Gary Henicke, Author
Welcome to the website of Gary Henicke- fiction author (last name pronounced HENNA-key). I specialize in writing realistic fiction; both historical and contemporary. I am blessed to have an overdeveloped imagination! I often get ideas for stories from my dreams.
Some of my favorite authors are John Steinbeck, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, H.G. Wells, Stephen King, Rod Serling, Richard Matheson (writer on Twilight Zone, also wrote I am Legend), and Earl Hamner (best known for “The Waltons”).
The way I got into writing is a story in itself. I wrote several manuscripts and they sat in a file cabinet for almost twenty years. I really never tried to get them published. In May 2012 I published Island Unknown and then I set out publishing others.
I try to not write in a particular genre. In these times of mega novel series, I think it’s important to value the short stories, novelettes, and novellas. A great story doesn’t have be a book the size of a dictionary. Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is barely over 100 pages. A story can stand on its own and not have to be a trilogy or a series. I think what sets me apart from a lot of authors is variety. I don’t write trilogies or series. I’d rather challenge myself to NOT write similar stories.
If you want a good story at a really great price try my books.
Advertising is expensive and I believe a referral from a friend works best. Please help me get the word out about my stories.
From my imagination to yours,
Gary Henicke |  |
Have Questions? Contact Gary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your writing process? In other words, how do you go from an idea to a book?
I keep a list or short paragraphs of my ideas for stories. When I get ready to start writing I’ll use that list and sometimes combine ideas. What I do is create an outline for the story. In my mind I know how the story will start and end. I will also write down important dialog that I know my characters will say. I’ll use the outline to start creating paragraphs. I always hand write my story first and then type it. Sometimes I can hardly write fast enough to keep up with what I want to say. I see the story play out in my imagination like a movie. It’s definitely a polishing process where I try and refine and add more details.
Have you thought about writing a series?
I think I might get bored with the characters if I did. I realize that writing a series can bring more commercial success, but I’d rather branch out and write different things. It would be like an actor who only played one role, or an artist who only painted one kind of subject matter. Some people are happy doing that, but it’s just not me.
Does it bother you that some people downplay books that are self-published?
There’s advantages to being an independent author. An independent author owns the rights to his or her story indefinitely. It also allows freedom in the final product. We’ve all listened to talented musicians who didn’t have a major recording contract. Does that make them any less of a musician? I hope more people try reading independently published books.