Author Interview:

1. What authors did you dislike at first, but grew into?

I think becoming a more mature reader (and becoming a teacher) has given me a better appreciation for Charles Dickens and his body of work. Still can’t hang with Hemmingway though.

2. What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

I grew up in a family where reading was valued and my parents read to us and encouraged us to read. Those trips to the library, participating in summer reading challenges, nights curled up in bed either being read to or reading on my own shaped my early years, fostered my curiosity and imagination, and set me on the path to becoming the person who I am today. Unfortunately I had friends who didn’t have the same experience with reading growing up and I saw them increasingly struggle as we progressed through school, in part, because they weren’t encouraged to read.

3. What's your favorite underappreciated novel?

The Moor by Laurie R. King is a novel I wish was more widely appreciated. King does a masterful job of making the setting a vibrant and unique character unto itself, uses smart dialogue, rich and descriptive imagery, and explores interesting character dynamics in an ever-evolving mystery that will make you feel as if you’ve witnessed the wilds of Dartmoor in person.

4. As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

A couple of years ago a friend gave me a standing Frankenstein monster (based on the 1931 version) ornament that resides in my office so I guess I’ll call him my mascot (that or my dog :). I’ll pick a phoenix for my spirit animal since I believe we are in a constant state of personal change and evolution as we progress in our lives.

5. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

At present four and I’m working on developing at least two more. I also have several short story series I intend to continue. The previously published short stories can be read for free on my website.

6. What's the best way to market your books?

Honestly, it all really comes down to trying different methods. There is no quick, easy answer. Don’t be afraid to try different forms of marketing. Reviews, interviews, book ads, blogging, having a podcast, maintaining a web presence, public readings, giveaways, and author events have all helped me. You should also never underestimate what striking up a conversation with a librarian, stranger, or other authors can do for you.

7. Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?

At times it certainly can be. There have definitely been scenes or poems I’ve written where this has been the case. Writing can reveal or challenge you to reach new facets of yourself, which you may or may not have even been aware of previously. I think it’s that potential that keeps so many authors writing and artists creating.

8. How do you select the names of your characters?

It really just depends on the story. With my Frankenstein books, I had some of the names provided by Shelley’s novel but the others were a combination of researching names from different countries/cultures/ time periods and their meanings, or just creating them out of thin air because I liked the sound of them. The names in my children’s chapter book, Princess Bella and the Dragon’s Charm, are a combination of wordplay to help convey character and others that I just wanted to use.

9. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with good or bad ones?

I always take time to peruse the thoughts a reader has to share about one of my books. There are always surprises as to what aspects of a story people connect with, what insights they choose to share, and what issues or praises they present. It’s always nice to see positive reviews but obviously you get the not so complementary ones as well. Both types can present an opportunity for me to reflect, learn, and grow as a writer if the review itself is thoughtful. Not every book is for every reader. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, including me, so reviews only possess as much power as I want to give them. Thankfully most of the reviews I’ve received have been much more positive than negative and I do appreciate any thoughtful insights they provide.

10. What was your hardest scene to write?

Oddly, the shortest chapter in Frankenstein A Life Beyond (Book 1 of 3) The Resurrection Trinity was the hardest scene to write. This was my first novel and this chapter meant that I had to say goodbye to a character who’d been with me throughout the story and one whose struggle and kindness I’d really come to care about a great deal. It took me several days before I could bring myself to sit down and actually type out the words. I had to do it listening to Loreena McKennitt’s song “Full Circle” to get me through it. There are plenty of difficult scenes I’ve written before and since but this is the one that I still have difficulty reading because it still impacts me every time I read it.

11. What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?

Procrastinating.

12. What is your favorite childhood book?

These are probably a little cliché but either The Sleep Book or The Lorax, which are both books by Dr. Seusss. They still speak to the child in me.

13. Does your family support your career as a writer?

Absolutely! They keep me inspired, attend public author events, help to share my work with others, give me author resources and suggestions, provide feedback on my writing, and help keep me sane on the hard days.

14. How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It can vary wildly depending on the story I am trying to tell. The Frankenstein The Resurrection Trinity series is the most complex writing project I’ve ever taken on and each book presents its own unique challenges in outlining, writing, and editing. Since the project has spread out over so many years the time I can devote to writing has fluctuated drastically at times. On average though, I’d say if I can maintain a steady progress with the writing then I can complete a full draft in about four to six months. Some of my children’s books I’ve completed a draft in a week or two. In one unusual case, I dreamed up the concept, developed the characters, outlined, and completed a children’s picture book story draft in a day.

15. Share one little known fact about yourself.

I’m great at doing different character voices and imitations. Sometimes these come out spontaneously when recording the film entertainment podcast I co-host, Hindsight is 20-20.

Links for Frankenstein A Life Beyond (Book 1 of 3) The Resurrection Trinity

YouTube book trailer: https://youtu.be/mPvmP6Lephs

Book page for Frankenstein A Life Beyond: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=123

Book page for Frankenstein Soul’s Echo: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=720

Publisher: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pplanisekauthor

Twitter: @peteplanisek

Blog: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=72

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Frankenstein-A-Life-Beyond-ebook/dp/B008RPSLEW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343913793&sr=8-1&keywords=frankenstein+a+life+beyond#nav-subnav

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15782632-frankenstein-a-life-beyond-book-1-of-3-the-resurrection-trinity

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frankenstein-a-life-beyond-pete-planisek/1119932581;jsessionid=D04446E9487E7BC775C179D2B4D90850.prodny_store01-atgap01?ean=2940014959964

Apple/iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/frankenstein-a-life-beyond/id983046311?mt=11

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/658062

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/frankenstein-a-life-beyond

Author Info:

Pete Planisek lives in Columbus, OH, where he teaches English, runs Enceladus Literary LLC, and is co-host of an entertainment podcast called Hindsight is 20-20. He received his Masters from Ohio University where he founded a student literary arts magazine called Recently Eclipsed. He has published newspaper articles and is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association. He served for seven years as adviser/co-adviser to a NCTE award winning student literary arts publication. Frankenstein A Life Beyond was his debut novel.

He has two published works in his Resurrection Trinity series titled Frankenstein A Life Beyond (Book 1 of 3) and Frankenstein Soul’s Echo (Book 2 of 3) and won a 2016 Silver Honoree IBPA Benjamin Franklin Digital Book Award for his children’s fantasy book titled Princess Bella and the Dragon’s Charm.

Book blurb:

Ten years after the loss of his entire family to madness and death, Ernest Frankenstein finds himself compelled to return to the city of his birth, Geneva, in order to discover if his elder brother, Victor, might still be alive. Only Victor can provide the answers to questions, which have long plagued Ernest. The quest for answers will force Ernest to confront demons, both internal and external, from his past, which refuse to be at peace and which ultimately will endanger both he and his new family. Hunted across Europe their only hope may lie with a French spy, Ernest’s childhood friend, and a mysterious gypsy girl whose people believe that Ernest will lead humanity to its salvation or final destruction. Frankenstein A Life Beyond by Pete Planisek is a direct sequel to Mary Shelley’s iconic story, Frankenstein, which examined Victor Frankenstein’s quest to both create and kill an unnamed creature that ultimately destroys all but one member of the Frankenstein family, Victor’s brother, Ernest. Frankenstein A Life Beyond explores many of the issues left open by the original, while establishing new characters and mysteries.

Review excerpt: “This is a must read for all lovers of the classics, and anyone who loves a good read with plenty of unforeseen twists and turns. “ –Cates Book Nut Hut Review

Links for Frankenstein Soul’s Echo (Book 2 of 3) The Resurrection Trinity

YouTube book trailer: https://youtu.be/mPvmP6Lephs

Book page for Frankenstein A Life Beyond: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=123

Book page for Frankenstein Soul’s Echo: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=720

Book page: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=720

Publisher: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pplanisekauthor

Twitter: @peteplanisek

Blog: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=72

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Frankenstein-Souls-Echo-Resurrection-Trinity-ebook/dp/B00UDGHF2M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483313932&sr=8-1&keywords=frankenstein+soul%27s+echo

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25098985-frankenstein-soul-s-echo-book-2-of-3-the-resurrection-trinity

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/frankenstein-souls-echo-pete-planisek/1121327638?ean=2940151256247

Apple/iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/frankenstein-souls-echo/id983388003?mt=11

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/693286

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/frankenstein-soul-s-echo

Book blurb:

Ernest Frankenstein continues to unravel the dark legacy of his ill-fated brother, Victor, and must decide if he should fight against or join his brother’s unholy creation, who views Ernest as family. Locked away in an isolated Arctic prison, the fate of five Wild Rose clan women prisoners, including their people’s powerful yet troubled young Seer, Baseria, hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Ernest’s mysterious sister-in-law, Abrielle, a French Imperial spy, has sworn to rescue her niece, Tara Frankenstein, from a band of gypsy kidnappers. To do so, she’ll have to outmaneuver Imperial agents, earn the trust of Jack Clerval, and dare befriending an enemy whose betrayal could destroy them all. As hope fades new forces of darkness will arise and loyalty to family will be put to the ultimate test. Haunted and deeply divided, she and Ernest’s choices will summon the future of humanity and in the end determine the paths of their very souls.

Review excerpt: “This is the kind of book that you will want to keep reading once you start and will keep you turning pages long into the night.” Ionia from the Readful Things Review Blog

Links for Princess Bella and the Dragon’s Charm

ISBN: 9780985098223 (ebook) – Children’s chapter book

Book page: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=978

Publisher: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pplanisekauthor

Twitter: @peteplanisek

Blog: http://www.enceladusliterary.com/?page_id=72

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Princess-Bella-Dragons-Charm-Planisek-ebook/dp/B01EBD7TCI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1460848354&sr=8-2&keywords=princess+bella+and+the+dragon%27s+charm#nav-subnav

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29923523-princess-bella-and-the-dragon-s-charm

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/princess-bella-and-the-dragons-charm-pete-planisek/1123662791?ean=2940158468667

Apple/iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/book/princess-bella-dragons-charm/id1106042953?mt=11

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/652692

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/princess-bella-and-the-dragon-s-charm

Book blurb:

It’s a magical age of kings and queens, knights and castles, and royal marriages. For some reason, poor Princess Bella never laughs, that is until she befriends a friendly dragon named Spurlock. Together they’ll face Bella’s doubtful parents, a snobbish prince, and an evil witch who wants the kingdom and all its treasures for herself. This light-hearted tale of adventure and mystery will help teach children about friendship, the importance of accepting others, and the idea that courage can take many forms. This children's chapter fantasy book is intended for young readers ages 6-11.

Review excerpt: “Princess Bella and the Dragon’s Curse is a fun, young children’s fairy-tale, containing magic, knights, royalty, a dragon and an evil witch, all good things a fairy-tale should have!” Whispering Stories Book Blog