An
Interview with Gary Carter
To start this off, why
don't you give an idea of what the book is about?
For years mankind has pondered the existence of Dragons,
extraterrestrials,
UFO's, Stonehenge, Nazca, the pyramids and countless other unexplained phenomena. JUMP START ties all of these things together in
one easy-to-read
book. Although a science fiction thriller, my novel should give everyone interested in the mysteries of humanity's past something new
to chew on. Billed
as "The Book with all the Answers", JUMP START will give you just that.
Where did you grow up and
was reading and writing a part of your life?
I grew up in National City, California, a suburb of San Diego, back in
the days when
both were small towns. I did read a lot, and was sports editor for both my high school(Sweetwater) and Junior College(San Diego)newspapers. I have to admit,
however, that at the time I had no inclination towards becoming a novelist. I just liked to read and write.
Who were your earliest
influences and why?
I grew up (again) with Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Issac Asimov as well as Nathaniel Hawthorne,
William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway and all the rest. There weren't too many books I didn't like reading, and my taste runs
through all the
genres even today.
What would a typical day be like
for a writer?
Hectic, especially for
a new one. Right now I'm into the promotion of my book, which is taking as much (or more) time than it did to write it.
Before being
published, however, I would get up in the morning and attack the typewriter first thing, working at least four-five hours a day, six days
a week (sometimes
seven) and then taking the rest of the day off for other chores, usually being brain dead by the time early afternoon came around. Before I retired I would
work at my craft on my days off (again in the morning) and for at least one hour in the evening. Not fully retired now, I
make the time
to write. You have to love it to do it. Like any other occupation it requires a great deal of sacrifice to become successful, and I
still have a
long way to go.
How long have you
been writing and in what capacities?
I have been writing (off and on) for over 40 years, having to help raise a family and pay
the bills in the interim. I became serious about seven years ago, bowing out of management at work and opting for a 40 hour a
week job so I
would have more time to write, and study, the art of writing. Now "semi-retired", I have been able to devote more energy to the craft,
hoping for that
day when I can devote the majority of my time to writing.
Which is more difficult
to write - Fiction or nonfiction and why?
Fiction, in my opinion.
You start with nothing and must end up with something. In non-fiction at least you have a subject to start with.
Has there ever been a time
when you wanted to throw in the towel and give up? And if so, how did you defeat those instincts?
Wow. There are so many, over such a long period
of time, I can't count them all. I've never been a quitter and, though many times despondent, I've always come back to writing, telling myself I
just have to work and study harder at it. And I've had great support from my wife, Nancy, over the years as well as family and friends, and especially
other writers.
What is the hardest
part about being a writer?
For me, finding the time to write is the hardest part. I have to work
(part time) and
I have other obligations. Now, at the start of promoting my book, I have had to put writing aside (once again) to help get JUMP START
off its feet.
But not for long. A few more things and hopefully I'll be back in front of the typewriter where I belong, and where I am happiest. Also,
the rejection
you get from agents and publishers. They can be very callous and uncaring, not to mention a lot of who are nothing more than scam
artists. You
definitely have to have a thick skin to get through it all and survive.
Do you have any hobbies?
What are they? How do they enhance your writing?
I enjoy fishing, golfing and hiking, and other outdoor sports. These types of recreation allow my mind to clear and give
me time to work the kinks out of my stories without feeling pressured (as I would be just sitting behind the typewriter).
Articles and media alike
make it sound as though the only way to rise to the top is to sacrifice. What do you find to be good sacrifices?
I don't think there are any.
What question do you get
asked more than any other?
Where do you find the time to write?
What's the coolest thing
a reader has said to you?
Wow! This is amazing! (The book)
What has been your feedback
from readers? What do they say to you about their interpretations of your book?
That it was well researched and interesting to read.
Do you think that as a
writer you are more prone to watching what goes on around you and observing behaviors than most people are?
Yes, but it's an educated
reaction, rather than something I've always done.
Who are some of the authors
you consider to be "don't miss"?
As mentioned before, I read about everything I get my hands on, and like about everything I
read. I look at it this way: If a publisher is willing to publish a book, then it should be worth reading, otherwise it
wouldn't be out
there.
If one were looking to
start his/her own career as a writer, what would you suggest his/her first step to be?
Start writing, and start studying the art. Unless
you're especially gifted its doubtful you'll publish anything for awhile, so it takes a lot of practice, and a lot of time, study and hard work to
learn the craft, like any other occupation. At least it did for me.
What kind of movies
do you enjoy?
Anything well done, from science fiction to romance, across all genres.
What is your favorite city
to visit, but one that you wouldn't want to live in?
Reno, Nevada.
What's the best part of
being a writer?
Seeing your book in print, and hearing that others enjoyed reading your words.
What's next?
I'm working on a suspense/thriller
entitled "For the Good of the Many", where a Vietnam era soldier's past comes back to haunt him.
