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Advice from IR Approved Author Stephen Delas Heras: “Embrace the freedom to write the book you want to write, since no one can tell you otherwise.”

Blood Perfect, A Joe Turner Mystery received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.

Following find an interview with author Stephen Delas Heras.

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

The book is called The Nine Lives of Bianca Moon, and it was published on June 20th, 2023.

What’s the book’s first line?

“It was the summer of 1954 and the noonday sun was stopped dead in the sky high above the city.”

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

Set in the 1950s, in an alternate world run by cats and dogs, The Nine Lives of Bianca Moon is the purr-fect blend of urban fantasy, detective story, and ghostly fun.

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

I wrote a short story for a writing competition that readers and judges really seemed to love, so I got it in my head to expand the concept into a full length novel. I entered many writing competitions, and it definitely served as a creative incubator of sorts for different story ideas.

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

The imaginative alternate world run by anthropomorphic cats and dogs. I worked hard to make it believable, setting the action in a particular time and place—1950s Greenwich Village. But while there are plenty of authentic details, the more I wrote, the more liberties I took with history and geography, as I changed things to fit my somewhat utopian vision of that universe. I didn’t want to make it dark and gritty, and there isn’t the typical emphasis on booze that you might find in hard boiled detective stories. My books tend to be light and fun, but not in a superficial or formulaic way.

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

I conceived of Morton Digby as something of a John Watson type role, only I decided  to move what is typically a humble secondary character to the protagonist’s role. Morton finds himself partnered up with a bungling Scottish Terrier who is closer to a delusional Don Quixote than an astute Sherlock Holmes. It was important to me that the two dogs become good friends, and I was happy to sacrifice all the potential drama and conflict that a more contentious relationship would have provided.

When did you first decide to become an author?

A long time ago. But I got serious about finishing and publishing my first book at the start of the pandemic. I was working as a dance and theater photographer at the time, so when that world completely shut down I decided it was the perfect opportunity to focus on my writing. I sold my cameras and gear back to the camera store, partly to finance my writing, and partly to burn that bridge for good. I feel like I stole a few years to get these novels out of my head and into the world, thanks to some very understanding family members, particularly my spouse.

Is this the first book you’ve written?

The Nine Lives of Bianca Moon is my third novel. It’s longer than my second book, which was longer than my first, which perplexes me greatly as I really like the idea of writing short books. I seem to have a hard time settling on a genre, as each book has been somewhat different, and even with this latest novel I’m not sure if it fits better into the cozy mystery category or urban fantasy. But my books all have the same lighthearted tone, and they are all set in New York City. In a weird way they all fit really well together. Just don’t ask me what shelf they belong on.

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

At the start of this year I had to finally buckle down and get a proper day job as a security guard at a major museum. It has been a challenging and humbling experience, but it may turn out to be a boon for my writing career, as I am getting to meet many fascinating New York characters. Other than the much needed practical benefit not being completely broke, it’s also recharging the well of life experience for me. On the downside, between the demands of a full time job, family duties, and time spent promoting my latest book, my writing time has nearly evaporated. I hope to get back on a regular writing schedule soon.

How much time do you generally spend on your writing?

It depends on whether I’m writing a first draft or revising. The actual creative stuff is more draining and I rarely write for more than three hours a day, usually after a morning run. When I’m revising I work for much longer blocks of time, as I can still be productive later in the day.

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

I went through a life phase where I wanted to be a comic book artist, so I have some drawing skills. I’m not quick, as it takes me weeks to draw something that a better artist might do in a couple days. But hey—stubbornness pays off again! This has allowed me to illustrate all three of my book covers, and present my novels to the world the way I envisioned them. Which never would have happened in traditional publishing. I know doing your own book covers is also frowned upon in the world of indie publishing, and I’m still stung by one Amazon reviewer who suggested I could have purchased a better cover on fiverr, but overall most people seem to really like the covers.

The hardest part of being an indie is the book promotion. Duh! Like most fiction authors I have zero marketing and publicity skills.

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

Embrace the freedom to write the book you want to write, since no one can tell you otherwise.

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

I would be sorely tempted to sign with a traditional publisher because they produce such legitimately beautiful books. I also love the idea of handing off promotional duties to a team of professionals. I used to work in book publishing and I know it’s an industry full of wonderful people. In a way I feel like the most important benefits of being an indie writer happen with the first few books, when your writing career is being shaped, as you don’t have anyone demanding you stick to a genre formula. With three books out there in the world I feel like my identity as an author has already been forged—by me. And it’s a much more expansive vision of a writer than would have been allowed in the corporate book industry.

Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)

My dream is to see my book on bookstore shelves! It didn’t really happen for my first two books, although I think one or two booksellers ordered a few copies. But with this third book I’ve opted to go the patient route and pursue editorial reviews prior to publication. It really seems to be paying off, as I have a bunch of great quotes to slap on the book cover. I’d be thrilled to get my book into actual bookstores as an Indie!

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