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So, it’s the lead up to Supernova and in honour of this fabulous event I’m interviewing two of my very dear friends, Kev Webb and Anthony Puttee, who’ll be appearing at Supernova in Brisbane this weekend. Kev and Ant are the creative force behind the Johnny Marsh Supernatural Investigators series, which all started with the first book Dream Raider.

In this exclusive interview, we chat to Anthony Puttee, illustrator and promotions guru for Dream Raider.

WLYA: How you would describe your YA novel Dream Raider: A Johnny Marsh Adventure?

AP: It’s a gritty, creepy adventure novel about a boy who doesn’t fit in at school, who finds himself caught up in strange events that ultimately lead him into darkness where he discovers who he really is and his place in the world. It tackles real issues like bullying, family loss, the test of friendship and finding your true potential. These are relatable themes that Kev and I identify with growing up, but take place within an imaginative story. Readers join John as he discovers new truths about his past and his future over the 4 book series.

WLYA: You’re the illustrator for Dream Raider, how much input do you have in the creation of the book? How conscious are you of your YA audience when you’re illustrating your books?

AP: From the start about 12 years ago, Kev and I have been crafting the world of the Johnny Marsh series together. I create all the visual materials for the series, from story idea concepts, the interior illustrations, the covers and marketing materials. We have concepts I’ve drawn years ago, that have inspired story points for books 3 and 4 in the series. Pete’s Diary, the free online story companion to the novel Dream Raider is a good example. I came up with the idea, as a unique way of giving readers more value for their money, being regular weekly content for visitors to the website and also as a unique marketing tool. I created the plan for how it will look and be executed and Kev continues to write the entries and expand the world further. It’s the most popular feature online. With all the efforts representing the Johnny Marsh world visually, I’m constantly always finding ways to make it as visually unique, appealing and entertaining for readers as possible.

WLYA: You independently published Dream Raider, what does this mean? How is this different for you in terms of promoting your book?

AP: As more upcoming authors are aware the publishing paradigm has rapidly changed over the last 3 years or so. There’s so many more options available to writers and authors now, that enables them to retain much more control over their publishing process. One thing that hasn’t changed though is promotion. Whether you’re published independently, self published or traditionally published, YOU as the author do ALL the marketing and promotions. It’s a hard fact to hear for many writers and authors, to the point they become discouraged. It’s important to know, the marketing is arguably the most important part, as you can have a great book, but it’s nothing without an audience to read it. The importance of marketing and promotion can’t be overstated and it all starts with the book cover.

WLYA: What advice would you give to emerging writers?

AP: Have a clear idea what genre you are writing in and know your audience. Who are going to be your primary readers? You’ll always have readers on either side of the target line, but the main readership is who you focus on. This dictates your entire marketing plan and promotions moving forward. Then, with having qualified who they are, you can direct all your ideas, best efforts, financial resources and energy into the right places. Find good people, whether they are editors, marketers, book designers, book sheppard’s or other writers to align yourself with and build meaningful relationships. You will need them to give yourself the best chance of success.

WLYA: How important is teamwork when you’re collaborating on a project like Dream Raider?

AP: Apart from actually sitting down and doing the work, it’s keeping each other pumped, positive and reminding each other of the goals and direction you’re working towards. A partnership allows you both to bounce ideas, get the second opinion and pick each other up when one of you is down. All in all, you keep each other accountable and motivated over the long haul. It’s been the backbone of our publishing journey.

WLYA: You’re appearing at Supernova in Brisbane, what does this mean for the Dream Raider team?

AP: It’s an example of reaching out to our prime audience. Supanova is an epicenter of what’s edgy, new and cool in movies, books, games and television. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet and chat with those who have similar interests and bring more awareness to the public about Dream Raider with freebies and giveaways.

WLYA: What trends do you see for the YA market in the future?

 AP: I think as the prices of e-readers and digital devices drop, you’ll start to see an increase of younger generations, parents and families adopting these new platforms for consuming stories. The execution of marketing and promotional campaigns may vary based on the delivery of books in the future, but the same marketing psychology and strategies will apply. Authors will just need to be creative and unique in their marketing ideas.

WLYA: What is your vision for Dream Raider and the Johnny Marsh series?

 AP: We have book 2 in the Johnny Marsh Adventure series being released this year. Book 2 continues as John’s journey delves much deeper and darker, with John and Pete being confronted by evil they never saw coming and dealing with circumstances that appear, on the surface, to be out of their control.We’ll continue to be out and about with the Marsh Car, launching new online features and making advances in delivering the Johnny Marsh series to new technologies.

WLYA: Finally, is there any other advice you can give to our future writers out there?

AP: I just want to say too all the authors out there, to play in the publishing game you have to be persistent, resilient and be passionate about your book. Remember, there’s an abundance of enjoyment that comes with sharing your book with readers, so stop reading and get out there, readers are waiting!

WLYA: Thanks Ant for joining us today and good luck with Supernova and release of book 2 in the series later this year.

AP: Thanks Debbie, it’s been a real buzz to chat with you today. All the best with your own writing endeavors!

Anthony is the co-creator of Dream Raider and the continuing Johnny Marsh Adventure series. He spends his days as a full time book designer and marketing consultant to upcoming authors, looking at building their publishing and marketing platforms. Dream Raider is available through Amazon, Dymocks & Angus & Robertson. You can find out more about the book at the http://www.johnnymarsh.net  website.

You can also catch Kev & Ant at Supernova this weekend at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane. More information on Supernova can be found at www.supernova.com.au Trust me on this, if science fiction and fantasy are your passion then don’t miss this chance to meet authors, TV personalities and movie stars at this amazing event.

Later in the week, we chat to Kev Webb, the writing force behind Dream Raider, so make sure you pop back and check it out.

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