JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Marc Avery, author of Redemption Lost
(Urban Books)
Anthony Porter, a young emerging screenwriter and closeted alcoholic, loses faith in family and relationships after he learns of his father’s infidelity.
Then he meets Essence, a girl with a college degree, her own home, and the perfect smile. Feeling like she is “the one,” he throws himself into the relationship, only to learn of her manipulative and vindictive ways.
Battling with inner demons, depression, and other life woes, Anthony turns to screenwriting as his only solace. Just as things are improving, Anthony learns of secrets that shatter his world again, leaving him wanting retribution, which he will risk everything for, including his freedom.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Redemption Lost?
Marc Avery: The inspiration to write Redemption Lost came from the idea of overcoming your struggles, facing your fears, and persevering despite roadblocks. I felt like the young adult genre fit what I was trying to do.
JP: What sets Redemption Lost apart from other books in the same genre?
MA: Authenticity sets Redemption Lost apart from other books in the same genre. The main character is thrust into real life situations and he deals with them in a real way that people may be able to relate to.
I wanted to tap into people’s emotions and have them truly care about him as they would a loved one. As writers, we sometimes share some of the same ideas and concepts. However, I peppered this book with quirky humor and raw emotion in hopes of satisfying the reader’s palettes.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Redemption Lost getting out to the public?
MA: This is by far the Rubik’s cube of the book creation process. The first step was signing with a reputable major publishing company to be able to utilize their distribution channels.
The next step will be to execute everything I have in my marketing plan. Some of which includes reaching out to more book clubs, bloggers, and independent stores directly. If there is no plan there is no structure. If there is no structure there is no foundation.
There are an infinite number of things to do to get exposure. It’s about what is actually going to benefit you and set you up for long-term success. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Redemption Lost?
MA: As far as processes go I write as often as possible. It has taken six years to get this book to print. I’ve been through two different covers, three different book titles, and thousands of dollars for editing. Every step was worth it because the final version of Redemption Lost is everything I could’ve hoped for.
JP: What’s next for Marc Avery?
MA: I’m always dibbling and dabbling with projects. Right now, I’m working on a crime fiction series that I’m really excited about. Besides that, I plan to just keep working.