Tag Archives: authors

Revisit: You must certainly enjoy writing, as you have several works under your name. What’s been the most challenging part of the writing, editing, or publishing process for you? RobertJRGraham.com Interviews Robert “Digger” Cartwright

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Each step of the process has its own unique challenges. The writing process is a challenge unto itself. While I’m generally pretty disciplined at sitting down and writing during the time I had schedule for that, I inevitably get interrupted or delayed or sidetracked. That’s one problem. Occasionally, I’ll be writing and box myself in with the storyline. I usually have an outline but the story itself as I’m writing it is pretty fluid. I change things while I’m writing. I’ll take the story in a bit of a different direction or I’ll introduce something that changes the outline a bit. So, writing itself is a bit of a challenge, but I like that. It keeps things interesting. I do my best to catch errors in the manuscript while I’m writing to make the editing process a little smoother, but I’m a writer and not an editor. I’ve been lucky to work with some really good people who have handled the editing process. They’ve gotten to know my writing style and tone, so they don’t go crazy in making edits that affect the story, characters, tone or style. Probably the biggest challenge is marketing the books. I made the decision many years ago to go the self-publishing route, so I’ve turned the entire process into a business. As with any business there a number of challenges, and I’ve found that marketing and gaining exposure has historically been the hardest part of the process. Luckily, I’ve built a good team for marketing, so it’s not as difficult as it once was, particularly with the various social media platforms that allow you to reach far more people than through traditional marketing methods.

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Miss Matisse Interview- With Published Author Digger Cartwright Question 15

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Miss Matisse: Most people underestimate just how powerful social media marketing can truly be! It’s a great thing when you can market yourself, because you are the only one who really knows your product like the back of your hand, unlike anyone else. What else can we expect to see from Digger Cartwright in the near future besides the Money, Power, Greed, Sex and Revenge of Gems & Jewels?

Digger Cartwright: For the near future, I’ll probably continue with the Gems & Jewels series. That’s been on my mind for a while, and I’d like to finish Books II-V next. I’ll be doing a lot of commentaries for ThinkingOutsideTheBoxe.com, the think tank. I generally participate in their annual symposium in December and some of their quarterly champagne summits. You’ll be hearing my thoughts on politics, the economy, business and society. I’m in the process of developing a series of books that is a bit futuristic looking at what America and the world may look like in thirty years. I’m far from actually starting to write that, but that’s on the drawing board. I have plans for a sequel to The Versailles Conspiracy and The Maynwarings. Of course, time is always at a premium, so I’ll just take these projects one at a time. But I’ll say this, if you’ve liked what I’ve done so far, you’re going to love what I have planned. The best may be yet to come.

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Miss Matisse Interview- With Published Author Digger Cartwright Question 14

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Miss Matisse: I am seriously laughing hysterically right now at your comment about someone worrying about another person living in their parents’ basement. It’s so true! Why care about what others think of you? Live your life! Speaking of yourself…What would you say has been the most successful way for self-promoting of your books?

Digger Cartwright: The world of social media and the internet are great ways to reach millions of readers and engage them. You can interact with people on Facebook and Twitter that are of like interests. You can reach hundreds of readers groups online who love to read indie authors’ work. You’re able to reach people all over the world online and with social media while you get lost in the shuffle on places like Amazon.com.

At the end of the day, there’s no better way to promote your work than word of mouth. You have a friend who reads the book and makes comments on their social media profiles. Their friends see it and they take an interest. They post something and so on and so forth. And of course, it always helps to have fair, impartial, and unbiased reviews by known or reputable reviewers, and there are plenty of them on Amazon and other places. These aren’t paid reviews; these are reviewers who consider various genres and my take an interest in your book to review. It always helps to have people who have bought your book on Amazon leave a comment or review or rating.

There’s really no one way that’s better than all the rest. It’s actually a combination of efforts that help expand the presence of the book and build an interest in it. Self-published authors should use all the tools at their disposal and that are financially available to promote their work. It becomes a lot easier once you gain a following, so make sure you engage with fans and keep producing quality work.

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Miss Matisse Interview- With Published Author Digger Cartwright Question 12

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Miss Matisse: I totally agree with you! A writer does have to be in a certain mindset in order to produce their best work. Otherwise it can throw the whole story off! So…sticking with the same subject, have you ever made any mistakes in your field that you would like to advise others against?

Digger Cartwright: Stay productive. Keep writing. Don’t take too much time off between books. If you do, you’re likely going to become complacent and take your time before starting the next book. As soon as your current manuscript is with the editor, get to work on the next one. If you’re serious about writing, keep producing as much as you can without sacrificing quality while you can when you can. The day may come when you don’t have the time or the creative juices dry up. I find that if I take too much time off between books that it becomes more and more difficult to start the next one.

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Miss Matisse Interview- With Published Author Digger Cartwright Question 11

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Miss Matisse: I happen to absolutely love that you keep your fans in mind while writing too! Your new series sounds like it’s going to be a big hit! When it comes to writing, have you ever had to overcome writers block? If so, how were you able to work around it?

Digger Cartwright: I will occasionally encounter writer’s block. For me, I have to be in the right frame of mind to sit down and write. I really have to be in the mood. When I’m in the zone, so to speak, I can just sit and crank it out. If I’m not in the zone, it’s tough; it’s very laborious under those circumstances. Where I often encounter writer’s block is that I create a situation while I’m working that impacts the direction I was taking. I have to work through the change and the implications for the storyline. I like to say I’ve worked myself into a corner and have to figure a way out. Usually it’s just a matter of stepping away for a while and letting it all work through my mind. Sometimes I’ll need to take a break, have something to eat, get some fresh air, go walk around, or even listen to some music. Really it’s just a matter of stepping away and clearing my mind. Once the answer comes to me, I’ll get focused and get back to work.

Ultimately, I think any writer really has to be in the right frame of mind to do their best work. I’ve read a lot of books in the recent past that seemed to indicate the author was trying to force the words onto paper and it came across as being of a lesser quality than their normal prose.

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Miss Matisse Interview- With Published Author Digger Cartwright Question 10

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Miss Matisse: You’re currently writing a piece about Money, Power, Greed, Sex and Revenge…high society has a new first family…in which, the character Jarrod Van Kliem returns from exile in London to reclaim control of the family business that was grabbed from him years ago, and he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants—even if it means destroying his own family in the process! This I find fascinating! Where did this idea stem from?

Digger Cartwright: I was always a fan of Falcon Crest, Dallas and Dynasty, the prime time soap operas back in the 1980s. I wanted to create a modern-day drama with everything that made those shows so great—money, high society, power, backstabbing, wheeling and dealing, revenge, sex. Gems & Jewels is a modern-day take on that with a family that is involved in the mining and jewelry industry. I actually started out with this as a teleplay years ago in hopes of making it a mini-series that led to an actual weekly series. That never worked out, so last year I decided to make this a series of books, starting with Gems & Jewels Book II: The Restoration. When I wrote the teleplay, I actually had planned out about five seasons of the show, so all the plots for Books II through V are already laid out for me. Now, it’s just a matter of putting them all in prose as opposed to script format. Of course, a lot has changed since I originally wrote these, so I’m having to make some significant changes to the plots and characters. In the end, I think this will turn out to be a very exciting series. I think the successful return of Dallas a year or so ago bodes well for Gems & Jewels. I think the fans are going to love this and really get into it.

http://missmatisse.com/diggercartwrightinterview/

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Mystery Novelist Digger Cartwright’s Christmas Message

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Orlando, FL December 25, 2013—The office of mystery novelist Digger Cartwright has released Mr. Cartwright’s Christmas message delivered on Christmas Day at the Thinking Outside the Boxe Symposium and Champagne Summit in Orlando.
The transcript of Mr. Cartwright’s speech follows:
“Merry Christmas everyone. Thank you for being here, and thank you to Thinking Outside the Boxe for having me and for organizing this wonderful event. It’s an honor to be here for this annual symposium and to deliver a Christmas message. Thinking Outside the Boxe has done so much over the last decade to promote the free exchange of ideas in a civil and dignified manner and to examine problems and offer solutions in non-partisan ways. Their dedication to their cause is to be admired. We can all take a lesson from the hard work and tireless efforts they have put into the advancement of free speech and freedom. Their efforts to engage the public, stimulate minds, and promote conversation have all been aimed at strengthening our constitutional republic, making America a better place, and improving society and our commitments to our fellow man.
Christmas is a time of year from which everyone can take or learn something that makes the world a better place. You don’t have to be a Christian to benefit from the values that are at the heart of the Christmas season. People of all walks of life, of all creeds, of all faiths and beliefs, even those who do not believe in anything, and of all nationalities can relate to simple messages of peace on earth, goodwill towards men, charity, tolerance, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
We live in a world consumed with conflict, not just conflict among nations, but conflict among ourselves and our society. We live in a world consumed with the insatiable want for more and more material goods. We live in a world consumed with greed. We live in a world consumed with bitterness. We live in a world consumed with bigotry and intolerance for others. And while conflict, greed, bitterness, want and intolerance may always exist in the world, it is up to us as individuals to do our part in rectifying this little by little.
Conflict comes from anger and insecurities within ourselves. Bullies pick on the weak to feel better about themselves and boost their self esteem. They hide their own insecurities by initiating conflict and drawing others in as a way to satisfy themselves. We must seek to understand them and reach out to them with help and compassion. Conflict amongst nations arises from differences of opinions, politics, and cultural differences. We must seek to bring parties together, understand their differences, and bring them together to support a resolution that benefits all man. Peace on earth, goodwill towards men is a message that transcends borders, languages, cultures, and religions.
Intolerance and bigotry is alive and rife throughout the world. Yet those who seek tolerance of themselves are often the most intolerant of those from whom they seek tolerance. Tolerance is a two way street. Those who seek tolerance must also give tolerance. We must respect the opinions of those who are intolerant just as they must respect the opinions of those of whom they are intolerant. As a society, we must focus on that which brings us together as opposed to that which divides us. We must focus on the goodness and commonalities that bind us as opposed to the bad and the differences that separate us. In doing so, we must not let our individual identities be lost and we must not let our individual values be lost as well. But more importantly, we must not let our individual voices and opinions be silenced. Tolerance requires that we not stifle opinions, values or beliefs of others. It is rather for the individual to determine the worth and merit of those opinions.
The disturbing trend of secularizing Christmas shows a lack of respect and intolerance for those of the Christian faith. Yet those that seek the secularization of Christmas bemoan the loudest any who speak out against those of other faiths and creeds. America is a nation that was founded by Christians upon Christian values, yet we have been tolerant of those of other faiths throughout our history as a nation. Let us recognize and be tolerant of many faiths but not at the expense of denigrating Christmas or Christian values. Let us welcome all faiths here in America and let us be willing to recognize those who celebrate other faiths while keeping our Christmas season and the Christian values associated with the Christmas holiday.
We have become consumed with the acquisition of material goods. It is a disturbing trend in society that grows with each passing day. The retailer- induced frenzy around Christmas has taken the meaning from the holiday season and replaced it with the need for more and better material goods. Yet nothing is ever enough. Kids today want the best technology and the best toys. They see something and they want it or they want it because their friends have it or because it will make them popular or enable them to fit in with the cool kids. They want it because they have been convinced it will make them feel good about themselves. We have become gluttonous for material goods.
But Christmas isn’t about material goods and getting gifts. It is about giving; it is about charity. There are many good charities in America serving a vast array of needs. We should give to those in need, particularly during the holidays. We should give because it’s the good thing to do; it shows goodwill towards men. From those of us to whom much has been given much is expected. Let us give in the Christmas season more than we receive not because we have to do so but because it is the good thing to do. There are many people who desperately need more than we do. It’s not that they need the latest and greatest gadgets; it’s that they need the basic necessities—a warm coat, shoes, a blanket, food. Let us count our own blessing during Christmas and bestow what blessing we can because we are able to do so upon those in need.
And let us not forget that not only do humans need assistance during the holidays. There are many homeless animals in shelters throughout the nation who are looking for love and for a forever home. And let me assure you they will give love unconditionally and bring a joy to your life that can only be had from the simple pleasure of being a loving pet guardian. Open your homes and your hearts to them and help God’s innocent creatures when they need it most. You will be greatly rewarded for it.

And so as we celebrate Christmas and the birth of a man who stood for peace, love, and charity, let us dedicate ourselves to those same principles now and in the New Year. We are blessed to live in the greatest nation on earth and the greatest nation in the history of the world. We are blessed with safety, success, health, and abundance. Let us count our own blessing, particularly during Christmas, and reach out to those in need this holiday. Let us keep the Christmas spirit alive today, tomorrow, and forever in our own hearts and in our society. And always remember, it is better to give than to receive.
Thank you all, and God bless you and your families!”
About Mr. Cartwright— Digger Cartwright is the author of several mystery stories, teleplays, and novels including The Versailles Conspiracy, a modern day political thriller, Murder at the Ocean Forest, a traditional mystery novel set in the 1940s, The House of Dark Shadows, a psychological thriller, and The Maynwarings: A Game of Chance, a mystery set in the Old West. His latest book, Conversations on the Bench, is an inspirational/motivational novel. His books are available in hardback, paperback, and e-book format through his website, www.DiggerCartwright.com, on-line booksellers and bookstores. Mr. Cartwright has contributed to a number of articles on a wide range of financial, strategic planning, and policy topics. He frequently contributes articles, commentaries, and editorials focusing on current economic and political topics for the private think tank, Thinking Outside the Boxe. Mr. Cartwright is an enthusiastic supporter of local no-kill animal shelters, the Wounded Warrior Project, and local Meals on Wheels programs. He enjoys golf, participating in charity golf tournaments, and attending WWE events. He divides his time between Washington, D.C., South Carolina, and Florida.

Press Contact: Executive Assistant to Mr. Cartwright Telephone: 888-666-1036 Website: http://www.DiggerCartwright.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DiggerCartwright Twitter: @mysterydigger
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Miss Matisse Interview- With Published Author Digger Cartwright Question 9

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Miss Matisse: You have thirteen years under your belt already! That’s pretty cool if I do say so myself, because that’s more than most authors can say that they have! What should readers expect to find when they pick up a Digger Cartwright book?

Digger Cartwright: Murder, mystery, intrigue, an engaging story with twists and turns when it comes to most of my books. Conversations on the Bench is the lone example at this point, since it’s motivational and was inspired by actual events. Regardless of what book you read, it’s going to be an interesting and unique storyline. There are going to be a lot of memorable characters. There are going to be a lot of descriptions of the people and the settings. I try to paint a picture so that you as a reader feel like you’re in the story. I want you to be able to see the people and places in your heads. Some of the books you won’t be able to put down. You’re going to want to keep reading to find out what happens. Others, you’re going to want to step back and think about it for a while. In any case, you’re going to get an engaging story and a quality piece of work. None of my books are going to be like the run-of-the-mill books being put out by mainstream authors today.

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Miss Matisse Interview- With Published Author Digger Cartwright Question 8

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Miss Matisse: I will have to check out (Conversations on the Bench) for myself when I can find some extra time to sit down and read! It sounds very interesting… J How long have you been writing?

Digger Cartwright: Many years off and on. I guess I’ve really taken it seriously and been dedicated to writing since 2000. That’s when I sat down and wrote Murder at the Ocean Forest, and I’ve been writing ever since. I tried the traditional means of getting Murder at the Ocean Forest published until I finally decided to self-publish in about 2005.

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Miss Matisse Interview- With Published Author Digger Cartwright Question 7

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Miss Matisse: Yes, I love the worldwide web for the simple fact that now it’s not only Americans who can reap benefits, EVERYONE in the world now can! The “Indie” route whether writing, being a shop owner, music etc. I would say is definitely the way to go nowadays! What genres of stories have you written about?

Digger Cartwright: The Maynwarings: A Game of Chance is a western set in Carson City, Nevada after the Civil War. The House of Dark Shadows is a psychological thriller that is very character driven with what I like to think of as an Alfred Hitchcock-like twist at the end. The Versailles Conspiracy is a modern day political thriller with international intrigue, murders, conspiracies, and a lot of twists and turns that stretch from high society country clubs to strip clubs to political organizations throughout the world. Murder at the Ocean Forest is a period piece set in the 1940s at the famed Ocean Forest hotel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s a traditional mystery along the lines of an Agatha Christie book where the “locked door” mystery keeps readers trying to solve the puzzle. But there’s also an international intrigue aspect to this once since it’s during World War II. Conversations on the Bench is an inspirational or motivational story that’s based on actual events. It’s a collection of life lessons shared between two friends, and as I’ve said time and time again there is something in that book for everyone who reads it.

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