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.
