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Brian Rouff |
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18Q |
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1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you? It chose me. I’m lucky to be able to make a living at the only thing I’m really good at.
2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.) UCLA grad with BA in Communication Studies. Thirty years in the field of advertising, marketing and PR.
3. When did you 'know' you were a writer? Probably around 4th grade. The teacher would make us read our essays in front of the class. I could always make the kids laugh with my stories and from that point on, I was hooked.
4. How would you describe your style of writing? Informal, easy-to-read, conversational. I don’t want the reader to see all the work and sweat that went into the finished product.
5. What is your writing process? Lots of caffeine, 3 – 4 hours of writing early in the morning before I run out of steam. I work from notes but not a detailed outline. If it’s too structured, I lose the element of surprise. (I like to surprise myself sometimes.)
6. What was your path to publication? Spent almost two years trying to get published the traditional way, with an agent pitching to established houses. Got frustrated and decided I could do a better, faster job on my own, so I started my own small press.
7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea? Because my novels are written from a local Las Vegas perspective, I’ve entered into many joint marketing efforts with LV-related firms. One of the most successful was partnering with the Everything Las Vegas newsletter/website. They helped me promote my books for a cut of the profits.
8. What are the biggest surprises you've encountered as a writer? How nice and helpful other writers are, including some very successful ones.
9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity? I mainly write to amuse and entertain myself. If other people like it, that’s a bonus. But if I can make myself laugh, I consider it a good day.
10. What is your proudest writer moment? The day I saw my first novel, “Dice Angel,” in print.
11. What's the best advice you were given about writing? Show, don’t tell.
12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment? The day I had a book signing and nobody came.
13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer? Juggling the need to write and the need to promote my books. It’s difficult to balance the two.
14. What is your writer life philosophy? Hone your craft, become the best “you” you can be. Remember that the act of writing in and of itself is immensely satisfying.
15. When you're not writing what do you do for fun? I’m a fantasy football geek. I also enjoy movies and fooling around on the guitar.
16. Who do you like to read? Elmore Leonard, Carl Hiiason, Tom Robbins, Robert McCammon.
17. What’s your advice for new writers? Write, read, share ideas with other writers. And carry a notebook wherever you go.
18. What are you currently working on? Besides my regular living-las-vegas.com column, I have a half-completed screenplay and I’m putting the finishing touches on a ghost-writing project (sometimes commerce trumps art). |
