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Advice from IR Approved Author William Grant: “Don’t rush the process. Do your research and make sure your book is as ready as it can possibly be.”

With Your Friends received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.

Following find an interview with author William Grant.

What is the name of the book and when was it published?

With Your Friends, published March of 2022.

What’s the book’s first line? 

“Is this what love is?”

What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.

Peter Hansen navigates the waters of his senior year of high school and parents crumbling marriage while falling for his new friend, Ryan.

What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?

I wanted to write something for kids like me who didn’t grow up with a lot of friends. I hope a book like this would have helped give me the courage to get out there and be more social.

What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?

It’s a reminder that everyone is fighting their own battle, but no one has to fight it alone.

What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character?  Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?

I think the most distinctive thing about Peter is his desire for love and connection. He reminds me of me in that way.

Is this the first book you’ve written?

It is! Hopefully the first of many!

What do you do for work when you’re not writing?

I’m a Supply Chain Analyst in my day job. Gotta pay those bills!

What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?

The best part is having complete control and ownership over my writing. It’s such a great feeling knowing that I get to choose where and how my work is shared with the world. The hardest part is MARKETING. It’s so much harder when you don’t have the money and resources traditional publishing provides.

What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?

Don’t rush the process. Do your research and make sure your book is as ready as it can possibly be. Also, make sure YOU love the cover art. If your book ends up on a shelf in a bookstore, you want to look at it next to the other ones and feel proud.

Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling?  If so, why?

I’m honestly not sure. I love the control I have being Indie, but traditional publishing offers so many resources that I don’t have easy access to.

Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?

Michael Chabon.

Which book do you wish you could have written?

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. I’ve read it so many times and it still gets me every time. Truly incredible story-telling.

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