Ian, tell us all about the world of you (in 50 words or less, lol).
It's a world where heroes and villains are all too real.Do you consider writing your passion or your profession?
Both. A passion that has grown into my primary profession.
That last answer was short but sweet, I'm feeling the passion ;) Any Indie/Writers blogs you think we should be following?
In my genre, Megalith is a great source for all things action-adventure (megalithbooks.blogspot.com)
This question is fast becoming a staple on this blog ... Facebook is it fundamental to an Indie Author of the sixth sign of the apocalypse?
Facebook is a handy tool for promotion, but there's a measure for everything--don't forget that you are first and foremost a writer. So your main activity should be writing. Later, Facebook will help you be closer to your readers.
Self-promotion and book marketing, which do you feel takes precedence?
Marketing is integral to any product, but it should not be limited to the layman's understanding of the term, i.e. promotion and advertising over the web. Marketing should begin before you've started writing your book. Decide what you as a reader would want to read, and try your best for your audience, this is where marketing begins. Strive to come up with a better product than the market offers, or better yet, create your own niche with something original that everyone would want to copy. Think outside the box.
The eBook has been a major game changer in the publishing industry. What are your thoughts on where they will take the publishing industry?
It's no longer about where ebooks will take the industry, but rather where they are taking it already. Rising ebook sales are the main reason that the big publishers are even more reluctant to take on new, unproven writers. They are trying to resist the change, but writers and readers are embracing it.
I have to ask this one, why do you write?
What started as a love for good adventure yarns has grown into a responsibility. My stories beg me to be told. I can't abandon my characters or let down my readers by not writing.
Your book The Russian Renaissance has great reviews. Can you tell us more about the book and how it's doing? Pass any milestones you set yourself?
I'm very pleased that my novel won the Grandmaster Award from the Clive Cussler Collector's Society. The trophy was presented by Clive Cussler himself, and it was an emotional moment. The Russian Renaissance is an action/adventure thriller which could be described as Jason Bourne meets Gorky Park. If you enjoyed the recent Russian-themed thrillers from Steve Berry, Daniel Silva, or Alex Berenson, you have a good idea of what it may be like. Being a Russian insider, I tried to give my book an authentic feel rarely seen in contemporary thrillers, and The Russian Renaissance has received a lot of praise for that.
Here's the blurb:
Constantine can no longer hide in Europe. As he discovers a century-old secret, he must flee back to Moscow, chased by assassins. Only one man can save him. Eugene Sokolov: an officer in the world's most elite rescue unit, a martial arts legend… and Constantine's brother. They face an enemy unlike any other. In a game run by a KGB spymaster, the fate of Russia will depend on their survival.
You can read a short excerpt on my website - or better yet, try the free sample on Amazon. Thanks for the wonderful interview!
Ian's links:
Website
Amazon
Goodreads
Twitter Handle: @rusren
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