Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Charles F. Millhouse. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Charles F., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
I didn’t ever think I could be a writer, at least not one that published his work. That’s what held me back the longest. Self doubt can hold you back and if I would have known I could have been a somewhat successful author when I was younger I would have paid more attention in English class lol. I first published in 1999 but I wish it would have been much sooner. Maybe fate had a hand in it, I don’t know. But self discipline persevered and I’m happy it did.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve lived in southeastern Ohio most of my life. I started publishing in 1999. I became a writer because I love to tell stories and entertain people. It took me a long time to find my style, but lots of reading helped. When I did discover my voice as a writer everything fell into place.
I primarily wanted to write science fiction, which I have done and will continue to, but after publishing a short adventure book called: Captain Hawklin and the Skyhook Pirates in 2012, I gained notoriety from it and a nice following.
That one book changed my career and my focus switched to a genre called New Pulp,
In 2015 I created STORMGATE PRESS my own publishing brand. Over the years I have published other writers under that brand, mostly in short story collections, but that alone got me more recognition.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building a presence on social media can be hard, but you have to stay focused on what your product is. Don’t go down the rabbit whole of controversy, stay away from anything that might discourage people from following you, wanting your product such as reading your books. Every person no matter who they are, is potentially a customer and you don’t want to drive them away posting your feelings on anything that might turned them away. Stay focused on your brand, and that brand is you and the service you provide.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
I sought out my readers by knowing who they are. I know primarily my readers are male, in their early 40s who enjoy what’s considered men’s adventure stories and I focus on that. On social I post things that will attract potential readers, and I gear my books to them. Know who reads your work. That’s a big help.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stormgatepress.com
- Instagram: @writermillhouse
- Facebook: @writermillhouse