visit him at www.bobbynash.com, www.ben-books.com, and across social media.
Links:
http://www.bobbynash.com
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https://www.patreon.com/BobbyNash
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBobbyNash
https://www.twitter.com/bobbynash
https://www.instagram.com/bobbynashwrites
https://www.threads.net/@bobbynashwrites
https://www.pinterest.com/bobbynash
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