All About Mike Torrey « Read Local San Diego

All About Mike Torrey

This week, Mike Torrey shares about his experience of telling his story through pictures. Torrey talks about the necessity of tailoring your book to more than one audience, while staying true to your own style.

What genre(s) of writing are your books?

A personal photography project on Machu Picchu led to the publication of my first book: STONE OFFERINGS Machu Picchu’s Terraces of Enlightenment. I photograph architecture for companies in the building industry and, together with my love of nature photography, became captivated by the relationship between the natural and man-made environments so evident in this place. My book falls into the Travel / Photography categories with a connection to the Body/Mind/Spirit market.

What first attracted you to this/these genres?

I think the subject really drives who will be interested in purchasing a photography book. The book’s design and editorial thrust focused on the needs of our potential markets while my intention was to make sure that what inspired me at Machu Picchu came through on the printed page.

How did you hear about Read Local San Diego, and how has the organization played a role in your success?

I was invited to an organizing meeting for RLSD. I have an MBA and was interested in contributing ideas to the formation of an organization meant to support the passions of creative people. It has been a very stimulating experience so far and I certainly still have much to learn about the publishing industry.

What are you working on now?

The book launch last year was pretty intense – everything from being interviewed on a food blog, to giving photographic tips on a morning TV show to speaking at the Smithsonian Institution. I’m basically regrouping right now by photographing for clients, building websites for a few people and keeping my eyes open for the my next exciting project.

Are there any upcoming events where people can hear you speak and meet you?

My slide presentations combine images, music and historical details about Machu Picchu in Peru. I will be presenting a program at the North County Photographic Society on May 26^th which is held at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas (formerly Quail Botanical Gardens). I will also be presenting at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on June 20^th. Both programs are open to the public and additional details are at http://www.machupicchubook.com/media-events.html

What guidance or lessons learned can you offer prospective writers?

I found that to be successful you need to take on a multitude of perspectives. Finding and developing my own voice and personal vision was a monumental challenge as well as a gift. Transforming this vision into a quality published book required that I also look at the needs of three groups: my potential readers, the book trade (publishers, distributors, trade journals, etc.) and media outlets. Inspiring photographs and/or great writing does not guarantee people will purchase or even learn about your book. My advice is to stay open-minded, flexible and focus on finding an integration of all these important factors at a level that resonates for you personally.

Mike Torrey new book