We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gerald C. Anderson, Sr.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gerald C. below.
Gerald C., looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Oh yes, sooner for sure! I started my career in 2008 after I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with my Masters in Criminal Justice Administration. There were times in my life before the computer age where I wish I had pulled out my typewriter and started writing my first novel. I know I lost a ton of great material I could have written and published. I chalk it up to a lesson. Now I keep my phone by my bed and any idea I get I jot it down for use in a future novel.
Gerald C., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m originally from Tampa, Florida. I spent 20 years in the US Air Force. I retired out of Andrews AFB, Maryland and decided to stay here. Growing up I always loved writing. I dreamed of being an author one day but never pursued my dream until 2008, after I graduated from the University of Cincinnati. The final course of my master’s degree program was writing a 50 page paper on criminal justice. After the extensive research and writing of that paper, I decided to write for my enjoyment. That led to my first novel, We Come in Peace. Since then I have gone on to write 27 novels and short stories in addition to helping others in their writing and publishing journey.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
From the very beginning my resilience was tested. Being a new independent author I didn’t realize there was more to writing and publishing than just writing your first book. I discovered it is a business and you have to approach it in that manner. The best advice I can give an author is to read your contract. I signed with a vanity publisher (an organization that publishes your book for a price.) What I discovered after paying them $2,000 is that they receive 70% of the royalties from my book! I know you’re properly outraged right now too. Had I been more educated in the industry I would have noted this red flag and chosen another path. However, like many I was excited to get my book out there and pressed on.
My resilience rose when I didn’t allow my frustration to stop my dream of becoming an author. Instead, I decided to write more books and start a publishing company of my own that would give authors 100% of their royalties (lyfepublishing.net).
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Unfortunately we live in a microwave society now. People don’t read much anymore. The ones that do only read books from the top authors from traditional publishers. There are so many great stories from indie authors out there just waiting to be read. Here are three things I think society can do to help authors:
1) Buy indie author books. We are working hard to provide good products and with societies help indie authors can produce more great stories. Next time you’re deciding to buy a book, buy an indie author’s book as well.
2) An indie author works for months and years to produce their work, mostly on their own and at their own expense. We don’t have the resources traditional publishers have. Cut them a break when reviewing their work. One bad review can be devastating to an indie book. On the other hand, if you truly like the book give it a good review. What I have seen is that people are quick to give a bad review but very slow to give a good review. So when you’ve read a good indie book, help the author by giving them a review.
3) Come out to indie book launches and spread the word about an indie author. Tell all your friends about their books, follow them on social media and give them feedback to keep them encouraged to write.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.geraldcandersonsr.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/geraldcandersonsr
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/geraldcandersonsr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-anderson-512b8814/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/geraldcanderson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR_1BGEzBQoEJB4FQ-9sLyQ
- Other: www.thelyfemagazine.com www.lyfepublishing.net www.thelyfelive.com
Image Credits
Black and white photo by Rich and Company Florida