Dwayne Anderson, author of the young adult science fiction novel, PARTIALLY HUMAN, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!Dwayne G. Anderson was born in Humboldt , Saskatchewan on September 23, 1982 . He spent much of his life in Naicam where he was raised. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age sixteen, Dwayne’s experiences with being different made him into the man he is today, one who is determined to face and overcome whatever challenges life throws at him. These experiences gave him the inspiration to write “Partially Human”.
Dwayne enjoys writing as it has become a way for him to express his thoughts. He tends to write stories with a hidden powerful message to inspire those who read his work.
You can visit his website here!
Welcome to Author Talks, Dwayne! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?
I grew up in Naicam where I currently live today, though I plan to move to the city in a few years because there are much more opportunities available in the city than in a small town. I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 16, yet I'm determined to make something of myself despite the constant doubts of others.
Before I wrote books, I wrote fiction for the rugrats and futurama. The links to them are available on my website. I've been writing books since September of 2001.
Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it?
Partially Human was based on my own experiences with Asperger Syndrome and how it changed my life. Like me, the main character's life was thrown in a new direction and people started to treat him differently after something about him is discovered and revealed.
What kind of research was involved in writing PARTIALLY HUMAN?
Most of the places in Los Angeles are real because I found them online. The only place I made up entirely was the Warris Heaven. I also included information on the Rodney King beating, blacks first coming to America, and a history of prejudice.
How much input did you have into the design of your book cover?
The publisher did all the work on it, though I don't really mind, I didn't know what to put on it, and I can't draw.
Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing?
It was difficult getting a publisher for this book because every publisher I sent it to rejected it. The only publisher that did accept it went out of business before publication was completed. Then I found Infinity Publishing and from then on, it was smooth sailing.
For this particular book, how long did it take from the time you signed the contract to its release?
Publication with Infinity Publishing takes between 6 to 9 weeks from when you send in the signed contract.
Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?
I do not have an agent. What would I need one for anyway?
Do you plan subsequent books?
Yes, two romances, another general fiction, two science fiction, and a fantasy.
Are you a morning writer or a night writer?
It varies on when I have some free time on my hands.
If money was no object, what would be the first thing you would invest in to promote your book?
Advertising in newsletters, on sites, and what else fits my budget.
How important do you think self-promotion is and in what ways have you been promoting your book offline and online?
No matter which publisher you use, it is the author's duty to promote his or her own work cause nobody knows it better than the author.
I have my own website, I've advertised on sites, in newsletters, gotten my book listed on several sites(currently submitting to more), going on Virtual Book Tour, gotten interviewed by my local paper, and joined a book club.
Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?
Choose a publisher that offers outstanding service, quality products, bookstore returns, all at an affordable price.
Thank you for coming, Dwayne! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book?
The book can be purchased at Infinity Publishing's online bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. I'm sure there are other places, but these are the major retailers. You can find the links to purchase my book at these sites at my website.
Thank you for coming, Dwayne! If you would like a chance to win a copy of PARTIALLY HUMAN, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!
Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Dwayne G. Anderson
