Interview With Author CP Carrington

1. What inspired you to write this book? I always intended to write a book. I had many ideas (most of which remain viable options for future books once I have completed the trilogy). For this book, I had a very vivid dream and woke up with a strong image in my head. I asked myself ‘how did the woman find herself in this position?’ and just started writing from there.

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? I wanted to write a book which combined the story telling of Jeffrey Archer with the deeper concepts of say Dan Brown. So, it could be read as an easy-to-follow thriller (hence the short chapters) or the reader could explore the ideas of faith, trust and the human condition. I wanted a book that my elderly mother could read, as well as the teenage children of my friends. It was also written with the media world in mind. It could be easily adapted to say a Netflix series or a movie franchise. The central concept can also be readily adapted to an endless series of books. It could be set at any time in the past or the future.

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? I hope people will either find it an easy ride, full of decently developed characters or will provoke some deeper thought into what it means to be human. Ultimately, I want people to be interested to know what happens next and buy the next book!

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? The title is actually one I thought of for another book that I had planned. I liked the title so much that I decided to use it for the book I eventually wrote and incorporated as a key feature in the book. The cover of the book is the vivid image I had from my dream. 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? They say everyone has at least one book in them. I’m not sure I’d agree with that, but to every prospective author, find the time and just do it. It is so fulfilling. I had three objectives when I started this. Write a book and get it published which I’ve achieved. Objective three is to make it something I can make a living from – not achieved yet! Also, unless your publisher has a decent promotional budget, don’t rely on them and look to see what you can do to make it happen.

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? As with most industries, the impact of AI is particularly hard on writers. I worked at a senior level in politics and Public Relations for many years. My ability to write was once a strength, but that is not the case now. Employers chose the cheap option of getting things written through AI- why pay someone to write an annual report when you can put it into a chatbot for virtually nothing. As someone new to the publishing world, I have found it very conservative. Publishers appear to favor well-established authors or celebrities. As a business model that is sensible but makes it even harder for new authors to get any kind of foothold. My publisher has done nothing to promote my book (I sent my book to Jeffrey Archer and got a great from him about my writing. I sent this to my publisher and they have done nothing with it – it is not even on my page on their website). Despite the focus on digital and the shorter attention spans of many people, I still think there is a market for well-written books which have the potential for media adaptation in mind. It is also clear that publishers cannot be relied upon to actively promote most new books, so it is down to the author with the opportunities that social media provides (something I know I need to get to grips with).

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? Absolutely, I have used many of my life and work experiences across the stories in both of the books I have written so far. I find it more authentic to write from a basis of having experienced many of the places or situations included in the books. 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I like to describe it as Jeffrey Archer Plus. Archer describes himself as a storyteller rather than an author. I wanted to be in that storytelling vein but with a bit more depth. Archer and I are from the same village (although very different in age!). The writer I aspire to get to being is Angela Carter, although I doubt I could get anywhere close to her level of imaginative writing. 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? I find writing very easy. For example, most of the first book was written in 3-4 weeks (almost in a stream of consciousness). However, I struggle with discipline. This is an ongoing challenge. I have yet to overcome my aversion to social media. I have a lot of good ideas but am not very good at implementing them!

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? If you want a book that’s easy to read with fast-paced action and great characters this is for you. It intentionally has very short chapters. Most people I know read in bed before going to sleep. They often check the length of the next chapter before deciding whether to put it down for the night. These short chapters encourage the reader to keep on reading, wanting to know what happens next. The book also encourages the reader to engage with the human condition at a time when that is being questioned more and more by what is happening around the world.

About The Author:  CP Carrington was born in St Albans but grew up in Somerset. After gaining a postgraduate research degree, he moved to London to work as a political adviser, which included a role in the House of Commons as a Committee Specialist. Subsequently, he ran national media operations and was a communication consultant. He then moved to Abu Dhabi working for international PR agencies providing strategic communication advice to some of the region’s top companies, government departments and major projects. After fifteen years in the Middle East, he returned to the UK to continue his writing. 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 4.7 million pageviews. With 5,400+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

What To Do On Book Launch Day & Beyond?

  

Even for authors who are not thrilled about having to market themselves and their book, there comes a time, usually upon the publication of their book, where they fill with excitement and beam with optimism. It is, for them, a feeling of rebirth, a chance to start fresh and to launch their book to the world. It is a window of time where they are open to doing anything and everything to get the word out about their book.  

So, what should one do to market their book on the first day of its release? 

First, let me say that the marketing of a book begins way before it is published. 

Four months prior to your book’s release, you send out galleys or advance review copies to dozens of book reviewers at magazines, newspapers, blogs, and websites.  

Six months prior to your books release, you will have created a web site and perhaps started your own blog or podcast.  

Long before you have a book in hand, you’ve built up your voice and brand on social media, connecting with those who could become your readers.  

As you can see, the way to look at book marketing is to recalibrate your watch and make the first day of marketing not the day of publication, but rather some date six or more months prior to your book’s release. 

Of course, many of you reading this may have already missed all of these pre-publication benchmark deadlines. That’s okay, because there is always more that can be done at any point.  

The book marketing spectrum, has many points of entry. Even if you did everything that i just outlined, on time, it does not mean that your work is done. Plenty happiness from the date of publication onward.  

For instance, that website that you created six months ago needs to be updated, listing new reviews, upcoming appearances, new blog posts, etc.  

Your social media continues to be active in terms of posting, networking, and researching.  

For book reviews, you now move on to paid opportunities, and secure a plethora of reviews.  

My main points here are as follows:

• Day one book marketing begins way before the first day your book is released.
• Regardless of what you did three, six, even 12 months ago, you must do more now and into the future. You never stop marketing yourself - and your books. 
• Lastly, try to remain as optimistic and enthusiastic about your book weeks and months after its publication. Good things will happen overtime. You want to keep the momentum of effort going so that it can build up into having a pay-off down the line.  

So, dear author, your book launch marketing activities don’t really start when the book is launched -- nor end there. Stay in there for the long game. The wait will be worth it.  

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 4.5 million pageviews. With 5,300+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

Do People Think They Need Or Want Your Book?

 

People will buy a book for only one of two reasons: They need it or they want it.
Most consumers don't think they need your book unless it is clear to them that it will solve a problem or help them get something they are looking to accomplish or learn. but they may desire your book if they hear something about it that makes them curious or helps convince them they would enjoy your book. So the reason they buy is really a degree of perceived benefit.

So let's really look more deeply at what influences a decision to buy for a consumer reader.

First, we need to assume that one is capable of reading (literacy level, no vision issues) and is able to afford a book (economics).

Next, we will assume there is competition for that reader. There will be alternative content source providers out there, both free and paid, such as web sites, blogs, podcasts, videos, news media, plays, concerts, movies, television, seminars, webinars, etc. There will be other books on your topic or in your genre, as well.

Now, why are people buying your book? If they need to have a certain experience (laugh, be entertained, feel mentally stimulated) or to learn something (how to do a task that needs to be done now, such as lose weight, make money, improve a marriage, survive an injury), they will be open to purchasing a book to achieve this result.

Will you market your book to appeal to one’s needs or desires? Maybe both? Perhaps you position as the perfect gift to give another. Maybe you sell it like it’s a collectible item. Perhaps you make one so intrigued by you or curious about your book that you create a demand for it, even though it is not what they would typically desire nor is it something they believe they have a need for.

Understand why people would be open to buying your book and then market it in a way that speaks to that frame of mind.

 

“Giving ourselves a license to play with a problem allows us to try different approaches. Sometimes this means removing a constraint or two. But sometimes it means doing just the opposite: I've found that an equally liberating form of play is to add constraints to what we're doing.“

— A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be, More Creative, 25th Anniversary Edition by Roger von Oech

 

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 4.5 million pageviews. With 5,300+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

Interview with Crime Thriller Authors Joe Gallagher and Dan Bowden

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

 Dan Bowden - Working in a church environment part time I realized, sadly, how cavalier some priests feel regarding the serious pedophile issue. Also, a very close friend of mine shared with me that he was victimized. Feeling the distress he still suffers many years later compelled me to write this book.

 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?

Dan Bowden - Vigilante Priest is written with two protagonists: Father Tony,  a priest falsely accused of sexually abusing a student. Father Tony is troubled with the secrets he holds. Torn by what is right and wrong he struggles with this moral dilemma.

 

Detective Eddie Rodriguez is on a bad luck bender. Even with his dubious instincts he still

engenders admiration. While the book is basically about a serious issue Eddie brings some

comic relief.

 

Vigilante Priest is written for adults who enjoy crime thrillers with a bit of comedic relief and an underlying message that addresses a serious issue. It is for those who enjoy a thought-provoking read presented in a captivating way. Readers find the book’s story intriguing with lots of twists and turns. One review describes it as a must-read thriller with a message,   Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer mentioning they couldn’t put it down even after bedtime.

 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

Dan Bowden - I hope readers will realize that in the politics of the church, like in any other large entity, there are good and bad people. In the case of the church there are a few, very conservative cardinals, who were responsible for protecting these rogue priests which I feel has instilled a serious generational trust issue. The book gives hope that the church can change moving forward.

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

Sandy Bowden (advisor, mediator and editor) – The title, Vigilante Priest, came about during the conceptualization for the book. It gives a hint to the book's direction while tempting readers

 to dive in and see where it will lead. As with the title, the cover is designed to lure the reader in with its mystery and allure. The priest with the cupped hands over the skyline of New York City

 speaks to the complexities and interconnections of the church, the law and the criminals of New York City .

 

5. Did being the son of an NYPD police officer play a role in shaping the authentic substance of your story?

Dan Bowden - Absolutely, growing up not only in a household of police officers (my brother was also a police officer) but in Washington Heights in upper Manhattan where many people in my neighborhood, including many of my friends, were on the police force gave me great insight into the workings of the NYPD.  A few of my friends were actually assigned to the Fort

Apache precinct. I spent a great deal of time making sure of the authenticity of the workings of law enforcement by tapping into this invaluable resource.

 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?

Joe Gallagher  - The book world seems to be narrowly focused on finding a target audience. With the lack of the population reading, there are safe genres with an established reading base that are being rehashed over and over. On the other hand, the movie and tv market which has broad consumption is suffering from a lack of textured content.  Most TV series and movie scripts are ignoring books at this point and just producing screenplays that can be immediately converted to video. I believe that using a book as canon allows the director to create a more vibrant world to inhabit.  This leads to better video content. I believe that we will see more books working as they were intended as source material for movies and tv series versus as a competitor to video consumers.

 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

Dan Bowden – As I mentioned in my responses to questions 1 and 5, I grew up with great exposure to NYPD officers in both my family and my circle of friends. Then later in life I worked for the Catholic Church and I also had a friend who was victimized. These gave me great insight that I was able to use in the research and writing of Vigilante Priest.

 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

Joe Gallagher -  I am a plodder. It is difficult for me to lay a story out scene by scene and retain immersion.  Plodding makes the writing process much more enjoyable for me as I am rooting for the protagonist with the reader. (SPOILER ALERT) In Vigilante Priest, I was as surprised as the reader when ultimately Eddie was shot towards the end of the book.  The other characters were too savvy, and Eddie was unaware of the depths they would go. 

There are many successful plodders but if we are looking at self-ascribed plodders the list narrows. David Quamman is the first that comes to mind. Oddly enough, I am leaving for Yellowstone in a few days, so that’s probably why I am thinking of him. While his plodding style is similar to mine, his subject matter and tone are different. On the similar books front, the first word that comes to mind is Arkangel. There are elements of Rollins’ Arkangel with the Vatican connection and the governmental elements but I’m more thinking of Harris’ Archangel with gritty believable characters where the reader doesn’t feel safe because the world is very dangerous and fluid. I want the reader to feel immersed in a real world with real consequence.

 

 9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

Sandy Bowden (advisor, mediator and editor) – There are many challenges when a book is co-authored. It was important to keep both authors on the same page and moving in the same direction. While both knew where they would start and what the final message should be, at times there were divergent routes to get there. These let to many discussions, and at times mediation, to keep the process moving.

 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

Joe Gallagher - Vigilante Priest is a page turner. The characters are vibrant and relatable. While the subject matter is tense, there are laugh out loud conversations that occur in the book.  Think of Breaking Bad where there is humor in a dark world. The characters feel real so their responses to stress feel genuine. For more accomplished readers, there are many allegorical references and easter eggs for you to spot. Ultimately, I believe that you will fall in love with at least one of the characters and the book ends with a thought-provoking and rewarding finish.

 

About The Authors:

JOE GALLAGHER – Joe Gallagher lives in Mount Airy with his two younger children, Ryan and Lilli. His eldest child, Andrew, is a college graduate and has started his own life journey. In addition to writing, Joe is an active member of various communities that keep him busy.

 

DAN BOWDEN – Dan Bowden is the son of an NYPD detective. He holds a teaching degree and worked part-time at a Catholic Church. He lives in Tinton Falls, New Jersey with his wife, Sandy. Dan has two sons, Brian and Bobby and two daughters-in-law, Melanie and Nikki. He is the proud Grandpa to five wonderful grandchildren, John, Bella, Abby, Robert and Jojo.

 

“Remember these two benefits of failure. First, if you do fail, you learn what doesn't work. Second, the failure gives you an opportunity to try a new approach.“

— A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be, More Creative, 25th Anniversary Edition by Roger von Oech

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 4.5 million pageviews. With 5,300+ posts over the past 14 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs  by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum