Tony Baker

answers the Usual Questions

Tony Baker

American writer Tony Baker set the record for the most times a book is mentioned in an interview.

Has your interaction with fans, for example, at conventions, affected your work?

I still have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that I have 'fans'. I refer to folks who have found an interest in my work as friends. I started writing in 2012, and made the decision to set up a Facebook page January, 2013, to start talking about Survivors of the Dead: From the Ashes. That being several months before it was actually done. Almost from the beginning I was fortunate to receive a huge amount of support, and the rest, as they say, is history. How has the folks who have stood with me on this journey affected my work? Quite simply they are the reason I have continued, and they are directly the reason I am going on with the series.

Without people interested in an author's work I just do not see the point in continuing to write. I am keenly aware that any success my scribbling receives is based on a little talent, but primarily because of the folks who read, share, and support it.

Is there any particular incident (a letter, a meeting, a comment that stands out?

To date Survivors of the Dead: From the Ashes has received 107 written reviews on Amazon. Most are high praise, and, of course, a few being not so good. The most thrilling thing that has happened in that regard was a five star review I received from someone who said that they had never read a zombie book, purchased mine by mistake, read it anyway, and was hooked! They have since purchased other genre authors work, and shared they are greatly enjoying the experience. Introducing a brand new reader to the genre as a whole is a huge compliment for a newbie writer!

Do you have a favourite author or book (or writer or film or series) that has influenced you or that you return to?

This is a hard question and one that I could take pages answering; there are so many incredible authors in the genre today. Ricky Sides, DA Roberts, Mike Evans, David Forsyth, John O'Brien, Mark Tufo, Mike Clary, Ricky Cooper, Eric Shelman, Ian Woodhead.... The list is almost endless of incredibly talented writers, and several who have come on the scene since I published. I tend to follow authors who write series style books. I like to remain in someone's universe book after book, and that has been the biggest influence in my own writing.

Who is the person you would most like to be trapped in a lift with? or a spaceship?

Harry Lancaster, of course! Derrick Washington would be a close second.

Who is the person you would most DISlike to be trapped in a lift with? Or a spaceship?

That list could also be nearly endless so I will just say there would be few.

What would you pack for space? (Is there a food, beverage, book, teddy bear, etc that you couldn't do without?)

I would have to fill my Kindle Fire with all the books it could hold, and of course hope that there is a compatible charger port onboard. Coke Zero, and Oreo cookies. Don't judge dipping them in Coke Zero until you try it!

What is the most important thing you would like to get/achieve from your work?

The single most important thing I hope to achieve from my work is bringing enjoyment to readers.

What is the special satisfaction of your work?

This may sound a bit trite, as I keep saying it, but someone who shares with me that they have genuinely enjoyed reading my work is truly the biggest satisfaction I find writing.

submitted by Tony Baker

7 August 2014

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Just the facts:
Born: I was born January, 1958, in Indiana, and grew up in a small town. I moved to San Francisco in the late 1970's, finished college, and enjoyed a fantastic career. I made the difficult decision to return to my Indiana roots last year, and in March of this year I sold most everything I owned, packed up what remained, and moved back to the Hoosier state.
Resides: I currently reside in the small rural town of Mooresville, Indiana.
Bibliography/Awards:
The first book in my series, Survivors of the Dead: From the Ashes, published January of this year. I am currently working on the second book of the series, The Road Unknown, and I hope to have that completed by the end of the year.

Web site: Web site:
I can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/tonyb415. I am always thrilled to meet new friends there, and invite everyone to send me a friend request.

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