An Interview with Ray Palla: Author of Krill America

Tell us something about your book. The basics: what’s it about?

This novel is an essay on human interaction when people are thrown together and forced to work toward a common goal, although they have little in common and would likely not (of their own volition) ever choose to be connected to each other. It’s the story of struggle and the measure of success. An action, adventure, thriller; KRILL AMERICA is relentless and “rife with tension and suspense.” The characters and the plot are so real that the impending death story of the Galveston research vessel is described by critics as having “I was there” graphic wealth. KRILL AMERICA is a cross between “The Old Man and the Sea”, “The Flight of the Phoenix” and “Titanic”. Crippled in the Antarctic Weddell Sea, the ship is stricken adrift and sinking with no means of communication and no certainty of rescue. Chief Engineer, MAX VILLANUEVA faces his torn life and the greatest challenge of a lifetime. Max and a few surviving crewmen must create their own way home or face certain death-by-winter in the most treacherous place on earth.

How did you come to self-publish? Did you try to get published traditionally?

I expect to begin seeking traditional publishing options in the months ahead. I self-published my first book KRILL AMERICA in order to gain some noteriety and reviews prior to initiating my traditional search. It’s working; I have an average 4.5 Stars on both Amazon and B&N which I expect will encourage traditional publisher interest.

KRILL AMERICA

What self-publishing service did you use? Happy with the service?

BookBaby is my publisher for KRILL AMERICA. Overall, I’m happy with the service, but am looking at other options for my second novel SIMPLE TRIPLE STANDARD.

What avenues have you taken to market the book? Have you gotten reviews, interviews, TV, print media coverage?

I’m marketing everywhere I can. There are a number of cost free avenues and a short list of review mechanisms that I have selected including: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. There are also a few contests that I have entered on a limited budget.

What drove you to write this particular book?

KRILL AMERICA is inspired by the desire to feed the world.

Is the book in any one particular genre? Is it a genre that’s familiar to you?

KRILL AMERICA is a suspense thriller novel. I love the “relentless tension” in the book.

Who are your greatest writing influences?

My book is compared by reviewers to the author’s of “Flight of the Phoenix,” “The Old Man and the Sea,” and “Titanic.” Those writers are among the inspirations in my techniques.

What’s your writing regimen? Any tips for keeping focused?

I write as if it were a regular paid job. I keep on schedule and establish workable deadlines and goals… focusing on just doing it. Even when the feeling is not quite right, I sit down and do it and something creative always comes from the effort.

Would you self-publish again?

I expect to self-publish SIMPLE TRIPLE STANDARD – The Real Official, Almost True Backstory for Modern Commercial Radio in the summer of 2015.

Any final words of advice for those looking to self-publish?

Establish a budget and timeline and stick to it.