Author: NOLAN C. LEWIS

Author's website address:
nolanclewis@pendoreillepress.com
nolanclewis@yahoo.com
www.pendoreillepress.com

Books in Print:
MAULED, a fun mystery ISBN1-4137-1215-0
IONE CIRCA 1930, memoirs of growing up in a smalltown, ISBN 0-9755088-0-6
CLOUDS ARE ALWAYS WHITE ON TOP, a WW2 Air War Saga,ISNB 0-952-2603-36

Books in Process:
INVITATION TO MURDER, sequel to MAULED, 3/4 done.
SUNOMA, story of rebuilding 1921 wooden boat, at 10%
Mt. St. Helens, Dealing with government in emergencies

Welcome, Nolan.

1. When and why did you begin writing?
Sort of by the back door. My high school English teacher told me I'd never be a writer. My favorite uncle (Uncle Sam) put me into a position where I had to do a certain amount as photo/public information officer. The Oregonian newspaper hired me, based on my military experience (second level of reporters payscale - $117.50 wk) - went to KGW TV News the same way, based on my military and newspaper. Then I did 7years as PR person for the Portland School District where I did TV shows among other things, based on the two previous jobs.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
I'd have to say computers... I could only type with two fingers - as I still do - and I couldn't type a page without a couple dozen typos. I played with computers, built my first one from components. I had this story I wanted to tell, the WW2 Air that became Clouds. I worked on it for a long time, the oldest rejection letter I can find is dated 1991. I kept hearing, WW2 is not in vogue. Some publisher said "Why don't you write a mystery?" So MAULED happened, and I couldn't get anyone to read it either. IONE, my second published but third written, started life as a column I did in the local weekly paper.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I think I'm what I have heard referred to as a seat of the pants writer. I get an idea and start writing, and go wherever it takes me.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
I'm sort of a seat of the pants......

5. Why do you continue to write?
Too dumb to quit. I don't know. It just happens. I'm totally undiciplined. Don't write for several days and then sit down for many hours and maybe do two or three chapters. I read the previous chapter and if it is there, it becomes like watching a movie. I just copy it down.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Fame...and Fortune... I should live so long.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
That when you get it all ready for the printer, you have done about 10% of the work. Marketing is the other 90%. My local grocery store has sold over 100 of my books and calls me a best selling author. Then adds, at the grocery. And I remember he is the only one in a town of 300.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Every way I can think of. One funny - oddity - My publisher is in London. (They approached me because the book was about WW2 in England.) US publishers expect the author to do the majority of the marketing. The English publisher seemed surprised that I was willing to do any promotion. I have done both Emailings and snail mailings to every media outlet, book store, and any other place I could think of, then wait for a few weeks and do it again. Got some great coverage in weeklies but I don't think the guys at our local metro paper know how to read. They just review movies, or run book reviews done by papers 3,000 miles away, off the wire services.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
For god's sake, get inoculated against it. There is a lot more pain than gain.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
I've probably talked too much already. I always do. Maybe that's why I write books. I could never write short stories.

Thank you for your time, Nolan.

I thank you. nolan

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - June 23, 2006 - Copyright