Cleopatra’s Tomb and the Regit Tigers of Egypt received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author J.W.S. Getty.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The name of my book is Cleopatra’s Tomb and the Regit Tigers of Egypt and it was published in March of this year.
What’s the book’s first line?
“The door opened and closed in an old office building, although no one was there.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The book is about an 11-year-old archaeologist, who is searching for Cleopatra’s tomb, even better, she has the Regit Tigers of Egypt helping her. But they’re not the only ones; dark forces seek Cleopatra’s tomb as well, hoping to steal all. It’s a thrilling, magical adventure where the fate of humanity and every creature on Earth is in the hands of the world’s youngest archaeologist and her Regit Tiger friends.
What inspired you to write the book?
I had written a play a couple of years ago, where one of my nieces played a Snow Leopard who could control winter weather. I was going to write another short play, and I asked her what she wanted to be this time–she said, “A Tiger that is looking for Cleopatra’s tomb.” The play grew into a short story, which morphed into a novella and grew up to be a novel.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I think it’s a very fun, exciting adventure, and that it would be a thrill to read, but I think the main reason to read it would be for the message. A strong environmental message, encouraging an Indigenous philosophy of realizing that we don’t own the Earth, we are part of the Earth.
What is the most distinctive thing about your lead character
The most distinctive thing about my main character is that she is whip-smart but also still just a kid, occasionally silly, and has a huge heart. My nieces inspired the two main characters and are blended into both.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I didn’t really chose or decide to be an author; the book started as a gift, something fun to do, maybe ten minutes long; but the story just kept growing, and the the characters and their journey turned me into an author.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
I had written a play before, and co-wrote or dramaturged a few other plays; but this is the first novel I’ve ever written.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I have been an actor and occasional director for the last thirty years. I go by my full name, Jerry Getty, when I’m acting. And like most artists, I’ve had a variety of other jobs to pay the bills along the way. I have been a waiter, a caterer, I’ve cooked in restaurants, I’ve worked as a security guard and in retail, and I worked at Tesla for a number of years.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
When I was creating the book, I would spend 3-5 hours a day writing; but I could also take a few days off, and just think about it. I would let the story bounce around in my head before I’d have to sit down and write some more.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being indie is not having to wait or beg to have your story told. One of the reasons I decided to go indie is because a very successful author I know had tried for three years to find a publisher, with no luck. She self-published and started winning awards and now has a traditional publisher. I decided I didn’t want to wait three years. I bet on myself and on the book. The hardest part of being indie is that you are on your own and you have to work hard on all aspects of publishing a book, not just the writing.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Believe in your passion and your vision but be willing to listen to your editor and beta readers: what they have to add isn’t necessarily gospel, but it’s absolutely worth listening to, and can make your story better, clearer and more appealing.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I would certainly consider going “traditional” if the opportunity was right. I decided to be independent for a few reasons; creative control being one of the top reasons as well as having one hundred per cent ownership of the rights. But the weight of a traditional publisher might get your story out there in a more forceful way–it is something I’d have to consider if I was happy with the conditions.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
What motivates me is the message of the story itself. When you write a piece of fiction, it’s almost like making your fantasies a reality. Now, of course, they don’t become “real” but what was once in your head becomes an idea that is out there for everyone to enjoy or contemplate. Works of fiction can change perceptions and cause us to ask, “What if?”
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I would like to cheat here and list a few authors that I greatly admire. I should first mention J.K. Rowling who has created a world that has enthralled and inspired millions. Stephen King is well known, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a great writer, and I grew up reading many of his stories and still enjoy his work. Andrew Pyper is a great Canadian writer that has never disappointed me, and so is Ami McKay. I love all of her books, but Witches of New York is one of my all-time favourites. And Shakespeare; if you study, read and watch Shakespeare and truly listen, you will know why he is considered one of the greatest writers in any language who has ever lived.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey. I first read it in high school; I have re-read it a number of times and it still blows me away. Poetic, beautiful, inspiring, powerfully sad and uplifting all at the same time.