The King of the Trail: Top Western Writer John D. Fie. Jr Reveals All

john d fie photoWhen it comes to big names, in a big industry, John D. Fie., Jr. stands out. His two giant-sized hits have both been in the top ten for months, and he has a third book on the way. Fie isn’t just content to be “another” author. He has crafted his way into the big league… it’s nothing these days to be a legend—so we’ll just call Fie a Cowboy.  And let’s see what the Cowboy has to say about his great success…

 How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

I was looking at a photo of the Kansas Plains and thought about how it must have been back then, with the first wagon trains crossing the plains and facing a vast nothingness in all directions. Then, the thought of Indian attacks and the blood that must have been spilled making that crossing. As I looked over more photos, the story was forming in my mind. I then came up with the title Blood on the Plains. Luke Pressor, U.S. Marshal is a story in itself. I was asked to publish a short story by Outlaws Publishing. I looked through the short stories I had written over the years, and I just couldn’t make up my mind. Then I thought, why not combine a story or two? From the outset, it became a challenge. Luke Pressor became the hero of the story. This is how it became Luke Pressor, U.S. Marshal.

Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Did you have your covers in mind before you saw them?

Blood on the Plains, at first, had a very bland looking cover. I had a contract with a different publisher at the time. The book wasn’t moving. Outlaws Publishing took a look at the book and the cover. It wasn’t until I signed with Outlaws Publishing that the book was pulled from the market. The book was re-designed, and I immediately saw the difference. The book, with the new cover design, just jumped at you. I knew right then I had made a good decision going with Outlaws. They specialize in the Western genre. Luke Pressor, U.S. Marshal also had two different book covers. Several covers were designed, and we put our heads together and again came up with a colorful book cover with eye appeal.

Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Would you believe I have no favorites? The characters in my stories live in my head. They’re my children. I try to give them the same attention as the others to keep my stories alive.

How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

The least favorite would be the minor characters, I suppose. They are the characters who enter the story and leave in a chapter or by the end of the book.

If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?

With Blood on the Plains, I would say the ending. I left the reader with a rather short ending. I  maybe should have embellished on the romance between Sally Phillips and Matt Hutchens. In Luke Pressor, U.S. Marshal, I think perhaps I should have introduced the marshal into the story earlier to add a little more excitement.

Give us an interesting, fun fact on a few about your book or series.

I like to use small, quick one-liners in my stories to add a little comedy. Also to have a few characters that are somehow different from the others.

What other books are similar to your own?  What makes them alike?

I honestly can’t think of any. I try to be different than other authors. There is one complaint that I hear all the time about Western books—that they’re all the same. I try hard to be different.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

Making people laugh. I also collect baseball cards.

How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

You can go to my Amazon author page (amazon.com/author/johnfie or go to Outlawspublishing.com). Visit my blog on the Cowboy Campfire at Outlaws Publishing or email my publicist at Nick@nickwale.org.

Why are Westerns still so popular?

As surprised as people are at the success of Westerns, I’m really not. I’ve always enjoyed the West, and I know many others have, too. I think there’s a lot of hype when it comes to romance, erotica and horror—but the Western fanbase is just as busy buying the books they want.

What can we expect from you in the future?

A sequel to Blood on the Plains will be releasing soon entitled Benson’s Creek, plus another short story later on in my Wild West short story series.

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

The best thing a reader can do for an author is to leave a review. Tell others about your experience. Let the author know about your experience with the story.

Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

For new writers, make sure you get an editor. You can’t edit the book enough. When you’re ready to publish, look around and choose wisely, then stand by for the reviews.

What do you think is the key to success?

Good writing, good promotion and making sure you surround yourself with those who will help you, rather than hinder you. A good publisher, publicist, and editor will make you as an author. A poor publisher, publicist, or editor will break you. I need say no more.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I would just like to let everyone know that I enjoy creating stories. A good, clean, and different story looking in some of the untouched areas in the Western genre. My readers can write and tell me what they like or don’t like. Maybe they have an idea. Just let me know. You already know how to contact me, and I’d be glad to visit with you.

Why don’t you give the latest John D. Fie. Jr novel a chance? “Luke Pressor: U.S. Marshall” is currently available on Amazon. You can order it here.

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