Sunday, November 2, 2014

Interview and Giveaway with Bryan Powell

 BRYAN POWELL





Interview Questions

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi, my name is Bryan M. Powell, I’ve lived in Georgia for the last 36 years. Since moving to Georgia, I have served as a minister of music in several churches, sold real estate, composed over 80 choral works, written 16 novels and become the grandfather of seven wonderful grandchildren. Most recently, I purchased Hiram Bookstore, located at 5077 Jimmy Lee Smith Pkwy, Hiram GA. (on 278, two doors down from Cheeseburger Bobby’s).

Tell us about your most recent book/or the book we are focusing on. Why did you choose this particular genre?

All my books are considered Christian Fiction. However, I have written Mystery, Adventure, Sci Fi, General Fiction and a Creative Memoir. All the novels are plot driven with a strong sub-theme. Such themes deal with; Love, Hatred, Failure, Forgiveness, Salvation, Prejudice, Purity, Self-acceptance to name a few.

What was your journey to publication like?

My journey started with a search of publishers interested in producing a novel with a strong Christian message. My first publisher was Tate Publishing. As I developed my skill, I began to seek other publishers. I found Vabella Publishing for my third book, The Stranger Among Us. They are a traditional, small press with great service.

What is a couple of your favorite books and what are you reading now?

I have read most of Joel Rosenberg’s books, many by Frank Peretti, and Randy Ingermanson’s books.

What are you working on now and can you give us a little peek inside it?

I’ve just finished the second book in a detective series called The Trace O’Reilly Series. Book One is Saving Lily – The Case of the Missing Necklace. What does a Sixteen year old debutant, a million dollars, and a missing necklace have to do with each other? Nothing, until people started dying.

Book Two is Saving Lily – The Case of the Missing Key. What is it about the key that someone is willing to kill for? What does the ‘L’ and ‘W’ on the key stand for? Can Trace O’Reilly unravel the mystery before Lily pays the ultimate price?  Both will keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out whodunit.

What advice would you give authors who are on their own journey to publication?

Do your own research. Familiarize yourself with publisher’s policy and genre. Know your target market and begin building your platform. Also, be prepared for rejection. Not every publisher will take your manuscript. But also know this, publication is not the end all, be all. The fact that you wrote a book should be gratification enough. Getting published is the icing on the top. However, once you’re published, the journey has just begun. You have to set your sights on selling it.

Do you have any books or websites that have helped you with your writing that you could share with us?

I have studied many books. One that stands out is Stress Free Marketing by Renea Winchester. Also, Randy Ingermanson has a great book on writing.

Is there anything you’d like to tell us we haven’t covered?

Hiram Bookstore’s website is

Please let us know where we can find you on the web.


Thank you Bryan for being a guest on Sleuths and Suspects. Can't wait to see your future projects.

For a chance to win a copy of one of Bryan's books, please leave a comment and your email address so we can contact you. 


5 comments:

  1. Great interview! Love to see my fellow Georgians succeeding in creative ways to spread God's love. Hiram is a small town but I actually know right where you are because I used to live in Douglasville, GA which is close by. Now I reside on the east side of the ATL. Congratulations on your book!

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  2. I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Georgia. I would love to win your book to give to my church library.
    Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. I'm kind of jealous because he owns his own bookstore. He's living the dream. I worked at one right out of high school, and it was my favorite job. Thank you for introducing us to a new writer, Deborah.

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  4. I would love to try Stranger in the White House!

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  5. Good interview, Deb. But Bryan, I don't think you answered her question about what the new book's about! Could you give us a synopsis?

    By the way, I read the first installment. Very creative plot.

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