Tweeting with Ray Garton

During the week I had a Twitter conversation with Ray Garton on how he first broke into writing, and his advice for those starting out in the industry. He raises some interesting points, and some that contradict some current thoughts on self-publishing.

Ray Garton is the writer of over 50 books in the horror and comedy genres, including several television tie-ins and the 'non-fiction' Living in a Dark Place: The Story of a True Haunting book which has caused much controversy since it was published, though Ray is happy that it is now out of print, as he was never happy with it being published as a non-fiction novel, when his sources could not keep their story straight.

As well as being an award winning author, he is also a massive film buff and regularly writes movie reviews. He is very generous, and offers many 'unknown' facts about celebrities and moments in history. He is one to follow on Twitter, most certainly.

KierHeath: @RayGarton what was your initial breakthrough moment in writing?

RayGarton: @KierHeath It might have been birth. I've been writing ever since I could write. Even before that ...

I used to draw stories in panels, comic-book-style. It's just always been a part of me. The breakthrough might have been ...

my first novel, in 6th grade. It SUCKED, but had beginning, middle & end, characters who developed, & it was 350 manuscript...

pages. Then I realized I could do this in a way that might allow me to do it professionally.

KierHeath: @RayGarton is writing a job for you or do you still do it for the passion of writing?

RayGarton: @KierHeath It's both. Passion & job. I've never held any other job. Sold first novel in '83 at 20 & have written almost 60 books.

I don't know anything else, really. A job, a passion. I'm fortunate to do what I love.

KierHeath: @RayGarton In an interview you said that you had an easy way into the industry, how hard do you think it really is for new writers?

RayGarton: @KierHeath I came along at a fortunate time. Horror fiction was REALLY hot. That made it much easier.
However ...

things are much different today. Totally different business. It's much, MUCH harder for a newcomer. I don't envy them.

KierHeath: @RayGarton what hope do you see in the self-publishing market, to possible main stream when the fan base and sales are there?

RayGarton: @KierHeath Don't get me started on self-publishing. Not a supporter.

KierHeath: @RayGarton if u dnt support it, how do you see new talent breaking through without magazines, short story Market etc of the past?

RayGarton: @KierHeath Self-publish does nothing for new talent. ANYBODY can self-publish. Talent has nothing to do with it.

KierHeath: @RayGarton so you're saying that self publishing provides more noise than signal? Interesting point. So it's try try and try again?

RayGarton: @KierHeath Yes. SPing has allowed every talentless schmendrick out there who can afford it say, "Look! I'm a writer now!" Uh-uh.

Persistence is the only advice I can come up with. It's harder today, but there's still only 1 way, no quick fix.

I would like to thank Ray for his time, and for allowing me to reprint this short interview with him on this blog. His new book Bestial is available now.