Monty Garner Interview

 

Next up is Monty Garner. 

 

Hi Monty, thanks for joining us here today.

 

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

I’m an early riser, and that’s when I like to write. I spend about two hours each day writing.

 

Are you able to name some of your series’ and what pseudonyms you’ve written under?

I have the Card Jordan series. The Sawyer McCade series. The Brody Connor series.

 

How many words do you aim to write in a day when working on a novel?

I don’t go for words; I aim to write a chapter each day, which is five to seven pages.

 

Are you a detailed outliner or do you discover the story as you write?

I do outline, but that changes as I get to work on a manuscript, and I go with what appears in my mind.

 

How has your writing process changed since you published your first book?

I started out self-publishing and did everything except edit my work. I’m now with Wolfpack Publishing, and all I do is write. They take care of the covers, editing, and marketing.

 

What are your favorite western series’ that you’ve read or worked on?

My first series is still the one I am the proudest of, which is the Card Jordan series. I’m extremely grateful and blessed by the support of my readers.

 

Do you revise as you go, or complete a first draft before editing?

I complete the first draft and then go back, making revisions.

 

What advice would you give to writers trying to build a disciplined writing routine?

Set a time to write/work each day. We all have stories. Put it down on paper.

 

What kinds of books do you read for pleasure?

I read westerns

 

How much of your reading is research versus relaxation?

I do a lot of research, so I'm going to say 70% is research.

 

Are there any authors you return to again and again?

Louis L’Amour, Elmer Kelton, Ralph Compton

 

What book are you reading right now?

I’m not

 

Do you prefer physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

I prefer a physical book, but I will read an e-book

 

How has your reading taste evolved over the years?

I’ve always read Westerns.

 

Top 3 western authors you’ve read? Past and present.

Louis L’Amour, Elmer Kelton, John Deacon

 

Which authors have had the greatest influence on your work?

Louis L’Amour

 

What first sparked your interest in Western fiction?

I’ve been a fan of Westerns all my life. I started reading them at an early age.

 

Have any non-Western writers or genres shaped your storytelling?

Not really

 

Where do you usually find ideas for your novels and characters?

It’s hard to explain. I have a vivid imitation, and as the plot comes to me; I write it down.

 

What separates a memorable Western novel from an average one?

The reader involvement. I can say it’s a great novel, but it’s not up to me. The reader is the one who makes it a great novel through reviews, sales, and personal notes to me.

 

You now write for Wolfpack. What’s different with them to other publishers you’ve worked with?

Wolfpack is the only publisher I have worked with. I self-published my first eight books.

 

Looking back on your career, what single lesson about writing do you wish you had learned sooner?

Looking back, I wish I had written many years ago. I always knew it could write, but I never pursued the gift that I have. I call it a gift because it’s not something I take credit for. Writing is a God given gift.

 

Bonus Question:

If you could spend an afternoon talking with any deceased Western writer, who would it be and what would you ask?

Louis L’Amour. I would ask how he did his research and how he came up with his stories.

 

Once again, Monty, thank you for joining me and answering the tough questions.