Fridays 5 with Martin Wilsey

Martin Wilsey is a writer, hunter, photographer, rabble rouser, father, friend, marksman, storyteller, frightener of children, carnivore, engineer, fool, philosopher, cook and madman. He and his wife Brenda live in Virginia where, just to keep him off the streets, he works as a research scientist for a government-funded think tank.

1.) When did you first get serious about writing?
A.) Writing a novel was always a life goal for me. It was a classic Bucket List item. I made several attempts over the years, but always got wrapped around the axle and never managed to finish a story. I had a big file of ideas but didn’t know how to get it done. Then suddenly in February of 2012 my brother, Eric Wilsey, died at age 53. The book is dedicated to him. His death made me really look at the things that were important. Combined with that, in that
same spring, I had a spine injury that left me immobile mostly and forced to spend a lot of time in my most comfy chair. TV and Facebook get old real fast so I started writing. I decided to write the kind of story I like to read.

2.) What is the hardest part for you about writing?
A.) For me, the most difficult part of writing is the editing. The outlining and writing the first draft is pure pleasure for me. Cutting, editing, formatting feels more like work. It is necessary and crucial work, but it is still a chore.

3.) How did you feel upon publication of your first completed project?
A.)  It has been kind of surreal for me. I never expected so many good reviews from strangers. I never expected so many international sales. I have sold more books, in the first month, in Canada than I expected to sell in total. I had no idea what would happen.

4.) What is more important to you, story, or character? Why?
A.)  That is a tough question for me. Story and character are tightly woven together in the stories I write. If I were forced to pick, I would say, Story. The characters are pieces, critical components, of the larger story.

5.) What is a typical day like in your world?
I work full time. I wake early, every day, make coffee and do my blogging in the mornings early. I get home from work about two hours before my wife. Instead of turning on the TV or reading Facebook, I sit down and write. I don’t wait for inspiration, I just do it. I usually write about 7000 words a week.

My motto is: drink coffee, make stuff up!I can’t wait to retire and write full time.

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Wilsey/e/B00VDKLJWE/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinWilseyAuthor

Blog:  http://wilseymc.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/martin_wilsey

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13730295.Martin_Wilsey

Website:  http://www.baytirus.com/

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mcwilsey