Robert Raker
Hello Readers and Writers!
Today we would like to introduce you to an author who doesn't just write his books, he paints the story onto the canvas of a novel like a vivid artist. The brilliant descriptions and strong characters stand out against the Crime Fiction and Thriller landscapes and the depth of emotion is palpable.
Introducing Robert Raker!
RL: When did you start writing as a career?
RR: I have been writing since 2nd grade, but only began to take it seriously when I began writing poetry in high school. In 2003 I began work on a novel that would turn out to be ‘The Unsteady Object of Hope.’ I wish I could write full time but that is just not economically feasible.
RL: What is your current work in progress?
RR: I am working on a political thriller titled ‘The Activist’ and a crime thriller ‘The Reconstruction of Sarina Harbold.’
RL: Your book, ‘The Unsteady Object of Hope’ is Crime Fiction. What led you to write in that genre?
RR: I have always been fascinated by crime thrillers and mysteries. I was raised on Alfred Hitchcock films by my father and have always maintained that appreciation.
RL: Your next title is rumored to be a political thriller. What made you decide to change genres?
RR: I had an idea several years ago and began working on it as a side project, then shelved it. I had research leftover that I used for ‘The Unsteady Object of Hope’ which was in the back of my head. Half of the ‘The Activist’ is from the point of view of two detectives, so there is a lot of police procedural as well.
RL: How do each of these books and stories rebel against the status quo in your genre?
RR: With ‘The Unsteady Object of Hope,’ I set off purposely to construct what is basically a character study in hopes of creating a different type of crime novel that doesn’t quite fit by current standards. I never set out to solve the crimes that are discussed. ‘The Activist’ is unlike anything I have ever attempted to write previously. It is heavier on dialogue than any of my previous works and unique I think in its attempts at imagery and conflict.
RL: Talk to me about the path you chose in publishing?
RR: I had a contract with an independent publisher that had reached its conclusion. After reaching out to other domestic and international authors, I decided that publishing through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing was the best option for me, taking into account royalties and level of control. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I was provided by my previous publishers as they were the first to recognize the talent I always believed I had.
RL: How do you plan your book releases?
RR: I don’t really have a plan as to when to release my books. I just try to have some marketing ideas behind me with some material to pass out to spread word of mouth. Then I will adjust certain aspects when need be.
RL: How do you manage writing time? Is finding writing time an issue for you?
RR: Yes as I work full time roughly 45 hours per week, sometimes more. I usually try to write for one hour a day if I can or at least read the last few pages where I left off to keep things fresh inside my head.
RL: You’re a self-proclaimed film connoisseur. What is your favorite film and why?
RR: Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, closely followed by Cinema Paradiso. When I was younger I wrote romantic poetry and wanted to pen romance novels, but life took a different turn. But I enjoy the musical score in both films and the sense of loved lost or unrequited. Alfred Hitchcock is my favorite director and Jimmy Stewart one of my favorite actors.
RL: Where do you see your writing career in the future?
RR: I just would like to create a small group of followers who appreciate my different writing style. Ultimately I would like to garner roughly 25 reviews for each novel I write and share what I have to say with readers.
RL: What are you reading right now?
RR: I am currently reading ‘From Russia With Love’ by Ian Fleming and The Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Torture.
RL: What can readers expect from you in the future?
RR: I am beginning a crime thriller called ‘The Reconstruction of Sarina Harbold’ and outlining an as of yet untitled follow up to ‘The Activist.’ But I hope to take a break for a few months to recharge, as I have done an extensive amount of research for ‘The Activist.’