Who the Hell is Ralphy? received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Ralph Cover.
What’s the book’s first line?
Who the Hell is Ralphy?, August 2021.
What’s the book’s first line?
We are born without memory.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The book is about Australian lore, family history of murder, rebellions, and bushrangers since the landing on the first fleet in 1788, working with governors and explorers. It is a memoir of my life, of many unusual and unique times, and experiencing all the emotions.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was inspired to write about my life, by my inquisitive partner.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I think the content is original, unique, and historic. It has humour with larrikinism and bush culture that’s different.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
The characters would probably be Australian, for tradition, colloquialisms, and patrons, there are some good ones here. Steven Maginnis has kindly alluded to the book as a likeness to”Mclouds Daughters”, an Aust. TV serial.
When did you first decide to become an author?
When I was passionately given the inspiration of my, then partner of 7 years.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes my first book.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am retired, once a wool producer, a business owner, a rural contractor a restauranteur, etc.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
The time writing is relaxing, the first draft took a few months, It is the multitude of things to do in the aftermath.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
It’s enjoyable writing. Indies are helpful in many ways to promote and get your book on the shelf in the best possible shape and time, give the best reviews by Steven Maginnis and with the best marketing group, Chelsea Rutherford from Tellwell. What’s bad about that? There is no bad!
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
I’m not in a position to give an Author any advice, perhaps listen to other Authors and get yourself a good marketing manager and let those like IndieReaders do their job.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
With Self Publishing you have control of the destiny of your precious work and rewards.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Fame and fortune are not my expectations, but wouldn’t knock it back if there was to be a miracle! However, I wouldn’t mind claiming back some of my expenses. My main purpose is to register a memoir to the family and friends of my life and to recognise my first white descendants to settlers Australia, 233 years ago. There have been few family records!
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
To patronise again, Colleen Mc Cullough, of the” Thorn Birds” I’ll say, she lived not far from here!
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Once again Australian, ” A Fortunate Life ” By A.B.Facey.