An Interview with B.T. Keaton: Author of Transference

Brandon T. Keaton is a self-prescribed Peter Pan who adores cats and dogs. Penchants for gummy bears and action figures have followed him around his entire life. He currently resides in Wellington, New Zealand, and is loath to discuss himself in the third person, but he can be persuaded to do so from time to time. Transference is his first novel.

Tell us about your book.

Wow, going for the jugular right out of the gate, eh? Well, hopefully, the title itself nudges the reader in the right direction. A technological advancement combined with the discovery of a new element allows for the transference of human souls (from one body to another) in a not-too-distant Orwellian future. It may sound a bit heady, but really at its core the book is a kind of family drama, with sci-fi things happening all above and around its center.

Still, I wanted to make it like any classic story with a rich cast of supporting characters, but to bolster it with strong female voices and unconventional heroes & villains. When it comes to the main characters I suppose at times it’s a Darth-Vader-recruiting-Luke-Skywalker sort of thing, only perhaps more transparent (but not quite as dogmatic?) in assigning biblical notions of good versus evil. I can promise you there’s healthy dashes of humour in there, as well as suspense, action, and more than a few surprises.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

Because I’m insane? (laughs) Actually, after turning 40, I realized the book had languished in a drawer for nearly eight years. Getting older must’ve partly given me the push I needed to say, you know what, I’m really gonna do this thing! And I have to admit, I like the freedom of self-publishing. It’s like being your own boss. I wouldn’t say it’s stress-free by any means, and it’s definitely hard on the wallet, but the sense of accomplishment I feel probably wouldn’t have come to me any other way.

What tools or companies did you use, and what experience did you have?

The duality aspect of the cover was in my head, and in doodle form, but the final art was beautifully rendered by the geniuses at DamonZa. (Thanks Chrissy!) They also handled the eBook formatting, and have been a total godsend in every sense of the word. As far as editing goes, Pat LoBrutto was my original developmental guide on the story itself, while Bodie Dykstra gave the book a “final sweep” to keep it consistent. I don’t know if I’m the person qualified to have written Transference, but, well, I have. So, I guess since it’s my debut novel I’d have to say my experience has just been based on “life.” And what a life I’ve led so far! I’m so grateful for all I’ve seen and done. It’s a wonderful life that’s for sure.

What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?

I’m no expert, but for me it’s knowing when to let go. I think anybody who creates anything struggles with that, because the work is kind of your baby, isn’t it? It’s also important to recognize when something is out of your scope, and that it’s okay for you to hand it over to someone else. The book’s cover art is a perfect example. Now I’m probably an above average Photoshop-user, but I certainly didn’t have much faith in my ability create a top-notch cover. So yeah, with just a bit of research (Google is totally your friend) you can easily find pros out there who are happy to help and who’ll take your stuff to the next level.

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

There’s a plethora of information available in this digital age we find ourselves in. Through Instagram I was able to reach out to other self-published authors, and I was astounded at the level of support that’s out there. Robert J. Sawyer gave me the most wonderful pull quote to use for the book’s cover, which really validated this “indie road” I’ve been on. And I’m more than happy to pay it all forward by answering any questions another author might have (please flick me an email at publisher@brandonkeaton.com). To answer the question more specifically, don’t be afraid to invest a bit of cash into your book. If you believe in what you’re doing, then back yourself 100% and see it through. If I can do it, you can do it.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

A few phrases I’d never heard until recently were “target audience” and “writing to the market.” I’m certain there’s value there, but all that stuff is really overwhelming for me. It takes the focus away from the writing. So, I’m still struggling a bit with both selling myself and just doing the work. I suppose the other major thing for me was creating a brand (you are the brand). It’s just what you have to do nowadays to get through to people. Build a website, get a social media presence going, and don’t forget to advertise… Amazon and Facebook are your mates.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

When I started writing Transference I was in-between jobs, but every morning I would get up, take a shower, and get dressed as if I was going to an actual 9 to 5. Then I’d sit at my computer and just bash it out. I have a full-time job now, so my writing schedule is far more varied these days. And I know it might sound corny, but I think you do yourself a favour when you take the time to write something new every day. Even if it’s one sentence on a sheet of paper, take something from out of your head and put it on the page. It will keep those creative juices from stagnating!

How do you deal with writer’s block?

In a way, I find that the writing comes when it wants to. As the author you’re the captain of the “boat” but it’s really the waters that control the sea, right? So, I’m not really sure what the answer to that is. It’s so personal, I think. But I do know that writers tend to live in their heads. I guess you’ve got to find a way to get out of your headspace, and shift your focus so that you can stay inspired.

Tell us about the genre you wrote in, and why you chose to write this sort of book.

My dad died in 2006, and I was searching my heart for a long time because I wanted to honour his memory in a big way. He was a huge science-fiction fan, and he really did encourage my creativity and love of reading (especially comic books) when I was younger. I wanted to write a book that would not only make Dad proud, but one I think he would’ve truly enjoyed. I hope I’ve done that.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

My late mother and father are my true inspirations. They were the most selfless, loving and kind people I’ve ever known. My friends and family abroad. Songwriters and musicians. Living in New Zealand I think has also had a huge part to play… the culture here is just so encouraging to the arts. Daily life is another big one… I mean you can’t make up the stuff that happens in real life! As far as other writers go, I’d be doing pretty well to write something half as good as anything Tolkien wrote in the trenches. Mind you, I’m not comparing myself to him by any means… he was a master craftsman.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

If I’m Rocky Balboa, then my brother Trenton (who’s also an amazing writer) is definitely Mickey over in the corner of the ring, and he always has been. My ex-wife also stood behind me when I started the book originally. I would talk aloud about it daily with her and watch as her poor eyes would glaze over. But everyone I know who does know about the book has been wonderfully supportive. It seems my work colleagues especially are a little shocked by it all.

Why did you write about this particular subject?

For me, Transference is ultimately about love. I wanted to address the existence of the soul, and what it means to have something that is unique to you. Something that, perhaps, shouldn’t ever be toyed with, nor should we be given the ability to do so. I believe there’s something precious inside each one of us… something divine. In a weird way, I think writing this book has been part of my search for it.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

You just can’t please everyone. All you need to do is worry about pleasing yourself. Wait, that didn’t sound right (laughs). I just mean when it comes to your work, you will know when it’s done. You will know. For me, the ending of Transference was always “too pat”… and I think I recognized that, though I nearly convinced myself I was ready to shove the thing out into the spotlight. I’m really glad now that I waited to get it right.

Think fast… who are your Top 5 favorite musicians?

Oh no! This is like picking which of your children you love the most. My faves probably vary from year to year, but I would say Fleetwood Mac is always in there. The Gin Blossoms. Lately I’ve really been digging The 1975, The War On Drugs, and Ryan Adams. There’s also a slew of 80’s-inspired retrowave stuff out there that’s incredible… Timecop1983, The Midnight, Gunship, and FM-84 to name a few.

What books do you remember most from your childhood?

As a youngster I was hooked on Shel Silverstein. Everything he did kind of creeped me out, and intrigued me at the same time. Comics were my thing as a teenager. “The Infinity Gauntlet” was the first Marvel series I ever read, way back in 1991. I remember vividly all the hype around “The Death of Superman,” and when Image Comics exploded onto the scene. Jeff Smith’s “Bone” is probably my favorite comic of all time though.

If you weren’t an author, what else would you be doing?

I’d probably be in jail. (laughs) Nah, I really do love making people laugh. I’ve been a bit of a giggle box my whole life… I just find nearly everything funny. I probably should’ve been a comedian.

What’s next for you as an author?

I’m going to Disney World! (laughs) No, but seriously… if you’re any good at all, then you know you can be better. My mama always told me to just do the best that you can in life. And so, I hope to not only continue writing, but to be better… a better friend, a better brother, a better everything. I’ve got two children’s picture books that have been a pure joy for me to write, but I still need to find the right artist(s) to help complete those. I’m researching/writing a time travel book. And as I mentioned before, a sequel to Transference may happen if lightning strikes. The whole thing may take on a life of its own and spawn into a three-headed dog. Who knows? I’m excited about the possibilities!