Interview with Alain Gomez

Alain Gomez is the author of Payroll, a western romance.

About the Book:

Jimmy Cochran thought that he had left his rough past behind him. But Ralph McCormick, the brother of the man he killed, didn't forget... or forgive... so easily. Jimmy knows he should just hightail it out of town to avoid getting into trouble. That is until Ralph puts the woman he loves into danger...

The Interview

Please tell me 5 things about you.

I live in San Diego. I am a private violin/viola instructor. I hate deadlines which is why I stick to self-publishing e-books. I especially enjoy writing short stories. I like experimenting with a variety of genres including sci-fi, fantasy and western.

What are 3 unique aspects about Payroll?

“Payroll” is a clean western romance. So, for better or for worse, there is no adult content in the book. It’s a novella, so it’s a fast (but fun) read. I originally started writing “Payroll” when I was sixteen. Personally, I think one of the more enjoyable aspects of this story is that it sticks to a basic plotline. I really don’t like needless drama and questionable loopholes in movies and books. “Payroll” is just a boy-meets-girl and then a showdown with the bad guy type book.

Name 5 things you wished you knew about publishing?

Hmm… that’s a tough one. Many of my questions about publishing are things every author wishes they could answer. How do I find my niche audience? What’s the most effective means of marketing to a niche? Is it worth spending the money doing long term advertising? I only publish e-books, but would it be worth it to sell hard copies at some point? Are agents really worth it?

Name 3 things on your bucket list.

I want to visit Australia and at least one Eastern country. I’ve been to Europe several times already so those two places are next. At some point in my life I would like to go canopy surfing. I am also slowly working my way through the piece “Cliffs of Dover” on the guitar. I figure even if it takes me 30 years to learn it, no one could ever question my mad guitar skills.

What are your top 5 favorite books?

I’ve read thousands of books. Many are favorites. But books/stories that have had the most impact on me I would say are: “The Nonesuch” by Georgette Heyer, “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, “Young Jedi Knight Series” by Kevin J. Anderson, “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde.

If you could invite and 5 authors on a cruise who would you invite?

Probably the authors of my five favorite stories =D It would also be fun, I think, to talk to the “authors” of classic Greek Myths.

Name 3 things that help you gain inspiration for writing.

The shower is number one. Most of my hard core thinking is done there. Other than that, I get most of my inspiration from just daily life. I’ll see something or witness a scenario that will cause ye olde creative juices to flow.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you as an author?

Since I write short stories for the most part, I’ve had some pretty entertaining feedback from various readers/reviewers. Something about the genre (or the length?) can invoke violent reactions in people.

What's the most embarrassing author moment you've had?

None so far. But my work has not been for sale for very long so I’m sure this will be remedied eventually.

Do you have another title in the works?

I have several. One nice thing about being a short story author is that you can crack out new ones every month; gives me a chance to explore all sorts of ideas. Currently I’m working on finishing up part three of the Space Hotel Series, “Hotel Moonwalk.” I’ve also been outlining how I’m going to do a new fantasy series. Part three of the Jimmy Cochran series is on the drawing board.