Ask the Author: Cass Pennant
Answered Questions (6)
Cass Pennant
My newest book is as a co-author with Bosnian Mirsad Solakovic who was introduced to me by former boxer turned actor Joe Egan who's own life was a book and story I had published under my own imprint Pennant Books 2004. Mirsad wanted his life-story 'The Boy Who Said Nothing' made a book at a time I had switched my interests to film producing but listening to him for just a short while I soon realized his story has far-reaching consequences beyond the journey of a book. After sleeping on the idea I knew I would be co-authoring my first new book for 5 years.
Cass Pennant
Prisoners or cons who were often banged up 23 hours per day in what they said was a criminal college would form a queue outside my cell for the next chapter I had completed on a prison exercise book. These same people that were my captive readership I often watched shuffling along the landings looking to exchange Harold Robbins books. HMP Wormwood Scrubs 1978 aged 20 and if I ever need inspiration I just think where my first book idea started.
Cass Pennant
I've only just released a new book 'The Boy Who Said Nothing: a child's story fleeing conflict' so I'm now working self-marketing the book because its a new direction and genre for me so don't have a ready-made audience this time. Also, the person who knows's your book best is the author and likely to reach the target audience better. The publisher will have one or two people handly PR for short time after release then they will be on other new releases.
Cass Pennant
For ambitions with the first book, know and learn the mindset of the book industry particularly the publishing world. The best advice I was ever given is something I'm always happy to pass on, that is - buy a copy (secondhand if out of print) 'An Author's Guide to Publishing' by Michael Legat on Hale and the most recent copy of 'The Writer's & Artist Yearbook.
Cass Pennant
As an author, it is always for me seeing that first book from the printer and the ability to reach wider audiences with your work.
Cass Pennant
Personally, if I can't get away to somewhere where I'm not distracted by day-to-day stresses or the day job then I use music often to the time period I'm working on or music that sets my writing mood and creative flow going. My fav is all day boat trips when on hols to Turkey, the boat crew say crazy Englishmen comes on hols to work.
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