Pump Up Your Book Chats with Gary Starta Author of God’s of the Machines

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gods of the machines A former journalist with a BA in Journalistic Studies and English, Gary Starta writes urban fantasy, science fiction, mystery and paranormal-related genres. His most recent works are Gods of the Machines, a full length novel about androids, and his short story about artificial life Growing Pains, published as a contribution to the Thank You Death Robot anthology, was a finalist in this year’s Independent Publisher Book Awards. See all of Starta’s releases at his website: www.garystarta.net, and visit his blog at http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1019793.Gary_Starta

Check in with the fan page at Face Book:

http://www.facebook.com/twitter/index.php#!/pages/Gary-Startas-Sci-Fi-Fan-Page/260028014432

Thank you for this interview, Gary. Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later? Do you remember your first published piece?

A: The reading bug definitely came first as I read a lot of books in grade school and even won a prize for most books read one summer. I then became interested in journalism and pursued a career as a reporter. The creative writing came much later, in fact within the last six years. My first novel published was What are you Made of?

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

A: Being published is both rewarding and frustrating, actually. You’ll always have the sense of accomplishment of writing your novel but you’ll always want more people to read it, lol.

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life? Do you have support?

A: I am married and that is ‘the’ reason I am writing right now. When I met Elena and she heard I had written for newspapers and such, she demanded I write every night. I pondered what I could write about. Then it hit me. My love for fiction and science fiction in particular, from then on it I’ve never had to force myself to come up with a new idea.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing? Where do you like to vacation? Can you tell us briefly about this?

A: I actually write or plan chapters while on my vacations. In fact, right now, I am preparing promotional pieces for my latest book Gods of the Machines and prepping myself to write the first chapter for my latest idea.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

A: At this moment, I understand there is a sci fi convention in the UK. I would definitely want to be there, meeting some people who inspire me.

Who is your biggest fan?

A: Elena, my wife.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

A: I don’t know if it’s a favorite but it’s the most familiar. It’s a corner of a bedroom near a window. That’s where my laptop is.

Do you have any pets?

A: I have more than a few Tonkinese cats. They provide inspiration for my stories. One of them is a character in my books Blood Web and Extreme Liquidation. The cat, named Celeste in the books, helps her FBI owner with her cases.

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

A: I have recently become fascinated with Egyptian mythology. It will be the basis for a forthcoming novel.

What’s on your to do list today?

A: Go to the gym, clean the house and write. I promise my characters lead way more interesting lives.

Now I’ve got a couple of fun questions for you. If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of your book, how would that help him find a way off the island?

A: My book, Gods of the Machines, portrays humans on their first colonized planet. In a way, they are secluded as if they are on an island. I would think Hanks’ character might want to learn how to build a starship.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara Dioguardi and the newest addition, Ellen DeGeneres, to determine whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay where you’d make millions of dollars. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your author photo – and why?

A: I would hope the excerpt. It would be the most important element. They would find intrigue, murder, romance, suspense and perhaps an unexplained paranormal element in that excerpt. They would find it irresistible not to read the entire book. That’s what I hope would carry it to Hollywood where hopefully there wouldn’t be a whole lot of revisions.

You just got word that your book has received the 2010 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony to give an acceptance speech. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. What would you say and who would you thank?

A: I would thank the readers for sure; then I would list everybody behind the scenes who helped me make the book a reality. But the readers would get the biggest thank you. I would appreciate that they read the story and enjoyed it. I would not particularly be interested in stardom, only their appreciation for a story that would entertain them and possibly allow them to think about life in a new way.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in December via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

A: I would like to reach readers via blogs. It’s something new for me.

Thank you for this interview, Gary. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

A: Thank you and I appreciate your interest.

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Question of the Day

How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

-- Sheila Roberts, Author of Winter at the Beach