Up Close & Personal with Author - Herb Bailey

Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Chester, PA, raised in Belmont, MA and call Georgetown, SC home.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or less words, what would you say?

My book is "The Web of the Spider" and it is based on a local rumor that a German U-Boat was sunk close to shore near here.

If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?

They would probably say they had a great time, were lucky to survive, and thank me for the romance two of them found.

Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

My new work is ongoing. It is called "The Apollo Parallax" and is an eco-thriller. Neither is part of a series.

What or who inspired you to write? And how long have you been writing?

I have been writing most of my adult life, but not for publication. As a television broadcast news anchor, I wrote my own swcripts, covered my own stories, and ffrequently was asked to write guest columns for in-state newspapers. A family relation by marriage was Mickey Spillane, author of the Mike Hammer series, and upon reading a part of my manuscript urged me to finish it. He said it was a great read.

How did you come up with the title and cover design?

The title originally was "The Hitler Legacy", but I thought that name might turn some readers off, and since an organization of former Nazis in South America is called the spider, it was a natural fit. The cover design show the title spider superimposed over a sandy beach much like the area where the u-boat was found.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?

Yes, in my U.S. Marine Corps service, I was stationed for two years at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where two other Marines and I did a lot of scuba diving. Bob Mintz and Jim Hopkins were patterned after the two.

What books have most influenced your writing most and why?

I am a World War Two history fan, but my favorite authors for this genre are Cllive Cussler, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum and Vince Flynn. However, my most favorite author is Edward Rutherfurd, author of "Sarum", a novel of old England.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

I would love to meet Clive Cussler. He was a friend of Mickey Spillane.

Patti: Yeah, me to. I have read a ton of Clive Cussler's earlier books.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Of course I prefer hardcover, but a first time author has to start somewhere. I wouldn't take anything for my Kindle, though.

Are you a self published (Indie) Author?

I guess you could call me that. I published "Spider" on Createspace.

Have you ever read a book more than once?

I have read every book by Edward Rutherfurd at least twice. These include Sarum, London, Russka and The Forest

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

Never!!

What book are you currently reading and in what format (electronic/paperback/hardcover)?

I am currently reading Ken Follet's Pillars of the Earth on my Kindle

What book do you know that you will never read?

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

Are there any new Authors that have grasped your interest and why?

Conchie Fernandez. She is a new author like I am, and she has a free flowing style that is easy to read.

Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?

I would probably make the ending more lengthy and involved.

Who designed the cover of your book?

I used a basic template, and inserted the visuals

Do you have a book trailer? No

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just keep the faith and follow their dream. It isn't easy being green. Didn't Kermit say that?

Patti: Hmmm, yes he did :)

What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?

It was something Mickey Spillane said to me one afternoon at his home. He said that a book could sell itself by a gangbusters first page.

Do you write under a pen name? No

Cats or dogs? Not at the present time.

Where can your readers follow you? Facebook

My blog: perspexsblog.blogspot.com

My facebook page: Herb Bailey

Other:

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? Both

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me and allowing us a glimpse into your writing word.

I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better. Patti

More about the Author - Amazon Authors Page:

Herb Bailey is a former U.S. Marine, and first time author. Of southern heritage, he traveled extensively during WWII, as the son of a Naval Officer. The family ended up in Belmont, MA, where he finished his basic schooling. After a four year tour with the Marines, Bailey attended Boston University, majoring in Business Administration.

He has been a television news anchor, sports director, internationally-heralded sales seminar host, and conservative radio talk show host. Bailey has traveled all over the world, hosting sales seminars in 17 countries on four continents. He has visited the forme r Soviet Union (Belarus).
In the 1990's he and a partner were involved in gold exploration in Arizona and California, but the market was at a low level, and, in his wisdom, Bailey and partner opted out of the business.

"The Web of the Spider" is Bailey's first novel, although he is currently at work on his next project, "The Apollo Parallax". He resides in Georgetown, South Carolina, and enjoys flying(he is licensed), fishing and hunting. He is also active in the Marine Corps League.