The Next Election received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Landon Wallace.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Next Election, published November 2019.
What’s the book’s first line?
Blake Buchanan raised his right hand in the air and turned to address the nimble-fingered court reporter who was busy inputting case information into her stenotype machine.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The Next Election is a political page-turner that examines the intersection between politics and human relationships. The story digs behind the news headlines to explore the conflicts and compromises of the men and women engaged in the political game.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
A lifetime of working with and around politicians from every background. I was inspired to see whether an ethical politician, even when morally compromised, can maintain his guiding principles.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The book’s a fun, entertaining read and will take the reader into a world he/she may rarely get to explore.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The most distinctive thing about the main character is his moral center, which is frequently challenged by the compromises that come with his role in public office. Pick any politician who attempts to lead from that place and you can graft him/her on to Blake’s character.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Blake – George Clooney/Hugh Jackman. Cat – Nicole Kidman/Charlize Theron
When did you first decide to become an author?
Soon after college but it took a long while for me to act on that decision.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
This is my third published book (Come and Take It, The Election). I’ve written several others that still need more work before I release them.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m a practicing attorney with a large firm practice. I also bang the golf ball around on occasion.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
About two hours a day. I wish more.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Marketing the book. That is the huge drain of indie writing but some is absolutely necessary.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Write because it makes you happy. Good things will come if you persevere.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Yes, 100%. Again, marketing is not easy for a writer who works full-time in another profession.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
No, it’s sounds trite but the writing is what motivates me. Seeing words come together into a story worth reading is great motivation. But fame and fortune wouldn’t be so bad either.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
There are many but I truly admire David McCullough. He’s an accomplished historian, great writer and a wonderful speaker. He’s an American treasure.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
It’s impossible to pick just one. But I’d say The Catcher in the Rye is an example of the kind of book every author wants to write. A coming of age story that stands the test of time and becomes a must read for future generations.