KAYE TROUT'S AUTHOR INTERVIEWS

Author: CHERYL HAGEDORN

2007-04-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: http://www.cheryltime.com

Books in Print: PARK RIDGE: A Senior Center Murder

Books in Process: Senior Games

Welcome, Cheryl,

1. When and why did you begin writing? All writers say that they’ve been writing forever, which is probably true. I began writing seriously at graduate school working on my master’s in writing from DePaul University.

2. What inspired you to write your first book? PARK RIDGE started as a class assignment at the Park Ridge Senior Center where I’m the writing instructor. Several of the stories were so good (and so much fun!) that the director decided we should have a center-wide mystery writing contest. Eventually the top three winners were adapted as plays to be performed at the center. I wondered what my story might turn into if I took off the word limit – after all, it had five murders in 969 words!

3. How did you approach writing your first book? I started with the four elderly pinochle players who turn into killers. First, I created distinct personas for each, patterns of speech that matched those personas, and wrote their backstories. Second, I layered in the romance between the suburban cowboy detective and the voluptuous senior center director. Having never written mystery nor romance before, in fact, I hadn’t written any fiction beyond one short story, believe me, it was a real challenge! Lastly, I crafted the videotaped interviews to reveal backstory and wrote special first-person, present tense sections for the thoughts of the killers during the actual murders.

4. Who or what influenced your writing? I really enjoy the psychological explorations and discoveries that Ruth Rendell (writing as Barbara Vine) employs in her writing. Patricia Cornwell does a lot of that as well, although it’s not the focus of her books.

5. Why do you continue to write? I enjoy it and to tell the truth, I’m curious about what’s going to happen to the characters. I’ve just finished the second in the series and am hard at work on the third. I’m not sure that there will be a fourth. But if there isn’t, I’ve already started a sci-fi sort of book, have an almost book-length allegory that I want to get back to. Then, when I’m done with fiction and can take a breath, I’ll get back to the biography Iof Theodora Van Wagenen Ward that I started two years ago.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? Spending time with my characters, asking them why they did this, or why they feel that way, or why they reacted a certain way, forces me to look at my own motivations and responses. Hopefully the results work their way into my books and influence my readers to consider themselves.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer? Elation, depression, frustration, pride.

8. How do you promote your book(s)? Tirelessly. I’m always searching for places to post my book information, to network with other writers. I have a blog (Senior Center Murders), a website. I’m doing a virtual tour.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers? Don’t be afraid to use those Freudian slips to your advantage. For instance, in GS, Obs. I was typing along and described the hands of one of my characters as having long dark fingers. I had never considered making him African –American. But I left the "dark" in there and the change really brought something to the story that I had never envisioned.

10. Any other comments you would like to add? Ah, of course! Buy my book, please.

Thank you Cheryl for your time and good luck with your writing.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout 4/23/2007

Author: MICHAEL BERG

2006-12-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

Author’s website address: www.michaelcberg.com

Books in Print: Just one, "Abandoned in the Maze".

Books in Process: The name of the novel I’m working on is called, "Pigskin Meconium". The novel takes a comparative look at a man’s relationship with sports as opposed to their marriage. It will extract the truth out of today’s macho new fangled religion: fantasy football. Although the general tone will be a comedy, I will once again tackle social issues by incorporating discussions about drug and alcohol use, homosexuality, spousal abuse, and politics. Pigskin Meconium will reveal what makes men tick, while addressing the question: How much disturbing behavior should a wife tolerate?

Welcome Michael,

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing songs about twenty years ago, and one of the first choruses I wrote was on the subject matter of kids living in a group home. This wasn’t surprising since I was employed at the time working with kids in the system. When I finished the song I just felt I had so much more to say. The song slowly morphed (about 8 ½ years later) into a novel.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
The subject matter of kids living in a group home was near and dear to me, so I worked hard to reveal the horrific and neglectful behavior of my home state of Florida. Once again, a work of fiction uncovers the truth.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
To be blunt, I was: haphazard, clueless, idiotic and sophomoric. Somehow I felt that the idea of writing a novel along with some clever antidotes would carry me from start to finish. This is the reason for spending almost a decade on two-hundred and twenty-four pages. If you do the math it’s about .07 pages a day. Talk about inefficient and pathetic. Now and then I’ll read parts of the first version and say to myself, "Man, you sucked."

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
I’d like to come across as somewhat of an intellectual and mention a long line of classic authors, but like I said before, I started out as a songwriter. So with that, I’d have to say it was people like Tom Waits, Shane McGowan, Lou Reed, and Peter Himmelman that influenced me to pick up a pen. However, if you do read my novel you’ll certainly recognize the influences of Harper Lee.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I absolutely love the process, whether it’s putting a song together, a short story, or a novel. Writing is also another way for me to vent. We live in such a fast paced world that nobody really has time to listen to somebody else prattle on and on about what they think and feel except in a book.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I hope to improve my skills as a writer in order to articulate my story in a more poignant way to the reader.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Now it’s time to go to work. I always thought that if I could just get my novel published I’d be satisfied; but the writing is the easy part. Now that I’m published I have a second job. My novel was published by a small company, which makes me my own agent, marketing director, public relations director, financial manager, secretary, and sometimes, just sometimes, I get to play author.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
All the available resources the internet can provide is step number one. I started my own web-site and then paid a company to help promote the site. I joined book forums and gave away my novel for free to other readers to spread the word. Obviously I contacted on-line reviewers with the hope that I’ll be reviewed. I also incorporated some traditional promotional ideas, such as actually mailing the novel to newspapers and magazines at the local and national level. Furthermore, I contacted my local libraries to set-up speaking engagements and workshops.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Tip #1. Rejection and criticism must equate to motivation.
Tip #2. You are not your own worse critic. How detached and self-absorbed can somebody be in order to say something like this? When somebody else critiques you it’s coming from a different reader’s perspective, a perspective that you might not have considered. It’s extremely important to listen to the critics and the feedback, but at the same time don’t get discouraged; remember tip number one.
Tip #3. If you’re like me you write for the enjoyment of creating, but please understand that it is a business. If you’re looking for your first novel to be published then you’d better approach it in a business like manner. Your query letter to agents or publishing companies is your resume. So don’t hesitate; build up your qualifications now. Submit short stories to web-sites, magazines, and newspapers in order to make yourself a more viable product.
Tip #4. Your novel might be five-hundred pages, but at the end of the day your fate will come down to about two pages; arguably two paragraphs. When you submit your query letter remember that you’re one out of thousands; so make sure you show immediately that you’re a talented writer from the first sentence of your query.
Tip #5. Embrace the world of technology. This is a tough one for me, but the modern business of getting published and selling books depends heavily on the Internet. With that in mind, you should start your web-site today and have links to web pages of your work. Don’t wait until you’re published to begin your site, like I did, there are so many advantages to having one today.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Thank you to Kaye Trout for giving me this opportunity. Also, thank you to everyone at American Book Publishing Company, (www.american-book.com) Eric, Jeffery, Todd and Jada. And of course, thank you to my family and friends.

Thank you, Michael, and good luck with promoting your book.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - December 6, 2006

Author: JOHN T. LEHMAN

2006-11-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

Author’s website address: http://www.outskirtspress.com/cgi/webpage.cgi?

Books in Print: "Spirit of the Sound"

Books in Process: "The Strenua Sapphires", "Beyond my Wants and Fears", "The Skinny", and the sequel to the "Spirit of the Sound" (which is not yet named).

Welcome John,

1. When and why did you begin writing? I began writing when I returned to school in Fort Myers, Florida, back in 1996. Detested school growing up, but kicking and screaming, I received my high school diploma and propelled myself into this savory world. College studies offered me a tasty outlet to sink my teeth into, and I discovered writing in my classes appealed to my sense of adventure. And in my second year, the "Spirit of the Sound", which became a lethargic mode to regain my life’s journeys, was not only borne, but I actually caught up.

2. What inspired you to write your first book? The need to record my thoughts, my dreams and my destiny inspired me to write my first novel.

3. How did you approach writing your first book? I merely sat down on my word processor (never wanted a computer in my house for some reason, but fate has a way of bulldozing those idiotic contemplations) and completed a classroom assignment. I found the progression rather simple. Recalling my nightmares while injecting adjectives and sentiments to describe how my mind purged from a child to the adult man I was becoming (at the rip age of forty).

4. Who or what influenced your writing? My instructor’s critique of my work influenced my writing. Some of it was good, others less than. But it was only a viewpoint. Sure they affected my grades (did I continually make the dean’s list? Heck yeah I did!). It was the lesson itself that made the difference in shaping what has become my enthusiasm, into the why and why not, of the human condition. I’m fascinated by the acts of my fellow man. Digging deep into the subconscious is scary, but thrilling. And that is what I write most about.

5. Why do you continue to write? Duh! Can you say, "Cha-ching?" No, actually it is a task like breathing or eating, passing gas or reaching out into the community. I continue to write because I feel the need I have to, in order to stay insane. Or did I really mean "sane"? No matter. It’s still a perspective.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? Well, the "Spirit of the Sound" is benefiting a Missoula, Montana non-profit called MAC (Missoula AIDS Council). They assist folks like me with housing needs. I had to ask for help when I arrived to Montana, before I was fully prepared. So I’m giving back for their kindness. And to get ready for the increasing number of clients they will be supporting in the coming years. My attention lately by promoting my book has provided me the skills I’ll require when my second, third, fourth … novels are published. I haven’t stopped talking since I exited the plane, three months ago from Reno!

7. What has been your experience as a published writer? Pure joy! I would recommend that everyone write, draw, paint, speak or dance. Let it fill your heart. Show the world true talent is within every one of us. Turn back into your communities, and use what has been given to you, to furnish our world with non-combative ideas.

8. How do you promote your book(s)? To promote my book, I yak, yak, yak, yak and when I think I cannot yak anymore, I find another way to tell everyone I meet on the street or locate on the Internet that I’ve been published. And that the tale is about self-discovery and learning, achieving, and giving, then I whip out my business card and hand them one. I’ve created postcards from an online source and mail them out to contacts that distribute magazines and newspapers. Give them to friends and family and ask them to spread the word. I’ve contacted past schoolmates and teachers, and the libraries where I researched my material, thanking them for the experience that taught me this craft, and let them know what the story is about and that it will help my local charity. I’ve given out copies of my book and only ask in return for a review. Good or bad, a review will entice others to buy and read. And the people I’ve met! Awesome. I’m preparing to hit the talk-show circuit. Still writing, of course, and let everyone know a new book is in the making. In other words … I advertise, wherever and whenever.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers? Keep writing. Don’t ever believe success will not happen in your lifetime. The old adage, "where there’s a will, there’s a way" rings true. Don’t give up hope!

10. Any other comments you would like to add? I just have one more comment: please buy a copy of the "Spirit of the Sound" ISBN # 1-59800-635-5 and help those less fortunate because whether you believe it or not, you can make a difference in your lifetime and watch for my next tale, "The Strenua Sapphires".

Thank you, John, for sharing your time with us.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - November 30, 2006

Author: GENE HULL

2006-08-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: genehull@msn.com

Books in Print: Hooked on a Horn, Memoirs of a Recovered Musician; Going to Court, A Poetry Tribute to Tennis

Books in Process: The Runner A Collection of Short Stories.

Welcome Gene,

1. When and why did you begin writing?
1992, book of poetry. Boredom and the desire for creative expression.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
Visualizing the finished product of a completely original work.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
By sitting down at the computer and reeflecting on scenes I experienced on public tennis courts with other hackers. Visualized a format, assembled old poems and wrote new ones.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
The memoir and short stories: The faculty at Florida International University and the works of bundles of authors.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I feel compelled to - guilty if I don, and excited and delighted when I write a few lines that really made sense. I was driven to write the memoir because I thought it might help young musicians and give raders in general a true, un-glamorized view of what it was like to pursue a career in music in those times.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Satisfaction with learning to write well, and possibly recognition of some of my writing by good writers.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Promoting your book(s) can be a full-time job, if you expect to make any money at all from it.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Internet, press - when I can get it, radio - when it is offered, ferocious e-mailing to my list, Networking, joining local organifzations, talking to published authors, handing out cards and book marks. All of which is weak, compared to my goal, i.e., sell enough books to justify expenses and keep writing. However, I'm working on it. Am getting a publicist and someone to help me organize a business plan. The fun part is the writing.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers? Writing well is a serious commitment. Read, read, read. Join writing critique groups -- a must! Critique your own work constantly.

10. Any other comments you would like to add? When I dry up and start writing drivel, I take a break. Get some rest. Read for several weeks . . . anything good. I come back to writing and re-writing refreshed. Usually works for me.

Thank you, Gene.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - August 30, 2006

Author: JIM MUSGRAVE

2006-08-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: http://www.contempinstruct.com/books/books.htm

Books in Print: The Digital Scribe: A Writer’s Guide to Electronic Media, Iron Maiden, The President’s Parasite and Other Stories, Russian Wolves, Sins of Darkness, and Lucifer’s Wedding.

Books in Process: A crime series with two middle-aged detectives (one Irish and one Jewish) set in San Diego.

Welcome Jim,

1. When and why did you begin writing? Some teacher in K-12 told me I was "very creative." This was to be my pursuing angel/demon for the rest of my life.

2. What inspired you to write your first book? I was tired of reading boring stuff on the Internet, so I researched and invented creative writing exercises for "nerds." This was The Digital Scribe, published by Harcourt-Brace in 1996.

3. How did you approach writing your first book? Since it was non-fiction, I outlined it completely and then I researched to flesh it out.

4. Who or what influenced your writing? Like most writers (I suppose), the other writers who influenced me are far too numerous to list. We writers must learn technique if we’re to be any good, and we can learn this by studying the writers who do it best. If I were to name my top five, I would have to say: Albert Camus, Raymond Carver, Franz Kafka, William Faulkner and Thomas Harris.

5. Why do you continue to write? Because I must. Some people (like, say, Tony Gwynn on my San Diego Padres and Franz Kafka in my literature game) would do their "craft" even if they did not get paid. They do it because they love the "doing."

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? Get the present administration voted out of office (only sort of kidding). Actually, Jonathan Swift (one of the greatest satirists of all time) said that the very people you make fun of are the ones who never understand your rebukes. If I can just give the reader a "good read," then I am satisfied. Hopefully, the reader will also want to learn something as well (although this is getting much more difficult in these days of instant gratification and "dumbed down culture").

7. What has been your experience as a published writer? I’m along for the ride. It does get better each day, however.

8. How do you promote your book(s)? I ask people to read them. People come in many forms. I hope my readers have open minds and a sense of humor (again, getting more difficult these days to find). I also answer interview requests.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers? Keep working on technique. The imagination is already there or you wouldn’t continue doing it.

10. Any other comments you would like to add? Thanks for the chance to share.

Thank you, Jim, for sharing your time and thoughts.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - August 30, 2006

Author: LEONARD MOODY

2006-08-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: http://www.leonardmoody.net

Books in Print: A Promise for Destiny

Books in Process:
I Met a Man is a novel about unfulfilled love. Daniel Hawkins and Susana Powell, develop an enduring bond rooted in their childhood. As their long distance relationship as soul mates transitions to lovers, a tragic accident leaves Daniel hopelessly incapacitated in a coma. Susana does not give up on Daniel and visits him daily in hopes he will awaken from his certain eternal sleep. She only wishes she could find a way for him to communicate with her. Perhaps she can learn how to connect with him if she moves into his childhood home. She sits; night after lonely night, in his empty home waiting for the answer to come. Mysteriously drawn to the attic, she finds a box of memorabilia belonging to Daniel. Will she find the answer in the musty, dust-covered box?

Welcome Leonard,

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I have written technical documents for more than 35 years in the form of failure reports, technical specifications, and requests for proposals, budget reports and personnel reports. It was only within the last three years or so that I stepped out on a limb and ventured into the literary world.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
As strange as it may seem, the basic plot and characters came out of repetitive sub-conscious thoughts that woke me up at night. At first, I put them off as just dreams. Over the course of time, the story line kept growing. After a while, I decided to jot down the thoughts in the middle of the night. I finally scrawled out a six-page synopsis and showed it to a friend. She thought it was worth pursuing. Once I looked at developing a formal manuscript, the ideas began to flow freely. It was interesting that the first memory I have of this story sticking in my head was focused on the character Ann and the scene in Chapter 1.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I guess you could call it brute force. The flood of ideas was so great in the beginning that I merely started typing the story without regard to any particular organization. When ideas didn’t flow, I did a lot of research on how to write novels and did historical research on the area of the Adirondacks where I was born and raised. That research and my knowledge of "my old stopping grounds" made the setting a perfect backdrop for the book. This allowed me to focus on the characters and the intricacies of the plot.

From the beginning, I knew my fictional characters were going to be somewhat dysfunctional in their own way. I deliberately wanted to make this mixture of unusual characters come together. My challenge, as a new writer, was to ensure they were likeable in the reader’s mind. It was an interesting challenge also to make their actions logical, albeit, off the beaten path, considering the environment they were living and their own history.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
It has always been my nature to try something new. Since I never wrote a novel it was intuitively obvious to me that I should at least try considering that I already had a plot and some unusual characters already programmed in my head. In the course of casual conversation, I mentioned the idea of writing a book with some friends. My wife of over 38 years and another dear friend, both avid readers, provided encouragement and critical eyes to help me bring Lucas, Ann, Barb and Dot to life in A Promise for Destiny.

I think Sr. Theresa and Sr. Rita would be proud of me. These two Sisters of the Holy Spirit supported me in spiritual and intellectual ways as holy people, teachers, counselors and friends during my high school years at Holy Ghost Academy in Tupper Lake, NY. Blessed to be insightful enablers, they encouraged me to join the Forensic League and participate in every level of competition offered.

5. Why do you continue to write?
As we get older, we need something to keep our minds active. While developing a new plot and characters you need to refocus on the world around you and in you. To write well you need to open up your mind and let it be flooded from all the external stimuli that surrounds us. Whether it is from a walk in the park, a day at the beach, driving to work, having a drink with your friends, walking your dog, mowing the lawn, or any activity, we can get a new perspective on life. The creative writing process allows me to "see" things that I might otherwise overlook. It helps me to see the good, bad, ugly, beautiful, funny, sad, disturbing, spiritual, mystical and otherwise off-center sides of the world around us.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
To paraphrase the thoughts of Lucas Ambler, the main character in A Promise for Destiny, I want to become the kind of writer he wished he could be. I want to take readers on a journey to un-charted real and mystical worlds. I want my readers to travel with me and find wonderment in the new worlds they visit as seen through my eyes and psyche. I want to develop the literary eloquence to put into written word all the insights I derived from my affair with nature and life. God has given me a good life. I want my readers, young and old alike, to experience through their mind’s eye and my words, the world I know and experience. In the end, I hope he or she will be in a better place.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I find the writing processing to be challenging and it allows me to discover a creative (and perhaps a little off beat) side of me that I apparently had suppressed for many years. I continue to be surprised by the comments I receive from people. One reader enthusiastically said she hoped that I would write more. She said my readers would be terribly disappointed if I didn’t write another book. I suppose that is a testament to the quality of my work.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
My on demand publisher, Outskirts Press, provided an initial campaign to connect to some of the major on-line outlets like Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. Otherwise, I sent out many copies for review across the country. I am working with local bookstores to gain placement with other local author’s works and to set up book signings. The book has only been published a short time, since late May 2006, so there are still many more possibilities. Also, I am in the early discussion stages with a New York City literary agent.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
All writers use their talents in their own way. Each is motivated differently. I know what worked for me. I am confident that success will come if I persevere and remain loyal to my readers. All I can offer is "Enjoy what you do!" It will be reflected in the work you do.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
I want to continue writing novels. From early reader comments, I may have found a niche in fiction/romance but time will tell. I was told that I should have written this romance novel using a female pen name. I suppose the challenge is to satisfy the romance novel audience while writing from the male perspective. In the end, I would like to have people enjoy what they read and close the book with a sense that they were inspired to look at the world a little differently from when they first cracked the book open.

Thank you, Len, for your time and sharing your experience.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - August 16, 2006

Author: DOUG LALLI

2006-08-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Books in Print: Peter and Beth

Books in Process: The Other Side (working title) - a sequel to Peter and Beth

Welcome Doug,

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I wrote a handful of one-act plays in college and then for the next thirty years wrote nothing. I began my first novel (Happy as Kings--unpublished) in 2000 (see below for the reason).

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

I was reading Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being and suddenly realized that I too could write a novel. This had always been a dream of mine, but I think it took many years of reading good novels before I understood the various elements that go into writing one.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

Since my first novel was heavily autobiographical, I didn't use an outline but basically followed events according to their actual chronology. In Peter and Beth and The Other Side, I worked from a well-thought-out outline--knowing, however, that I would be making many changes along the way.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

Because I've read so much, I couldn't point to any one or two writers I model my work after. I try to keep my prose straightforward and almost conversational, always with the goal of keeping my book "reader friendly" but without compromising my artistic integrity. My underlying goal as a writer is to write the kind of novels I myself would like to read.

5. Why do you continue to write?

I love it. There's something magical about looking at a blank computer screen and then filling it up not just with words but with a never-before-dreamed-of world. I also love the act of revision--I suppose because I'm compulsive about saying things in the absolute best way they can be said.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

Aside from increasing my income (perhaps the most formidable task), I would simply like to become a better and better writer. For me, writing is an end in itself.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

The good news is that there's a tremendous sense of accomplishment. The surprising news (though I guess it shouldn't surprise me) is that people who don't read novels aren't especially impressed that I wrote one.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

My goal at this point isn't to sell my book but to find an agent who believes in my writing and believes that he or she can sell me to a mid-size if not to a major publisher. Right now I'm concentrating on getting Peter and Beth reviewed, with the objective of increasing my credibility with potential agents.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

Whatever it is you're thinking of writing, don't be in a hurry to sit down and write it. Let the story germinate in your mind for a while (in general, the longer the better). There's a readiness factor, and I think it's important for a writer to learn to recognize when a story is ready to be put into written words.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

Writing novels, for me, hasn't been all peaches and cream. When I'm in the middle of writing a first draft, I become obsessed with it to the point where it definitely disrupts my life. It goes without saying, though, that the satisfaction I get from the end result is well worth the disruption.

Thank you, Doug, for sharing your thoughts and time with us.

Interviewed by Kaye Trout - August 13, 2006

Author: STEVE RICHARDS

2006-07-26T10:25:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: http://www.outskirtspress.com/

Books in Print: Everything You Will Ever Need To Know To Start Driving A Big Truck Or How I Became A Professional Tourist

Books in Process: to be determined

Welcome Steve,

1. When and why did you begin writing? At an early age I started writing songs to go along with my guitar playing. I took a break at that a few years ago, when I realized the market for 40-year-old rock stars was limited at best. And, so writing a book became a logical extension of my previous endeavors.

2. What inspired you to write your first book? My first book was a sort of mini-book summing up all the good ideas that were being sold for hundreds and thousands of dollars at real estate and various investment seminars. I have pretty much seen them all over the years and will say that nearly every one of them has several really good ideas that can make you money, not to mention the fact that some of the marketers are incredibly entertaining public speakers. Unfortunately, these are sold as VERY expensive packages full of books, video recordings, and the like. The truth is that I took all of their good ideas from all of their books, tapes, and seminars, and compiled them into a 20-page booklet that actually covered in detail everything of value they had to offer. "Brevity is the soul of wit," says Mr. Shakespeare. Right? My inspiration was of course, MONEY! Unfortunately, I never really did spend any time trying to market it. While it’s now a little outdated, I might still rewrite it. You never know.

3. How did you approach writing your first book? In writing my first "real" book, the current one that is, I had been thinking about it for several years while gallivanting about the U.S. in various big rigs, talking extensively to myself, and taking lots of photos of the incredible sights I was seeing. I finally just sat down in front of the computer and started writing a chapter at a time, going back again and again, filling in items that had been ignored or those that required further elaboration. Computers are so nice when it comes to editing and deleting and such. Finally after a couple months I felt that I had pretty well covered the necessities.

4. Who or what influenced your writing? I could tell you who influenced my songwriting, but I am really hard pressed to come up with an influence for writing a book. My step dad is a retired publisher from one of those well-known educational publishers, which actually has his name on it. He has also authored several books including his autobiography, which was in part an inspiration for a documentary film about a POW camp in World War ll. That came out a couple years back. Being around someone like that probably moves one’s thought processes in the direction of literary espousal. Maybe, maybe not.

5. Why do you continue to write? I will only write if I feel I have something of relevance to say, and when I don’t I will most certainly just go away. Ahhh poetry indeed. Maybe I’ll use that line when I start writing tunes again, some day. Maybe, maybe not.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? I expect to accomplish something different with whatever I do. In regard to my current endeavor, my intentions are to let the many people who get into trucking every year know everything they need to know to get started, what the many surprises are they can expect, how to deal with them effectively, and how to get the most out of their many experiences, and still manage to spend the majority of their time within the comfort zone. That was a long explanation to get out in one breath.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer? Having been a published-book writer for only a few weeks now, I can only say, time will tell. Back in the early 1980’s, when as a published song writer and musician, my first record was released, I was pretty well ecstatic for an extended period of time selling lots of records in Great Britain. I only hope to have a similar experience with my current book. That would be quite satisfactory.

8. How do you promote your book(s)? I probably promote my book a bit differently than someone else. Being that mine is a book about the trucking industry, I have spent a bit of time contacting various folks in the industry (various trucking publications, various trucking affiliated executives, various media outlets, which have in the past shown some affinity toward the plight of the hard working "professional tourist" errr uhhhh truck driver, important people like the President of the United States, but just basically anyone who might pay attention. You never know who is paying attention. Do you?

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers? Persistence is what will pay off more than anything. I got a record deal right out of my basement in Denver, but attempting to get the attention of a myriad of literary agents, who are far too busy (or so they say) to give you the time of day, is like pulling your teeth out with a plumber’s wrench. While my step dad told me that I first needed to acquire the services of a literary agent, I have chosen a different direction and thus far do not regret it. Things are a bit different in today’s world of technology and the opportunities available in regard to writing and publishing your literary masterpieces are unlimited. Be persistent.

10. Any other comments you would like to add? If you have something you want to say, then by all means write it down and get it out there. Nothing more to add. Just do it! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Thanks for tunin’ in. See ya. Out!

Thank you, Steve, and I wish you the best of luck!

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - July 25, 2006 - Copyright

Author: JEROME TUCCILLE

2006-07-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Author's website address: www.jerometuccille.com

Books in Print: About 20, including Trump, Rupert Murdoch, Kingdom: The Story of the Hunts of Texas, Alan Shrugged, Heretic: Confessions of an ex-Catholic Rebel, many others.

Books in Process: Gallery of Fools: The True Story of a Celebrated
Manhattan Art Theft

Welcome Jerry,

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I began shortly after finishing college in the late 1950s, out of a sense of frustration and compulsion and a need to put words on paper. In many ways, it was a therapeutic exercise.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
It was an attempt to make some sense out of the formative years of my life.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I just sat down and did it, with no formal training in composition or creative writing. I learned by trial and error.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
The great American novelists of the early 20th century: Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, others.

5. Why do you continue to write?
It's what I do best, my defining talent. I still have a compulsion to write.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I hope to leave a legacy, a body of work that will be recognized as a significant contribution to the literature of our time.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Extreme highs and lows. A couple of best-sellers or near best-sellers followed by books that sold poorly and received few reviews. It is still frustrating dealing with publishers in an increasingly competitive environment, fighting for shelf space in bookstores, and for media attention to gain traction for a book.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Press releases, radio and TV interviews, reviews by contacts in the media.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Don't write unless you feel you have no choice. It's too frustrating and you can make a lot more money and save yourself a lot of grief by pursuing a different career.

Thank you.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - July 26, 2006 - Copyright

Author: MARILYN MEREDITH

2006-07-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Author's website address: http://fictionforyou.com

Books in Print:

The Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series:

Deadly Trail ISBN 0-7599-0461-8 http://www.hardshell.com E-book & trade paperback
Eppie Finalist $10.95

Deadly Omen ISBN 1-891940-03-1 http://www.goldeneaglepress.commass market paperback $7.95 or E-book from http://www.hardshell.com

Unequally Yoked ISBN 1-891940-05-8 http://www.goldeneaglepress.com mass market paperback $7.95 E-book from http://www.hardshell.com

Intervention ISBN 1-891940-07-4 http://www.goldeneaglepress.com mass market paperback $7.95 E-book from http://www.hardshell.com Bloody Dagger Award

Wing Beat ISBN 1-891940-08-2 http://www.goldeneaglepress.commass market paperback $7.95 Soon E-book from http://www.hardshell.com Best Mystery, American Authors Association

Other mysteries:

Astral Gift ISBN 1-58124-182-2 http://www.fictionworks.com E-book, trade paperback $13.99

Guilt by Association ISBN 1-928602-68-1 http://www.trebleheartbooks.com (MountainView label) e-book, trade paperback, $10.95, Publisher’s Choice Best Mystery/Suspense

Rocky Bluff P.D. series:

Final Respects 1-58124-742-7 http://www.fictionworks.com E-book, trade paperback $13.99

Bad Tidings 1-58124-788-5 http://www.fictionworks.com E-book, trade paperback $12.99

Kachima Spirit ISBN 0-7599-0099-X http://www.hardshell.com E-book, trade paperback $10.95 Eppie Finalist

The first chapters of most books can be read on the author’s website. Most books can be purchased from the author’s website as well as the publisher’s. Other books by Marilyn on the website are: The Choice, Deeds of Darkness, a Hollywood Book Festival honorary mention, and Cup of Demons, Christian horror, and Two Ways West, Historical Family Saga.

Books in Process: Calling the Dead, the next in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series, coming from Mundania Press.

Welcome, Marilyn,

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve written all my life, short stories, plays, newsletters, and some novels that I gave up on after the first rejection.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
My sister did our family genealogy and there were so many mysteries, I decided to write a book about each side of the family and try to find out why some things happened.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
My sister did the hard part, then I had to research the places the family was during the time they were there. I incorporated historical fact with family stories and of course, fiction.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
I’ve always been a voracious reader, mainly mysteries, and I would say all the authors of the books I’ve loved have a great influence on me. Also, I have an author friend, Willma Gore, who was a great help to me for over twenty years as we belonged to the same critique group.

5. Why do you continue to write?
More people and their stories inhabit my brain and I’m compelled to put it all down in my computer. I can’t imagine not writing. I switched to writing mysteries and Christian horror as those were the kind of books that I liked to read.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
When I first began, I just wanted my family to know how strong and adventurous their ancestors were—and I must admit, I’d been influenced by some wonderful historical romances.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I’ve had a great time as a published writer. In my little hometown I’m somewhat of a celebrity. I also love helping other writers and have done a lot of that as a Writer’s Digest School instructor, through my own writing class, and mentoring friends who are writers. Also, I enjoy attending mystery and other writing cons. Because of these, I’ve made so many wonderful friends.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
I do everything I can think of. I particularly like talking to groups at libraries and other venues, giving writing workshops at writer’s conferences, going to book festivals. Of course I use the Internet to promote my books too. I have a website, http://fictionforyou.com, a blog http://www.marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/
and an e-mail newsletter.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
For new writers, have a regular time for writing and stick to it. Learn as much as possible about the craft of writing. It’s okay to break rules once you actually know what they are. Don’t get discouraged. Perseverance counts in this business.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Thank you for this opportunity. It’s always fun to discuss the writing life. I’m also open to people e-mailing me to ask me questions and subscribing to my newsletter. mmeredith@ocsnet.net

Thank you for your time.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - July 14, 2006 - Copyright

Author: ANNE-MARIE M. POP

2006-07-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: http://www.neo-hippy.com

Books in Print: Young Female, Traveling Alone

Books in Process: don’t have a title yet

Welcome Anne-Marie,

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I only began writing about two years ago when I got back from my long travels in Asia. I decided my trip was something I should write about to tell the whole world what I have seen and learnt.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
My travels of 7 months in Asia.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I wrote my first book like a travel journey, even though the story it is partially fiction.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
I think there are many great authors out there who influenced my writing, but I will mention a couple: Cleo Odzer, Alex Garland and Sarah Macdonald.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I enjoyed writing my first book so I thought I should write another one. Plus, I got good feedback on my first book, so I might as well try to do better next time.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
My goals are to become a good writer. I would like to be able to play with words in the most artistic way to achieve credibility as an author.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I have self-published my first book "Young Female, Traveling Alone." I found it hard to promote a self-published book. Not everybody gives you credibility as a self-publish author.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
I send the book for reviews and I have a website that promotes my book.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
If you want to succeed, you have to write something good. Once you have something of quality, then just believe in your work and make as much publicity as you can.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Thank you for interviewing me.

Thank you for your time, Anne-Marie.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - July 12, 2006 - Copyright

Author: JONATHAN FESMIRE

2006-07-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Author's website address: http://www.jonathanfesmire.com/

Books in Print: Children of Rhatlan, Tamshi’s Imp, Seeds of Vision, and Amber in the Over World

Books in Process: Women of Moreri

Welcome Jonathan,

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I started making up fantastic stories when I was in preschool, before I could write at all. I’d illustrate them and have one of my parents or a teacher write in what I dictated. In grammar school, I began reading voraciously, and began writing my own stories in middle school. Even then, I loved fantasy and had the urge to create stories myself.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
That depends on what you call my first book! I wrote a novelette and a novella my senior year of high school, for my creative writing class. I then wrote a novel during my first couple years of college. Those books aren’t in print for a reason! They were excellent practice, but my first novel that I really feel belongs in print is Children of Rhatlan.

What inspired me to write it was that I had already written a couple of stories about duals. I came up with the concept back in 1995. I loved the idea and felt that it had a lot of potential that I wanted to explore. Plus, I loved, and still love, the main characters.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I wrote the first draft in about a month and a half. Believe me, it was definitely what you’d call a rough draft. After some excellent comments and criticism, I let the story mature in my mind for a few months. When I got back to it, I decided to write the book from scratch. It’s the same basic story, just much better. Also, some of the ideas I came up with in the first draft didn’t find their way into the final draft, but will appear in the sequel, Women of Moreri.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
Many people, books, and so on have influenced my writing over the years. I learned a lot of the basics from my high school creative writing teacher, Jim Weir, and gained an increased appreciation for literature from my English teacher that same year, Steve Wong. Since then I’ve been influenced by writers I enjoy, some excellent books on writing, and many of my writer friends, including Kevin Andrew Murphy, Elizabeth Barrette, Steve Savile, and Steve Lazarowitz. I must give special mention to Lee Killough, who I was lucky enough to have as a writing teacher through correspondence. She has a lasting influence on my style.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I think a lot of writers would give you the same answer I’m about to: I’m driven to write. I can’t not write. Even when I’m taking a break from fiction, I fill my personal journal and my blogs with my thoughts. I also correspond with friends via e-mail and write book reviews. I find fiction the most rewarding, though.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Through my writing, I hope to have fun, entertain as many people as possible, share my perspective on the world with others, make good supplemental income for my family, and leave something behind for future generations.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
That’s a big question! It’s had high and low points, for certain. Some high points: getting a story accepted for Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Fantasy Magazine, being asked to create ten background characters for a comic and being paid $200 to do it (sadly, that comic never saw print though), and receiving many glowing reviews of my books. Some of the low points: difficulties with my first two publishers, and big agents signing me on because they liked my work but the publishing houses virtually ignoring my work. That’s why I finally decided to take hold of my career and self publish.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
I mostly promote through MySpace. That’s been a fairly successful avenue. I keep a blog about my creative work. Now and then, I post bulletins when I’ve been reviewed, interviewed, or am going to make an appearance. Plus, I’ve made some good friends there, which is a wonderful bonus.

I also have postcards for Children of Rhatlan, which I had printed up several years ago. I still have a few thousand of them! I also ordered cheap business cards through Vista Print, but formatted them as bookmarks, for Tamshi’s Imp and Amber in the Over World. They have a bit of cover art and basic information about each book on the front, and calendars on the back.

I seek out reviewers and interviewers, which also helps to get the word out about my books.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Mostly, the basic advice: write and read often. Learn correct grammar and, if you’re submitting to magazines or publishers, read and follow their guidelines.

As far as publishing goes, consider many options. Getting published through a major house is one way to go, but it’s not the only way. If you choose to self publish, make sure your book is as good or better than books by the major publishers. Take the craft seriously, and people will take you seriously.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
I want to thank you for the interview opportunity! The reviews, I knew were coming! This was a great, unexpected surprise!

Thank you for your time!

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - July 11, 2006 - Copyright

Author: NOLAN C. LEWIS

2006-06-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

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

Author: PHILIP COLANDER

2006-06-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: www.pacbooks.net

Books in Print: Those Made to Suffer

Books in Process: TBA

Welcome, Philip.

1. When and why did you begin writing?
My first stab at writing (that I recall, at least) was back in high school. In sophomore English, my teacher had us do a couple creative writing projects over the course of the semester. I was told I had a good writing style and a vivid imagination. I tried writing my first book in college. I got four chapters into it before I realized I had no idea where I was going with the plot (I’ve shelved it for now…I hope to get back to that one later). Why did I begin writing? I treasure books and wanted to write one of my own.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
My love of books, first and foremost. I was also inspired by all of my favorite authors. I envy them and the great stories they’ve already belted out.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
Extraordinarily unconventionally. All the "how-to" books I bought suggested writing an outline first, then following that outline. I came up with my title first, the idea second, then worked out the plot as I went. I didn’t know where the story would take me. I would constantly go back and alter the plot to fit an idea I would have later. This may be why it took me four years to write!

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
Again, my utter fascination with the talent of my favorite authors. You’d think every story would’ve been written by now, but they just keep plugging away and creating magic.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I’ve got a lot more to tell!

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Inspire others. If you’ve got an idea for a story brewing, get busy! We want to read that story!

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Strange for an author to say, but words cannot express how thrilled I am to be a published author! To see my labor of love as an actual, 3-dimensional object that others can purchase and enjoy still amazes me.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
So far, due to a lack of funds, word-of-mouth has been my primary method of promotion. I have, however, submitted my book to a national writing contest. Additionally, I’ve paid to have my book advertised in ForeWord Magazine with the help of my publisher, as well as going to local bookstores to set-up the process of (hopefully) selling my book through them. Other than that, I have self-made business cards ready to whip-out at a moment’s notice.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Do not give up! Keep writing, no matter what. If you’re passionate about your story, see it through to the end…literally! One more thing…unless you are famous, are related to someone famous, already work in the publishing world, or have a family member or close friend that works in publishing, consider self-publishing. I languished through four year of impersonal form letters from literary agents saying, "Thanks, but, no thanks" to all my query letters. I wasn’t expecting to get picked up by an agent right out of the starting gate, but constant rejection does wear you down a bit. I’m not saying that happens to everyone…just 99% of authors looking for representation! Self-publishing costs money, sure, but, you’re in charge and your book appears as you want it to!

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Please feel free to visit my website and let me know what you thought of my book. I’d love to hear from you!

Thank you, Philip.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - May 8, 2006

Author: TOM DAVID

2006-06-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: www.tomdavidbooks.com

Books in Print: Kory’s Lot: The Other Battle of Antietam

Books in Process: Zephyr: Journey to Antietam, Flight from Antietam

Welcome, Tom.

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing my debut, Kory’s Lot, in the summer of 2005. The story had been in the back of my mind for several years, and the time had come to get it out.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
Oddly enough, I seriously considered putting my story on paper when my friend, a general contractor, started to build my home. I was intrigued by the process of all the layers, all the pieces, coming together to result in a wonderful, finished product. That product was something very tangible and something that would be around for a very, very long time. As a Financial Advisor, there is not that single, tangible ‘thing’ that is created and left behind. I decided my story, in the form of a book, could be that something. My decision that others could benefit from a story of this nature was the clincher, and I began to write.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
Aggressively. I sat down and started to hammer it out, and didn’t stop until it was done…many months later. Yes, there were some late evenings when my wife had to force me and my bloodshot eyes away from the computer.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
The fantasy characters of Anne Rice stuck with me long after I read her books. She is able to breathe life into pages like no one else.

5. Why do you continue to write?
Creating life, characters, and falling in love with them or hating them is a process that overwhelmed me, and I can’t get enough of it. There’s also great satisfaction when a reader ‘feels’ what I have written, and takes something away with him or her.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
My intent is to entertain with big, bold characters, and while doing so introduce elements of real life that often go unnoticed to many in the mainstream. The simple concept of a father/son relationship is one of those areas. Breast cancer is another such area. Zephyr: Journey to Antietam opens with Zephyr racing, horse top, against time to get to his wife’s side before she dies. So here we deal with a man losing his wife of 42 two years in the year 1874 when conceptually breast cancer is not what it is today. For me, doing this successfully will mean keeping these themes in the background while the characters move forward and touch the readers in different areas. Based on early reader feedback, I’ve done that successfully in Kory’s Lot.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
It’s been fun, and it’s been scary. Pouring yourself out on paper and then handing the result to someone to praise or damn can be pretty unnerving. It has definitely been worth it.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
My wife is, uh, aggressive. She has been responsible for many more book sales than I. She has us in a handful of local businesses and bookstores. We have lots of posters up locally. Business cards, a website, signings and the other regular stuff are used.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Go for it. It’s worth it. Pick your project, stay focused, write often and finish it. Once finished, consider non-bookstore retailers. After the local Borders finishes inventory this week, we’ll be available there, but we have sold more books through non-traditional book retailers such as restaurants, delis, thrift/gift shops, and yes, even gas stations. Most small business owners tend to be supportive; especially when working a consignment deal where they’re getting inventory for free until something is sold and replaced with new product.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Good luck all….

Thanks Tom.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - May 8, 2006 - Copyright

Author: JOSEPH P. RITZ

2006-06-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Author’s website: http://www.jritz.net.

Books in Print: The Despired Poor, I Never Looked for My Mother

Welcome Jospeh,

1. WHEN AND WHY DID YOU BEGIN WRITING?
When I was seven my foster mother, wanting to take a nap after a long walk with me in the woods, told me to write about what we had done and when she woke up praised me greatly for what I had written, showed it to my second grade teacher and kept it for many years. It was then I learned that one could get welcome praise for writing. Something we all wish for, even when we don’t admit it. Later on, in grade school I entertained my fellow pupils with my stories written in response to English assignments. They were murder mysteries. I hit on a formula that’s been successful in Hollywood — lots of violence and when the story began to drag, a murder or two. My plots were strong, but my endings were weak because: 1 - I had no idea how a story would end when I began it. 2 - By the time I got to the last page, I had killed off all my characters without resolving the mystery.

Nevertheless, my stories were a hit among my young classmates, more interested in the murders than the plot’s resolution. On rare occasions in English class they asked my teachers to let me read my bloody tales. It gave me recognition I craved.
My first writing to be published in a daily newspaper took place when I was in the army and The Tacoma Tribune printed a long article I had written about army ski training in the nearby Cascades. However, I was not paid and there was talk of court-martialing me.

2. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE YOUR FIRST BOOK?
My first book, The Despised P oor (Beacon Press) grew out of a national welfare controversy I was covering for a Gannet Group newspaper in Newburgh which was receiving national coverage. The book was praised by The New York Times and several other newspapers and by a few national magazines. It also got me on national television, but it sold only a couple of thousand copies. It is still being quoted, I am told, by sociologists and political scientists. In fact I have been invited to give a speech about the subject in September.

3. HOW DID YOU APPROACH WRITING YOUR FIRST BOOK?
That was in the 1960s when major publishers were still open to being approached by unknown writers. I wrote several major publishers with an outline of what I planned to research and write and was invited to lunch by an editor from Harper & Row. She told me what research was needed and asked me to write the first three chapters. After I did, she said she liked what I did but it had been decided that the subject would be of little interest to the public by the time the book was published.I wrote the book anyway and then set about the months long project of approaching publishers. At last Beacon Press decided to publish the manuscript.

4. WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING?
I’ve made my living as a journalist which means that I have worked under several editors, a few good, most terrible, with little knowledge of either the subject or good writing. I have read and keep several books about writing, but I have been mostly influenced by reading good writers from Shakespeare to Scott Turow. I also write plays and it was by reading Eugene O’Neill in high school that I decided to be a playwright. Unfortunately, while I have won some national awards, my plays have largely been produced in small theaters before small audiences.

5. WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO WRITE?
I said it best in my memoir, I Never Looked for My Mother:
I know at this late age (I’m 76) that I will never win a Tony or the National Book Award. I know that I will never have dinner in the White House or have my book or play turned into a movie, or receive an honorary degree from an Ivy League college. And I will never live in a mansion with an Olympic-sized swimming pool. But I still spend the majority of my days writing. You know why so many old men died when soldiers overran the Indian villages in the old days? It wasn’t because they couldn’t run away. They stayed for the honor of dying while they fought their enemies. It’s tempting to say that I write to make the world better, but that would be like trying to stop the earth’s rotation by sticking my hand into the wind. I write knowing that I will fail and that my idea of good is not everybody’s and perhaps even not shared by whoever my readers are. But I find pleasure in the argument. Writing is my conversation with the world. It has been so since my foster mother, wanting rest and quiet, sent me to my room to write an essay on what I had done that weekend.

6. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH THROUGH YOUR WRITING?
See Above.

7. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A PUBLISHED WRITER?
I’ve become aware that people seldom read bylines, or remember them, so the writer remains unknown to most readers.

8. HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR BOOK?
By doing book signings, radio interviews, trying to interest newspapers to do reviews (very difficult these days for a POD book), creating a web site.

9. ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS:
Don’t plan on getting great wealth, do it because you feel you must. If you don’t, plant a garden, spend more time with your children.

Thank you, Joseph.

Interview by Kaye Trout - June 7, 2006 - Copyright

Author: DAVID BARRY

2006-06-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: www.carelesstalksoap.btinternet.co.uk

Published books by the Author: Each Man Kills (Gomer ) and Flashback (Authorsonline)

Books in Process: Muscle

Welcome, David.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
In 1970, I wrote my first television script, broadcast the same year, because I was working in a situation comedy as an actor.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve always enjoyed the thriller genre, and decided my first book would be a police thriller located in Swansea and west Wales, involving Celtic mysticism.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I researched police methods first, and I also heard of a mysterious motiveless murder in west Wales, and became fascinated in solving the mystery fictionally.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
I read so much there have been a vast amount of influences, everyone from John Steinbeck and Kurt Vonnegut to P.G Wodehouse and Jerome K Jerome.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I enjoy it. If I don’t write I start to feel something’s wrong with life.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I’m quite satisfied if I entertain readers.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Shared experiences with other writers.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Radio interviews, press releases and mailouts.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Find a voice, and try to discover a market that will listen to that voice.

Thank you, David, and it was a pleasure reading your book.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - June 3, 2006 - Copyright

Author: WALTER M. BRASCH

2006-06-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: http://www.walterbrasch.com

Published books by the Author: 16, primarily language, social issues, media/journalism

Books in Process: 3 (1 social issues novel, 1 critique of the Bush/Cheney Administration, 1 university textbook about magazine editing and production)

Welcome Walter.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I always seemed to have a "knack" for writing. I was a sports correspondent for a local daily while in high school; in college, I took courses that required term papers—I’d usually do poorly on tests, but quite well on the essays and term papers. I had planned to become a physician, but soon drifted into social work—it was the ‘60s, and I saw social work as a way to "save the world." (My A.B. is in sociology.) But, I realized my abilities, like that of many activists, could better be used in journalism. Thus, this idealist eventually started working for a newspaper, and then evolved.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
I was in grad school, and it seemed like a good thing to do. Actually, it just seemed to fall into place, developing out of a paper for one of the classes. The first book was an annotated bibliography of American Black English. It was something that needed to be done. I was interested in language and culture studies, and this gave me a greater insight into a culture and its people—as well as the racism and ignorance. The book was quickly picked up by an academic press and became a standard reference work. My second book, Black English and the Mass Media, looked at the portrayal of Black language in the media, and revealed that journalists and teachers often spoke and wrote with little knowledge of people and language. This book was both a historical and contemporary look at language in a social setting. This book also was picked up by a university press, had high critical praise, and became one of the company’s "best sellers." It didn’t take me long to realize that books have a longer lifespan than newspaper and magazine articles. But, I still wrote for newspapers and magazines. That’s where my journalistic soul is.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
It was purely an academic exercise. No great bolts of lightning. No unusual wisdom. It was tedious and meticulous, done long before there were PCs and databases for the average scholar. It also gave me a real "feel" for hard copy and libraries. The Interlibrary Loan department was swamped by my requests—and I learned a lot about libraries. It’s hard for me to explain to a 20-year-old bright student that all knowledge isn’t available by the Internet, that some comes from actually feeling the hard copy of the article—smelling the dust, reading the type in the way it was originally presented, etc. Persons who can work in libraries, I believe, have a better love of history and, thus, can better understand the present.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
My journalistic "hero" is Horace Greeley, an editor/publisher who believed in the people. He was probably the most influential editor in America before and during the Civil War. It was he who pushed Lincoln into eventually delivering the Emancipation Proclamation. Greeley, who was pro-worker, also was founder of the first newspaper union, believed women should have the vote, and gave his employees a share of his newspaper. He became great not only because he was a great publisher, but because he was a great person. Among other writers, I admire Lafcadio Hearn; most of the muckrakers of the 1890s-1910s, including Jacob Riis, Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens, Ray Stanard Baker, publisher S.S. McClure; James Thurber, Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Breslin, Art Buchwald, Tom Paxton, Tom Lehrer, Aaron Sorkin, and many MANY others. Ironically, I don’t read many books, so the ones I do read tend to be by persons who are expert in short-form journalism, who can take that ability and transform it (whether music or printed words) into either a collection of great columns or excellent narrative, or a great play. Journalists aren’t confined to one medium—we should be able to write for all media, depending upon our subject and what we want to say.

5. Why do you continue to write?
It’s what I do best. (It may be the only thing, other than teaching, I truly enjoy.) I get mentally stimulated by it. AND, most important, I believe I can make a difference and help people with the kind of writing I do. That’s why I focus on social issues, when I realize I can make money from genre writing. – Not that there’s anything wrong with that! I’m a pretty good teacher, so I can combine teaching and writing. – Besides, it also feeds my ego; my name gets outside of my home town, and I get to hear from people from throughout the country and (sometimes) other countries. Thanks to the Internet (and the fact my columns appear on many I-net sites), I get a lot of feedback; this helps me better understand people and their concerns.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Because I am a social issues journalist, I hope to make people more aware of society, of the issues in society, and what can be done to improve our society. Although many of my columns and books focus upon government, many also look at people, many of whom are part of the underclass or invisible society that are not reported upon by the more "establishment" media. I report good news and bad news; and, although I readily acknowledge I am a liberal, I am fiercely independent, even to the point of not being afraid to attack the news media when I think there’s an overwhelming incompetence or blind spot in their coverage. Some of my most stinging satire has been against the media.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I have spent a LOT of time trying to answer this question. Alas, because I’ve been a writer for four decades, my experiences are so vast, so different, so – idiosyncratic – that it’s hard to answer this one question, without writing a three-volume autobiographical diary that not even I would want to read. Fortunately, writing, and my relationship with readers, editors, and others in the industry changes every day, so it keeps me fresh and alert. Some days I am ecstatic, some days depressed, some days furious, other days blissful. It even changes by the hour.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
With the major and minor publishers now focused more than ever upon "bottom line profits," and realizing they can make money only if they don’t have to spend money on us mid-list authors, it’s up to us to promote our books. Every one of my books has a 40-60 page promo/marketing plan. This includes a wide range of possibilities. However, the best promotion I find is contacts through my own mail list and hope they keep spreading the word to their friends and acquaintances. I also hammer newspapers (whose reviewers often turn up their arrogant noses at us low-life authors who don’t reach NYTimes lists and, thus, toss us into the trash bin). Thus, I deal with real reporters and editors for feature and news articles; I’m more successful with this. I also do a lot of radio interviews. I contact people (sometimes 2-3 times before they call back). I find some publications (RTIR, e.g.) more effective than others in making radio producers aware of my stuff. It’s not unusual for me to do a couple of phone interviews a day when book is in promo-stage. I don’t do TV. I just have a better body for radio. TV would boost sales, but TV has deteriorated to a point that many interviewers are unprepared, that they want "hot topics" and "hot celebrities," especially the ones who have a fan club, publicist, and posse—but are published solely because of that, not because they can write. I send out a lot of postcards. I use VistaPrint and other low-cost companies since cost is minimal. (Fortunately, I am also strong at graphic design, so I save money in that area.) In all of my bills, I send a bookmark or postcard. After all, these companies send us a lot of junk mail, I see no reason why I can’t return that favor. (I especially like the self-stamped envelopes credit card companies and others send to get us to fall for one of their offerings; it’s a win situation for me—I send info, they pay for the postage.). I do a LOT of public speaking, and make sure the audience has something to take with them—postcards, magnets, bookmarks, etc. I often do bookstore signings, but these are never as lucrative as they should be in sales. BUT, the key is to meet people, find out what they’re thinking, talk about them—and your book. They MAY remember later. ALSO, a key to a good bookstore signing is to make sure you talk with the clerks. If you can hype them on the book, they may later recommend it to a customer.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
WRITE! Write some more. And then edit. Edit tightly. Ask yourself "would a reader like this phrase? Can I make this sentence tighter and more dramatic? Does it need a better rhythm and flow? Is this passage necessary? Does it contribute to an understanding of the story? Is there something missing?" In non-fiction, I believe that research and investigation may be 80% of writing, the actual writing is about 20%--and, just for kicks, figure 100% on the business end and promotion. In fiction, writers who don’t do their research are quickly found out. Assume every reader knows more about the facts than you do. You don’t want a reader to say, "That’s just not true; that doesn’t make sense." It diminishes the credibility. Alas, far too many writers churn out garbage, published by presses that have cut back on costs by cutting back on decent editors and copyeditors or work them far too much to be effective. Books WILL have errors (maybe a misspelled word, a fact that isn’t a fact, etc.) but the purpose of good writing is to make the reader NOT have bumps by stopping and saying, "That’s just not right."

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
The rise of POD publishing, allowing the effective emergency of small publishers and self-publishers, has allowed writers to get their views spread. But, the trade-off is that there is so much junk out there, and the design and promotion are often abysmal, that it seems that bad writing drives out good writing. Certainly, it’s become a problem since book reviewers (although they’ll vigorously deny it to your face!) and some major book review magazines tend to look at a publisher’s imprint and promo package and tend to discount that which doesn’t "seem" to be major, before even reading a couple of pages. As far as book reviewers—and I realize I could be tightening the noose on my literary future—I agree with James Michener, who said that if these people could write, they wouldn’t be book reviewers. The industry has also tended to feature authors who have little to say, but say it anyhow—just because publishers can publicize just about anything. If I were to capitalize on this unfortunate trend, I might title my next book, How to Bake Dietetic Pornographic Cookies With Britney Spears While Being Your Own Best Friend.

Thanks Walter, that's a great title and closing.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - June 1, 2006 - Copyright

Author: PETER HAASE

2006-05-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

Published books by the Author: When Love is Not Enough, Call of the Sea, Eleven Years Afloat.

Author website: http://readmybooks.blogspot.com

Books in Process: Rostock, City by the Sea

Interview:

Welcome, Peter. Would you like to tell us something about how and why you started to write?

Growing up in the years of the Third Reich in Germany and during WWII, provided me with memories, which remain fresh on my mind. The ultimate destruction of my homeland, the post war years, my emigration to Ecuador and then resettling in New York, combined to a story worth telling. My first published work, CALL OF THE SEA, was followed by ELEVEN YEARS AFLOAT. Both books tell of my sailing adventures, the boats, the islands, the weather, two shipwrecks, and the people I met.

Chronologically first, ROSTOCK, CITY BY THE SEA, the Story of a Young German, is only now in production. WHEN LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH, a New York love story, was just published in April.

I approached writing the story of my youth, originally named REMEMBERING ROSTOCK, based on my very clear memories. My sailing adventures I wrote following the notes and logbooks maintained during the voyages. WHEN LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH is based on my intimate knowledge of the city of New York and the corporate world of Manhattan.

Will I continue writing? I hope so. What started as hobby, developed into a marketable product. It still basically is a hobby, because I love to write. By coincidence I stumbled upon Outskirts Press, and I am glad I did. It is the publishing company with a friendly, helpful staff that gives me all the assistance I need to bring my work to the reading public.

Thank you, Peter, for your time and wonderful books.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - May 27, 2006 - Copyright

Author: SUSAN SHAW

2006-05-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Author: Susan Shaw

Author’s website address: poodle@poodle.karoo.co.uk

Published books by the Author: Eleanor, Dreams or Serenity – both these books are in paperback format and hardback large print. House of Serenity - paperback and Too Many Wasted Years - paperback.

Books in Process: All I ask of you, Where the love stopped and the hurt began, Lasting Trauma, One more chance.

Welcome Susan.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I started putting pen to paper for my first book, Eleanor in 1994. It was something since my teens I had wanted to do.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
My Father’s death and things that came to light of his past as a result of that.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
Writing a brief outline of the book then putting into sentences which formed each chapter to be written. I had to do some research on places and clothing styles etc. for certain dates, which at that time I used the local library.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
My Father’s story initially, then for subsequent stories the ideas suddenly spring to mind and although I may use character outlines from people I know it all is fiction.

5. Why do you continue to write?
Because the stories are in my head and need to come out to be put on paper. I really enjoy writing.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I would like to be a success with the mainstream publishers and go as far as I can with writing. I am currently writing a different genre to usual and want to be able to look at different things to write about in the future. I have written children’s book but done nothing with these, but would like to one day.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
It is delightful to hold your first published book. I feel proud that I have achieved becoming a published writer.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Local shops, library, internet and word of mouth.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Don’t give up at the first rejection, you have to keep trying and trying. Listen to constructive advice.

Thank you, Susan, for your time and sharing.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - May 25, 2006 - Copyright

Author: LESLY AUERBACH

2006-05-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Lesly Auerbach

Author’s website address: www.outskirtspress.com/auerbachfragments

Published books by the Author: Fragments

Books in Process: Fish Psychology & Popcorn Underwear, A Poetry Collection:
Beautiful Intelligent Talented Chick with Heart (working title)

Welcome, Lesly,

Interview:

1.When and why did you begin writing?
If memory serves me correctly, I entered a Bicentennial essay contest in second grade and won second place. I remember thinking that this writing thing had the awesome benefit of getting me some much-needed attention. From junior high through my early twenties, I began writing poems and short stories as an outlet for things I couldn’t or wouldn’t say out loud. Then I stopped writing altogether. In my late twenties, I decided that I had a lot more to say, and so began an avalanche of words that has only recently slowed down.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
I’ve had the feeling of this story in the back of my mind for years and finally decided to put it on paper instead of ignoring it. I did, however, have to change my mindset first from that of "only people who really knew what they were doing wrote books," to "why not me?" Once that was done, it was fairly easy to proceed.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I was getting hung up with transitions on another project when I started writing this book. Since each "scene" in Fragments was presenting itself to me as a stand-alone memory, I said to hell with it—leave ‘em out for now. The story wrote itself—one memory triggering another, then necessary connections made between each to create a more rounded character and storyline.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
Speaking about this book only, I was influenced by a certain feeling that I wanted to capture on paper—a little dark, a little depressed, raw, lost, but always with at least a tinge of hope around the edges. To that end, I wrote about real people and some of their experiences, taking creative liberties at every turn to create a coherent story.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I don’t really have a choice, it keeps choosing me. The few times that I’ve completely stopped writing creatively, it came out as compulsive list making. I might as well make it a little more interesting than that, dontcha think? Of course, on the less-flip side, I continue writing to continue making connections, both with myself and with other people. Having just one person say, "I get it," is my ultimate payoff.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Connections. I want that farmer in the Midwest and that fashion photographer in New York to "get" what I’m trying to say—both relating first to the story and then to each other.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Apart from the initial congratulatory support from friends and family, I feel like I’m working in a bubble. At this particular point in the process, I have no idea if what I’m doing is working yet. On a personal level, however, it’s satisfying and just plain cool to see my work in print and available for others at their leisure.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
I’ve been implementing a few of the tools Amazon offers to promote my book. Additionally, I’ve been using my publisher-supplied webpage, press release distribution, book reviews, and word of mouth to get my book some attention. Another outlet I’ve found for my promotional efforts is actually using the MySpace website. More than just a place for teens to play and predators looking for prey, this is a great networking tool, especially when the blog feature is utilized.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Don’t let anyone make you feel inadequate about your writing. Know the rules and then feel free to break them—intentionally, not from laziness. Enjoy the creativity; don’t get bogged down in the academic side of the process—that’s what editors are for.

Thank you, Lesly.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - May 23, 2006 - Copyright

Author: VALERIE J. STEIMLE

2006-05-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Author’s website address: www.strengthenyourhome.com

Published books by the Author: Home Is Where the Heart Is; Home is Where the Learning Is; Homeschool Lifestyles from Homeschool Moms; Syndicated ezine column

Books in Process: Duck Creek, Children’s series

Welcome Valerie,

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing in a journal when I was 12. More serious writing started when I began to write to help a school district cause where we lived when I was 30. This school district was trying to switch to a year-round school system against the parents wishes. Writing has always been therapeutic for me when I’m in distress.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
I really felt that the world was missing out on having close family relationships as it used to be. There are so many distractions in our culture that take us away from our families, I really felt the need to write about it so others can see what they were missing and change their life accordingly.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
What I started with was a newspaper column. After writing about the school district experience we moved across country and I was able to start a column at the local paper called “Where The Heart Is”.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
My first editor at the paper influenced what I wrote and then just watching the news on TV had a big influence on me. World events have an affect on everyone and I wrote how those events can influence the family.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I have become an advocate for the family. The world continues to move away from keeping the family intact so I continue to write. I also write about the homeschool world because so many parents are interested in teaching their own children.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Food for thought about how we can improve our relationships. Helping other people understand why it is important to try hard to make good choices in our families and to see a different perspective. I don’t expect to change the world, although that would be nice, but to help someone realize that divorce isn’t always the answer, the adverse affects of having an affair or cutting work hours to be home more. That is my hope.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I’m not sure what you are asking here. Overall, my experiences as a published writer have been good. My books have been a positive force for others and I have had a lot of feedback on how my writing has helped others. That makes it all worth it.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
By my book signings, my website, press releases, my ezine articles, magazine articles and word of mouth.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Never give up, never surrender to quitting. I have been doing this for 16 years and I have found a way to get published. I have had to raise 9 children while doing it and you just have to keep going. It takes time and persistence.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
If you have a strong impression to write, no matter what it is, do it. Find a way to better your writing skills, find a way to get yourself out there and be published.

Thank you, Valerie, for sharing your time with us.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - May 17, 2006 - Copyright

Author: MARGUERITE BELL

2006-05-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Author: Marguerite Bell (real name Ida Pollock)

Author’s website address: http://www.margueritebell.co.uk

Published books by the Author: (under this name) A Rose for Danger, The Devil's Daughter, Bride by Auction, Sea Change, A Distant Drum. A further 103
titles have been published under other names.

Books in Process: Pride of Eagles, The Antidote, Set in Sable, Valley of Fire, Pale Sunrise,The Courts of Eden, St Martin's Summer, Field of Lilies, Kit's Inheritance.

Welcome Marguerite,

Interview:

When and why did you begin writing?
When I was about 10 I read a grown-up novel set in the old American West. That book took me into another place. Not long afterwards it occurred to me that I could write my own way into such places.

What inspired you to write your first book?
I was fascinated by China, so I wrote a novel set in 1920's Shanghai.

How did you approach writing your first book?
I lay in bed thinking about it, then I took a pencil and note-book and started putting my thoughts on paper.

Who or what influenced your writing?
From a literary point of view I was influenced by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen and Joseph Conrad. Also (on a less exalted level) by Baroness Orczy, creator of the Scarlet Pimpernel, and by Jeffrey Farnol, an historical novelist who was once very popular in England. On the personal side I was inspired, encouraged and supported by my mother.

Why do you continue to write?
When you write fiction you escape into a world of your own making. I find it hard to give that world up.

What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I'd like to think that my novels entertain and divert people, that they 'ease the pressure' a bit. I would also hope, though, that my historicals introduce readers to a world where things were different.

What has been your experience as a published writer?
It's wonderful to see a new book come out - another child launched into the world.

How do you promote your book(s)?
I've had quite a bit of magazine and newspaper publicity, and that can be worth a lot. Really, though, just getting into the libraries - getting talked about - is invaluable.

What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Even when the discouragement gets severe, keep on writing and have faith in yourself. Enjoy what you're doing. At the same time, don't let this creative thing wear you out, and don't let it get between you and your family. It shouldn't rule your life (if you haven't already done so read about Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, both of whom were priceless examples of how to write successfully while at the same time remaining a real person).

Any other comments you would like to add?
I treasure the memory of a lady who told me that her husband had died a few months earlier. My books, she said, had helped her to get through. If you think about it, almost every author of fiction must have helped someone (perhaps many people) in this kind of way.

Thank you, Marguerite.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - May 15, 2006 - Copyright

Author: JOHN TIMBERS

2006-05-07T16:10:00.000-07:00

Author: John Timbers

Authors website address: cattim@tiscali.co.uk

Published books by the Author: Caesar’s Tribune – first in the series of five (see below)

Books in Process: Master of Gaul – waiting to go to press; Albion Ablaze – nearing completion; A View to a Death – in outline; Road to the Rubicon – in outline.

Welcome, John

Interview:

When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing my first novel back in ’93 as an exercise to keep my brain active during a spell of redundancy. I was in my mid-fifties and there were no jobs to be had in those age-ist days. Writing was something I had always enjoyed but, apart from letters, I had really only ever written essays, business reports and analyses. I have scribbled out poems for years – mostly the purest drivel – but I had never tried my hand at fiction.

What inspired you to write your first book?
I was looking for a challenge and found it in Latin translation. That sounds pretentious but the fact is that I studied Latin at school. After my final exams I never opened a Latin text book again. I found a copy of the Loeb Library Classics version of Caesar’s Gallic Wars – Latin on the left-hand page and English on the right – cheating? Yes, but it had been forty years! I became engrossed in the story Julius Caesar was telling the people of Rome over 2000 years ago. I had only read enough as a boy to pass my exams – life was too short at seventeen to read and enjoy history.

How did you approach writing your first book?
The English in which the Loeb translation was written must have been dated when the book was published way back in 1917 … some of the translation was so literal as to be almost unintelligible and some was just plain wrong. I started translating into the modern idiom but, fascinating though the story was, I soon realised that it wouldn’t grab the imagination of modern readers. It needed some serious spicing-up. Yet it was a great story from the pen of a man who has consistently been given a bad press.

I read everything I could find about Rome and the Romans and particularly Julius Caesar, comparing sources, delving ever deeper into the ‘why’s and ‘wherefore’s. His enemies hated him so much that they eventually managed to get him assassinated – not such a rare occurrence in ancient times but still pretty drastic stuff. However, the ordinary people of Rome and Caesar’s legionaries loved him. To them, he could do no wrong. The scenes at his funeral could perhaps best be compared with those at Princess Diana’s. People were distraught … and they really did make him a God afterwards!

Having steeped myself in the life and times of Rome and the Romans in the first century BC I set out to re-tell Caesar’s story through the eyes of a modern man, a man who could tell modern readers what it was like to be alive and live in the shadow of such a man. That required a bit of imagination and a borrowed sci-fi twist.

Who or what influenced your writing?
I read a lot and from a very wide range of material, from so-called childrens’ books – like Philip Pulman’s ‘Dark Material’ trilogy – humorous stuff – like Bill Bryson’s travelogues – to tomes like Vikram Seth’s ‘A Suitable Boy’, plus a lot of history, both social and military … oh, and a whole raft of sci-fi, as well as real science fact. I daresay I have picked up bits from every one of a long list of authors along the way but I cannot point to any particular source of influence. I do try … and fail significantly most of the time … to keep Winston Churchill’s apology in mind: "I do apologise for this long letter but I did not have time to write a short one." – Or words to that effect.

Why do you continue to write?–
I love doing it. It’s that simple.

What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I would like to get people to see Julius Caesar in a different light. One should not try to judge the great men and women of history against a modern set of criteria. They did what they did against a very different backdrop. They had standards of behaviour set by the society of their time – many of which we have abandoned to our detriment. Just because they lived a long time ago doesn’t mean that they were any the less intelligent than our modern greats. Caesar hated the inequalities in society that he saw around him. He wanted to drag the corrupt and creaking Roman Republic into a forward-looking, modern meritocracy, in which men and women of all colours and creeds could succeed, not because of their status at birth, but because of their ability.

What has been your experience as a published writer?
I don’t think I’ve been one long enough to comment.

How do you promote your book(s)?
So far the answer is "with difficulty".

What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Develop a thick skin and get out there and promote your book. I wish I could!

Any other comments you would like to add?
There are very few situations in life that don’t have a funny side. Try and find it and use it when you can. People pay good money for a smile.

Thank you, John, for sharing your time with us.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - May 7, 2006 - Copyright
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Author: EDWARD FOTHERINGILL

2006-04-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Author: Edward Fotheringill

Published books by the Author: Lanterns in the Mist

Books in Process: Darkness Withdrawn or The Eclipse of Nietzsche’s Shadow

Welcome, Ed.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing about nine years ago, just for the fun of it. I had an idea for a short story. After twelve pages or so, I liked where it was going and decided to continue on. I worked on the manuscript, sporadically, for about seven years. Then, I got more serious and finished it up.

What drove me to write was simple: I felt like I had something to say. As a philosophy professor for nearly 24 years, I had thought through every philosophical problem imaginable. What I wanted to do was make these sometimes difficult philosophical issues accessible to readers of fiction. I wanted to work through philosophical problems using fictional characters in their day-to-day lives. My hope was to write something that would carry some measure of truth and, at the same time, be interesting and provocative.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
As I mentioned earlier, I began writing just for the fun of it. I never had any intention of publishing anything. But as my story developed, and my characters came alive, I began to take the writing more seriously. I really enjoy creating interesting characters and seeing what kinds of bizarre situations I can get them in and out of.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
Looking back on it, my writing technique seems somewhat strange -- at least to me. I had a very general idea for an initial scene, wrote it out, and then I just let the characters take over. I had no plan at all about where the story line was going. The only intention I had from the beginning was to make my characters grotesque, in the sense of being strange and quirky and hopefully memorable. I can honestly say the book wrote itself.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
In recent years, I have become enthralled with four novelists: Graham Greene, Walker Percy, John Gardner, and Cormac McCarthy. These are the writers that speak to me. Looking back on my novel, I can see the influence of all of them. But, descriptively, I would have to say my novel reads like Walker Percy meets Cormac McCarthy.

5. Why do you continue to write?
What can I say? I’m into creativity, and I like working by myself. Writing fits the bill. On a more serious note, I find the life we lead and the world we find ourselves in to be very strange and indecipherable. Joy mixes with suffering in inscrutable ways, and there often seems to be no rhyme or reason to any of it. When I write, I like to explore the possibilities of different ways of living through my characters. I’m hoping to stimulate my audience to think about these possibilities, and maybe even act on them.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
First, I want to write an interesting story. Something with unexpected twists and turns. Second, I want to deliver some philosophical message that will stimulate the reader to ponder the meaning of his or her own life. Finally, I want the writing to be lyrical. I try to create scenes and characters and dialogue with combinations of words that are pleasant to the ear.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
So far, it has been a pleasant one. Responses to my book have been largely positive. And the local bookstores have, for the most part, been receptive to book signings.

8. How do you promote your book?
The first thing I did was send a copy to you, Kaye. You were the first person in the book industry to read it. I’m extremely grateful to you for your kind words. I will be sending the book off to other reviewers, as well.

On the local front, I’ve approached some of the large chain bookstores (Borders, Barnes and Nobles, etc.) and some independent shops as well. So far, I’ve been received warmly – and have been offered the opportunity for a few book signings.
I’m also planning to contact a local literary club to see if they may have some interest in exploring what I’ve written.

And, of course, word of mouth.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Oh, nothing special. I think if a writer really has something to say, he or she will find a way of getting it out there.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
No, I think I’m finished pontificating.

Thank you, Ed, for sharing your time and experience with us.

Interview by Kaye Trout - April 28, 2006 - Copyright

Author: DOUGH MURPHY

2006-04-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

Author: Doug Murphy

Published books by the Author: The Griffon Trilogy: Part I (with Andrea Murphy) and Translator’s Kiss

Books in Process: The Griffon Trilogy: Parts II and III and Sexsomnia (book about parasomnias-note the recent news with respect to ambien on this subject- with Dr. Carlos Schenck and Andrea Murphy)

Welcome Doug,

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I have wanted to write since my teen years because it is just something I liked to do. I liked playing with my imagination and telling stories in print and thought that perhaps I had a bit of the Irish storyteller in me. Nonfiction writing appeals to me as well.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was partially written during college, and I actually threw it away because I thought it was too fantastic. The first book to be finished, however, was written through a desire to expose some dangers of the new biomedical technology and out of a love for books that were thrillers and mysteries.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I was told that all good writers start by writing an outline and by filling out the characters. For my books after the outline was done I hand wrote them and then typed them into my computer. I printed out a copy, read through and made notes and then typed in the changes. I repeated that process many times until I thought I had a finished product. Often though when I thought it was finished, it was not.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
I like to study the successful techniques of other writers and even films and search through books trying to accomplish similar things. I am still searching for ways to bring a greater richness to the story and the characters. The more you write the more you know how to look.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I’m hooked. It is quite an exciting thing to do. I am continuously thinking of projects and ideas I would love to do.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
On the one hand I would like to entertain the reader so that he or she is thoroughly engrossed in the story or information. I would like to create a world they can walk into and see the characters and surroundings and events and be thoroughly fascinated. On the other hand I like to, at times, layer in ideas and information to make readers think in novel ways.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Some of the rewards have been completely unanticipated. It is a lot of fun to connect up with people that normally you would never encounter and have them react to things you have written.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Methods that I have used so far have included book signing parties, postcards (hundreds of them), classified ads, pay per click ads and word of mouth. Strangely enough the postcards have been the strongest method so far for me after the first rush of interest from friends and relatives.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
I think the hardest thing is not to get discouraged since there is a lot to get through to get your book into print and then to promote it and have some measure of success. So perseverance is certainly important. I also think that for the most part authors should not rush to get their works out but polish them to the greatest extent possible before taking the next step. Usually when I think my book is done, it requires several more reedits.

Thanks for your time, Doug, and for sharing your experience with us.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - April 17, 2006 - Copyright

Author: JONATHAN FOSTER

2006-04-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Author: Jonathan Foster

Author’s website address: http://autobiography-of-a-narcissist.blogspot.com/

Published books by the Author: The Autobiography of a Narcissist

Books in Process: Untitled Period Piece

Welcome Jonathan,

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing during my senior year as an undergrad. I was curious and had a teacher who said, "If you want to see if you’re a writer, lock yourself in a room for three days and write non-stop, eight hours a day." So I did that and here I am 20 years later. "Why" is a tougher answer. It’s either that I thought that writing would commit me to knowing myself while satisfying my urge to make meaning from life, or I thought it would sound pretty neat at cocktail parties. Likely, both.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
For years, I had written for theater and film and became frustrated by how dependent those disciplines are on the approving nod of another. Particularly with screenwriting. You can’t make a movie without loads of money or the adoration, however slight, of someone who has access to it. Having had my work in every stage from fast-track development to sold-and-awaiting-a-greenlight – and seeing only one make it to the screen - is both professionally and creatively frustrating. I have likened it to an architect who draws up his ideas in blueprints but never has a building built. Blueprints intend buildings.

Writing a book meant that I could come to the end of a writing project and hand it to someone as the piece that it is intended to be: a book. POD technology makes this even more viable. Above all, I had an idea for a fictional autobiography, a character and his story that amused me enough to believe it could sustain my creative interest for the time it took to write it. This is not always the case.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
Every morning at 5AM, slowly and with much insecurity. I didn’t become a writer to write novels, so it was a tough first step to take, especially after years and years of becoming very intimate with my shortcomings as a writer. But now, I’d say I’m walking. Slowly and reaching out for the hand rails.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
David Mamet for structure; Milan Kundera for freedom; friendships for encouragement.

5. Why do you continue to write?
That’s a another tough one because it feels dangerous to consider. It’s either that I continue to believe it will commit me to knowing myself while satisfying my urge to make meaning from life, or I still think it sounds pretty neat at cocktail parties.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Wisdom.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Positive, so far, though I haven’t really had any real experience at it yet. I’ll check in with you on this a ways down the road.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
I sent out a mass email, created a blog and submitted to contests and reviewers. I’ve also been investigating email-based and newsgroup discussions that would be interested in The Autobiography of a Narcissist. Suggestions in this would be greatly appreciated and rewarded with kind words.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
This question makes me feel awkward because I don’t feel I'm not qualified to give generalized advice to any writer, other than write, and what writer doesn't do that?

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Thank you, Kaye!

Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your thoughts and time with us.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - April 15, 2006 - Copyright

Author: BRUCE BRADLEY

2006-04-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

Author: Bruce Bradley

Author's website address: http://outskirtspress.com/thelastjaguar

Published books by the Author: "Hugh Glass" and "The Last Jaguar"

Books in Process: "Drelliks" (out in 2007) and "The Seeds Of Darkness" (out in 2008) Paranormal Thrillers--both being published by Zumaya Publishing

Welcome Bruce, I enjoyed your last book, The Last Jaguar.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
When I was nine years old. We were living in an unfinished house, thirty-five miles outside of Fairbanks, Alaska. We had no running water, no telephone and no TV reception. Often, the temperature would drop to -65 degrees and stay there for weeks at a stretch. Reading became my only escape and I decided that a writer I would become.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
The goal of actually finishing a book that I had begun writing. I had started writing several, but had never finished one. I was beginning to worry that I never would, which would have made quite a few decisions I'd made in my life a waste. I didn't expect it to be good enough to sell, and it didn't.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I was working swingshift at Inglenook Winery, which left my mornings free to write. I'd just get out of bed and sit down and write, longhand. As long as I managed an hour or two per day I was a happy guy.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
As a youth, Jack London, Earnest Hemingway, Bram Stoker, as an adult, the early works of Stephen King, Robert B. Parker and Louis L'Amour. I'd read perhaps two dozen Louis L'Amour novels, when I stumbled onto "Hondo". I couldn't believe the writing--pure art. I kept rereading passages from it, fascinated by the way he was able to put his words together. I was certain that it had to be his first book. As it turns out, I was right.

5. Why do you continue to write?
It's like a runner's high. Years ago, when I came to the realization that too much responsibility equaled too little writing, I gave up my position as winemaker. My friend, Bill Harrison (who became the model for Tom Allison in "The Last Jaguar") approached me. "You…don't want to be a winemaker?" he asked me, finding it hard to believe. This was my answer to him: "Bill, when I get to choose the vineyards, walk them and do the lab work, decide when to pick and when to press, what yeast to use--and make all the decisions until that wine goes into the bottle--I get a small, creative surge. It's like, 'yeah, I did that!' I get that same creative surge each morning that I sit down to write. There's no contest."

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
A small, creative surge…. Seriously, I'd like to think I did something positive with my life, that I set out to do something and accomplished it, even if it did take me forty years to do it. I'd also like to feel that I've given of value back to the world. I know how reading a good book makes me feel. If I can manage to give that feeling to others, then I think I've accomplished something good.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
That it's a lot more work than being an unpublished writer. I've learned the hard way that, if you don't promote your books, no one will. Only so many people get to be a Stephen King, and I doubt that even he gets to sit back and rest on his laurels.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Book signings, author readings, radio interviews--any way that I can. When "Hugh Glass" came out I did one book signing, which was overwhelmingly successful. After that I thought the book would take off on its own merit. After all, it received great reviews…I didn't realize that was just the starting point. You have to keep going out there until people get curious and start to buy…hopefully.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Don't give up. Write every day, and learn not to shun the limelight. Writing is an internal thing. Many writers, myself included, tend toward shyness. Get over it (that's what I tell myself). Writing is more competitive now than at any other time. Even worse, more and more now, the big bookstores are dictating who and what gets published. They want a "sure-thing" every time. Books by celebrities have become huge. Why? Because the bookstores know they'll sell. That's who we have to compete with these days. We all put out the best writing that we can produce. It's a shame, but that isn't enough anymore.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
No, I'll get off my soap box now. Thanks for letting me expound….

I agree about the 'celebrities', but I believe the popularity and recognition of POD published books will grow as the alternative to this problem. Thank you for your time, Bruce, and for your inspiration.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - April 4, 2006 - Copyright

Author: KEITH HUGHAN

2006-04-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Author: Keith Hughan

Author’s website address: www.ladcrooks.com

Published books by the Author: Straight from the Horse's Mouth

Books in Process: None at present

Welcome Keith,

Interview:

I must add, this was written on a Sunday morning after a night out. (Smiling away here!)

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in 2003. Ladbrokes, the bookmakers had contacted me.
They instructed me to write a book, showing how they disrupt people’s
lives, and how rules can be changed when it suits them.
How could I turn that down?

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

I wouldn’t say what, but who inspired! (Grinning) – Ladbrokes, and I thank them!

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

The outline of my book was buried in my head, start, middle and the end. I wish it was that easy! A list of events were put to paper first, I then put them in order to the dates they happened. Being that my book was nonfiction made it simpler. The hard part, well, was putting it all together so it flowed.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

I can’t really say that any author did. When friends started reading what I had already written, and while they were chuckling, I thought, carry on writing as myself, the common man with no experience in using the English literature, to its full capacity. I may have written a book, but does that mean I am an accomplished writer? Friends, spell checker and the dictionary were the tools I used.

5. Why do you continue to write?

I have not written since, time and energy is needed in order to write. I must say though, the temptation is there. I have been told by many that I should write another book, and in the same style. It seems my common way of writing with humor injected into the menu could be my forte.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

That’s easy to answer - £260,000 from Ladbrokes.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

Well I can tell you, fame and fortune does not come easy. Some fame to my name is rewarding, as for the fortune, I don’t think it will ever come, ha! The point in writing that book was to put a dent in Ladbrokes armour. Oh! I mustn’t forget the ladies seem to like it!

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

I got in touch with a local paper, and thankfully they ran a story. I also made up a website, this has definitely helped. The world is big and the www’s can reach anywhere! I also sent flyers all over the country to Ladbrokes shops, and still do. Spiteful, I know!

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

First of all, never give up. When you have the urge to write, then write. Never work on your book half heartedly, you will find yourself going over them chapters again and again.
Let as many people read it as you can before deciding to print it. Ask them for an honest opinion. Feedback is what I would call the most valuable tool to have!

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

I have to say here that the first edition of this book was printed at a cost to me. I had 500 printed and went from there. I didn’t even have an ISBN number. Bad move, because what was sold did not get registered, and we all like numbers when it comes to how many we have sold!

Thanks, Keith, for you time and good luck!

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - April 3, 2006 - Copyright

Author: FELIX PALMER

2006-04-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Author: Felix Palmer

Authors website address: www.authorsonline.co.uk

Published Books: Fish out of Water

Books in process: second novel almost finished, as yet without a title

Author's background: He has studied mathematics and natural sciences in England, received a BA in Literature and a MA in Philosophy in the United States. He is currently studying English Literature and Classics at the University of Berlin, Germany.

Welcome Felix,

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

This may sound silly, but I began to write in second grade. I had a good teacher, whom I looked up to and tried to please. She was a tall dark-haired young woman in her late twenties. I used to scribble what I imagined to be poetry, doing my best to make the couplets rhyme. She used to read and correct them, assuring me that she liked them, always telling me to write more. I believe that writing, besides being a spiritual endeavor, is also a mechanical act. So I can say that the mechanical part was there at the age of eight, only the spirit was absent. It was then that I first began to think about God. As an eight years old boy I could not reconcile the pain and suffering with the idea of a benign, omniscient and omnipotent God. I seriously began to think about God at the age of eight, keeping my thoughts to myself, while going through the mechanics of writing instinctively.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

I have been writing fragments and throwing them away since my late teens. Then something happened to me when I was a sophomore at college. Ever since that event I have been writing regularly in my journals. The earliest record goes back to 1979. The idea of the first novel came to me while walking with a friend of mine who is a struggling writer. It was a fine afternoon in a small university town in southern Germany. We had gone for a walk through the woods and had stopped to have a beer. I suddenly uttered a thought loud enough so that he could hear it. "Why don't you start your first novel by writing this sentence down?" he asked me. I am not a real writer. I cannot get beyond fragments," I said. "You are a writer. You are just too lazy. You prefer to dream about writing, because it is so much easier to dream than working hard. Writing is hard work. But you shall start and finish your first novel some day."

That is how it started. I felt I was getting older. It was time to take something seriously.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

I followed my friend's advice and wrote the first sentence, just the way I had uttered it that fine summer afternoon in Germany. Originally I wanted to write a short novel, about hundred pages, a happy story full of delightful scenes and dialogues. But soon I experienced my first block. It really was a challenge. I have not known a single writer capable of writing about pure happiness, except Plato. In order to overcome my block I started to leaf through my journals, looking for a way out. Re-reading my journals really helped, but I had to change my plans. It was as if a demon had taken full possession of me, asserting himself; another voice began to dictate, making me write.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

My teachers are the Russian and Spanish giants. I believe that the novel as a literary genre reached its apex in the nineteenth century. Among the Victorians George Gissing is the greatest, in my opinion. Thomas Hardy has a sense for the tragic, but his plots are often incredible. I believe that Kafka is a must for all aspiring writers, because he has reached the very limits of literature. It is good, even necessary, for an aspiring writer to read the giants and despair. My first and foremost teacher was John Gardner, who died in a motorcycle accident in 1982.

5. Why do you continue to write?

Writing is an escape for me. I am a religious person without a religion, an atheist who seeks God but cannot believe in Him. Writing, I believe, is a religious ritual, an attempt to reach God, but the experiment is destined to fail. That is why every writer strives to publish eventually, although he/she may postpone the exposition indefinitely. If not the Deity, then at least the public, the invisible reader out there and in the future.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

This is a difficult question for me to answer. I do not write for publication because of vanity. I can only say that I hope to reach out to the future personified as the unknown reader.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

A very difficult one! It is a vicious circle; most large publishing houses will not even look at your manuscript if it is not submitted by an agent, and again, most agents won't even bother to look at your manuscript if you are not an established writer. Like every other profession, there are good, well educated and competent editors and agents, but the number of predators and literary parasites are far greater. My impression is that most editors and agents are like conventional politicians, assuming that the public is stupid, interested only in superficial trash in large quantity. Thus they actually contribute to the demise of literature.

8. How do you promote your books?

I read the reviews displayed in Amazon websites, look for reviewers' comments on books similar to mine, read their background information, and then write them an email inviting them to have a look at my work. Most responses are friendly and encouraging. I do not let the occasional negative reply, or even the rare insult, discourage me.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

Do not be discouraged! Do not take yourself and your work too seriously!

Thank you, Felix, for your time and sharing some of your thoughts with us.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - April 3, 2006 - Copyright

Author: DR. MICHAEL SHOCKET

2006-04-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

Author: Dr. Michael Shocket

Author’s website address: Michael.Shocket@btopenworld.com

Published books by the Author: Complete French Course, published by Cambridge University press; Reflections - a book of poetry published in Israel by Eked; Know Me Tomorrow, published by United Press; The Binding of Isaac, published by Authors Online.

Books in Process: Knock Knock Who's There?

Welcome Dr. Shocket,

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
At the age of twelve, following a strong urge to express my feelings--at the time privately.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
-Text books - sheer poverty!
-Poetry - a need to explore and express my deepest feelings.
-Know me Tomorrow - as a form of therapy while housebound and caring for my invalid wife, and a tribute to my love for her.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
It was a secret refuge from a difficult and abusive childhood in a poverty stricken environment, attending a dreadful school that was no more than a slum, placing myself in an imaginary and idealized situation. Ashamed of what I actually was, I wrote about how I'd like to be, creating an alter ego - a character modeled on the heroes of the books I was virtually devouring at the time. The public library was my refuge- an escape from reality. At school I was a poor performer in arithmetic - brilliant only at English - actually winning a national essay writing competition.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
A wide range of reading, drama - especially English, French and German poetic, poetic drama, musical poetry - particularly the Romantics and philosophy.

5. Why do you continue to write?
After four years of widowhood I still grieve - as much as ever over the loss of my wife. I don't know if it's excessively melodramatic to say that - for me - writing is an alternative to suicide. It is certainly an escape from depression and extreme inertia. I don't write in pursuit of fame or fortune. At the advanced age of eighty-one that would be absurd!

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
Self satisffaction.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
So far disappointment, due entirely to the answer to the next question.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
I don't think I'm a good author - but I know I'm a dreadful salesman.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Try not to be put off by the amazing indifference of publishers and agents.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
I am disappointed that - apart from my text books, which did make a lot of money - I have so far reached so few readers, but on the other hand, I find comfort in the fact those few have been lavish in their praise.

Thank you Dr. Shocket for your time and sharing some of your life with us.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - April 2, 2006 - Copyright

Author: ALAN NEALE

2006-04-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Author: ALAN NEALE

Published books by the Author: Bricks & Torture

Publisher's website: www.authorsonline.co.uk

Books in Process: None at the moment.

Welcome, Alan.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
According to my mother, probably at about 7 or 8 years old – and I suspect got rather more critical acclaim at the time!

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
A curious blend of frustration, a sense of unfulfilled potential – and a 24 carat opportunity with the house renovation.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
Planning would suggest some grand strategy, which never happened, but having failed in the past to get various parties interested in my writing, I had decided that this time I would, and more particularly, could, do it. The discipline of a diary-based project was what was needed to kick start it, and keep it on course – quite a cathartic experience as it happened!

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
I don’t, or very rarely, read fiction. I much prefer autobiographies, travel writing or documentary type books. I will read mostly Bill Bryson and Clive James but also enjoy P J O’Rourke and Tony Hawks.

5. Why do you continue to write? At the moment, I don’t!

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I am afraid it's rather selfish – it gives me a sense of satisfaction and achievement. There ain't too much in this world that I am good at, and while it would seem that not too many agree, I think my writing is at least passable! If others get some joy from it, then great!

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Not good (see the article below that I wrote for the Authors OnLine Website)

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
‘Publicity’ – I like the definition from my Collins Pocket Dictionary – ‘process or information used to arouse public attention’ – the thought of trying to arouse the public is both faintly seedy and laughably unlikely. However, it catches the nub of the matter – attracting attention.
If you are like me (and you have my sympathy if you are), the only way to promote your book and reap some reward and return from its publication, is to be a one man/woman/person publicity machine. But if you are like me, you won’t have a clue. Actually, that’s not true, and as so ably put in the guidance provided elsewhere on this website, you will have given at least a little thought to who might possibly be interested in your scribblings that have now been miraculously turned into a crisp, shiny new book. Having said all of this, just as my own book (‘Bricks & Torture’, bargain at £10.99, stonking read, available in all good bookshops and AuthorsOnline) struggles to be classified, there may not be an obvious market, in which case the old adage of all publicity being good publicity comes to the fore – in other words, anything, anyone, anyhow, anytime, anyplace, anywhere (just don’t start singing the old Martini jingle – it wont help!).

First off – you have to do something. Sitting waiting for telepathic signals to wend through the ether and miraculously plant themselves into peoples brains, such that they uncontrollably log on to Authorsonline or Amazon, or burst into the nearest bookshop demanding to purchase 20 copies, is about as likely as George Bush joining Greenpeace. People will only know if you tell them – so, go tell them! Friends, family, work colleagues, distant relatives, strange acquaintances, postmen, dustmen, journalists, producers, editors, politicians, MP’s, Prime Minister, God, Bernie Ecclestone (oops, sorry, duplication there). And how do you tell them? By every means possible, but beware, this is not for shrinking violets (or timid theresas, wimpy wills, nervous nancys – you get my drift).

The phone can be a wonderfully investigative tool, but be prepared to be passed around more people than a ball amongst the England Rugby backs (on a good day). Phone your local television stations, radio stations, newspapers, freesheets, village journals, - in fact any form of media possible. Still further, get out there and knock on some doors, or rather talk charmingly but persuasively (in person) to local bookshop owners and managers, you will be surprised at the positive response you get, but do get your script and approach right beforehand. Entering with a menacing wide-eyed look and blurting excitedly about how they must stock your book, and if they don’t the curse of a thousand Prescotts will be put upon them, will probably prompt a push of the panic button and a banning order. My tack? First, ask if the manager is available, and make sure you do this on a weekday – you don’t want the shelf filler who may lack the intellect necessary to make sound judgements, and if you go on a Saturday, chances are all the staff will be of this persuasion. Next, ask if they sell local books (I admit, this is a little cunning, as they may well think you want to buy rather than sell). Almost certainly, the answer will be yes, at which point, you produce your deviously hidden copy of your book and suggest (firmly, but politely) that they may want to stock it. This has worked in all cases, including, to my surprise, two sizeable branches of Ottakars.

Okay, so this gets you some sales to the bookshops, but how will people know that they are available to purchase? You have to spread the word through the media, and in these cases persistence pays. There is a fine line between being an amiable pest and being a real pain, but do not be put off by apparent barriers, real or imaginary. I have found that a combination of e-mails and phone calls can be quite productive, but be careful of the tack that you take. Local papers should be more than willing to feature your book and your story, but you are likely to have to hound them a little as well as being imaginative with the copy that you give them to attract attention –‘I have published a book, please feature it’, probably will not get them reaching for the phone frantically to bag the main story ahead of their bitter local rivals.
Radio on the other hand has been a reasonably rich, and varied, vein, but in doing so I have had to develop the perseverance and tenacity only generally associated with canines and skeletal parts. Find out who is the most likely lucky recipient of your persistence (a phone call or 10 should do it), and then don’t let go. Granted, you will have to modify your behaviour to make sure you are not classified as a deranged stalker, but you do need to hang in there. Through a variety of the above, I have managed to get myself interviewed (live) on two BBC local stations and one local commercial station, together with a taped phone interview on another (bizarre experience, not unlike talking to yourself with someone else in the room – not that I have ever done that of course). The strange thing was the quality of milieu as between at least part of the dear old Beeb and the commercial station. One was in a dog-eared architecturally challenged building in a rather grimy home counties town, while the other was in a bright and breezy converted milking parlour on a country estate. Still further while bright and breezy gave me a decent cup of coffee in a clean mug, for the alternative, I sipped a weak tea in a chipped mug that looked as if it might have been last cleaned in the time of William the Conqueror. I’m sorry, but Luton has a lot to answer for!

But this is to be ungracious, as the presenters (sorry, they cannot be classified as DJ’s, particularly as one station had not one single D to J) all took the time and trouble to consider my plea, and showed sufficient (and genuine) interest in myself and the book that they very kindly invited me on to tell their assembled audiences all about me and my literary meanderings. For this, I am eternally grateful, for, if nothing else, in the space of just over two weeks I had not only Andy Warhols promised 15 minutes of fame, but second, third and fourth helpings of the stuff. And without exception, they showed consideration and apparent curiosity which restored my faith in mans ability to be human and for once, unobsessed with the growing cult of celebrities. Unfortunately, I am not sure that my performance lived up their expectation, as it is one thing to be entertaining by the written word, but quite another to do so verbally when you are so nervous that you can hear the quiver in your own voice. Still, I achieved what I set out to do, even if I may not have done as well as I would have wanted, and I can tick the box of life experiences that has seen me interviewed live in a proper radio studio. God Bless them, indeed so much so that I will name them – John Pilgrim at BBC Three Counties (laid-back, affable, been there, seen it, done it and on at least his fourth T-Shirt to prove it), Mims Lovelock at Hertbeat FM (sparkling, intelligent, welcoming and plugged the book like she was on commission) and Steve Scruton at BBC Essex (engaging, encouraging and so helpful he probably deserved a big hug – don’t worry, I didnt)

There is of course one other mass medium which is increasingly inescapable, the all seeing eye of television. Interestingly, those in radio have a rather jaundiced view of TV, believing it is fundamentally tainted by its fixation with image and style, and that radio is the purer means of providing information. To be honest, they may be right, but I am unashamedly after publicity, and if any television station or programme wants to publicise and promote my efforts, at this almost amoeba state of my literary career, I would be happy to take anything that’s offered – 30 seconds on a local, local, spot on the mid-morning weekday news slot when the only viewers will be residents of nursing homes, geriatric dogs and those with an unhealthy fascination with third rate makeover programmes, will be just fine by me. However, thus far I have failed, but have had the pleasure of dealing with a peculiar breed who seem to sit on what the television stations call their ‘Newsdesk’. They are disarmingly cheerful, charming and genial, and suck you into believing that they are genuinely enthused by your story, which has the effect of taking all the sting out of your planned firm but polite approach, and most worryingly convinces you that, like that very attractive leggy blonde that you vainly chatted-up at someones 18th birthday party more years ago than you care to remember, they will ring you – honest! Needless to say, the phone doesn’t ring, and you feel slightly foolish and guilty when you ring them back. Trouble is that in this case, you simply go through the same cycle again. At this precise moment in time. I haven’t given up, but neither have I got a slap around the face yet, either actually, or metaphorically.

Finally, be prepared to think laterally about how you can spread the word. For me, this has included running ads in some very local journals (dirt cheap), putting up posters on notice boards wherever you can find room, pressing your work colleagues to buy copies of the book (but stop short of threatening violence), handing out publicity leaflets, stuffing them under car windscreen wipers in car parks, having a stall at a local village fair (rubbing shoulders with the WI and the best Jam in Hertfordshire, but commercially the least productive), e-mailing the editorial sections of some of the large newspapers in the US (astoundingly, I have sold quite a few copies in The States, but whether one of them is to Steven Speilberg I am still waiting to find out), and even printing T-shirts bearing the front cover (even I was surprised at the number of quizzical looks I got).

Remember, people can only say ‘no’ (or occasionally ‘NO!), so be brave, be bold, be imaginative, because its more than likely that these are the traits that got you determined to write and publish in the first place.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
See above!

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to read my book, provide feedback, and open a forum of this nature – there are still some things in the world that give me hope!

Thank you, Alan, for taking the time, and as promotion is the primary obstacle for POD authors, a special thanks for sharing your article.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - April 1, 2006 - Copyright

Author: J. PETER YAKEL

2006-03-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

Author: J. Peter Yakel

Author’s website address: www.lulu.com/yakel

Published books by the Author: The Legend of Juggin Joe; The Autograph Memories of Mary Yakel; The Jackel, Jeckel, Jaeckel, Iekel, Yakel Family History Book

Books in Process: An unnamed sequel to The Legend of Juggin Joe in the works

Author Background: J. Peter Yakel is a freelance writer and author of three books. His articles have appeared in publications such as OGS Genealogy News, Communications Technology, The Pipeline, and Army Reserve Magazine, and have been highlighted on numerous Internet websites. The retired Army Chief Warrant Officer is a former instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is a member of the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) and the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE).

Welcome, Joe, and thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

Well, Kaye, first let me say thank you for inviting me for this interview. It’s always a pleasure to share some thoughts about writing and literature.

I've been writing, off and on, for most of my life, though I didn't actually publish anything until about 1997. My first "book", so to speak, was written and illustrated when I was about seven years old. At the time, dinosaurs were my favorite subject, and I dreamed about someday becoming a paleontologist or an archaeologist. So, I decided to write a dinosaur book, with my own illustrations, which was great, because I loved to draw too. I didn't publish that little gem, but thanks to my mom, I still have the original at home. Now that publish-on-demand (POD) technology is available, who knows? Maybe I’ll bring back my debut effort, and publish it as a children’s book.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

The inspiration for writing my first genealogy book was due to a fascination with history. My family roots are in Germany, and we still have relatives in the old country. Some years back, we received a package in the mail from a cousin, which contained a handwritten history of my maternal grandmother's family. The whole booklet was written in German, but the amazing thing was that it contained copies of birth records dating to the 1700's. Up until then, I hadn't given much thought to my lineage. But, after looking through that booklet, I was blown away, reading the names of ancestors who lived hundreds of years ago, and contributed to the person I am today. After seeing all of that, I was hooked on tracing my roots, and documenting my research. The two genealogy books are the fruit of that effort.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

Well, after years of researching and collecting data, (which included transcribing and translating both German and Latin text) I had all of this stuff in hard copy, as well as electronic files in several different programs. I decided that it was time to arrange all of it into a logical manner – a timeline of events and individuals. The book writing process began…

My approach to writing is mostly intuitive. In other words, I've developed my own way of doing things to take an idea and put it into print. While I've looked at other books to get some general bearing on layout and format, essentially I don't try to work within the confines of any rigid writing rules. I pretty much do as I please, and if I'm happy with the result, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. I have relied on a sound background in education (English Composition was always a favorite class) and my experience in professional writing as the basis for my book efforts, having written plenty of reports and plans for the military over the years, and having published an assortment of articles on genealogy, military history and leadership.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

I don't know that I can point to any one individual as being an influence on how I write. In general, I like science fiction, and I’m a big fan of military history writing. For example, I just recently finished, 1776, by David McCullough…great book, and exceptionally well written. He's got a fine writing style, but it's his. I don't consciously try to follow anyone's example. I tend to write about what I like, and things that make me laugh.

5. Why do you continue to write?

Well, I enjoy writing so much, there's no reason why I’d want to stop. I have a lot of fun with the things I work on, especially the Juggin Joe humor. Rarely do I think of writing as a chore – maybe there's a little bit of an idea block now and then, and sometimes that's a challenge – but I find writing is enjoyable. When I’m "in the zone" on a subject, I feel really driven to keep working it, to develop the piece to its full potential…sometimes there's just not enough time in a day to do it all.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

That depends on the material. With something like the fiction of Juggin Joe, I’m looking to make people laugh and give them a humorous distraction from the stress of everyday life. If they take more away from the book than just a smile, that's an added bonus. That's what I think is one of the great things about Juggin Joe – the story can be as important or meaningless as it needs to be, depending on the person who is reading it. With my genealogy books, or articles on leadership and military subject matter, my focus is mainly on education and information. The fiction writing is more geared toward entertainment, while the factual writing is more reflective. Still, I think both can be equally thought provoking.

When I started writing, The Legend of Juggin Joe, I believed that I would be breaking new literary ground in contemporary fiction. I'm not saying that to boast, but I knew that I was creating something completely unique and atypical, as far as mainstream writing was concerned. I just haven't seen, nor am I aware of, any book written like it. For those who are new to the tale, I’d like to share the "hook" of Juggin Joe: the entire dialogue - and I'm talking cover-to-cover - is written in a mountain-type dialect that I call "country-speak". I think this writing approach is unconventionally fresh, and the story has the ability to let readers experience a wide range of feelings as it unfolds. As you turn the pages, you'll feel joy, sadness, amazement, shock, anger, bewilderment – you name it – the story is a roller-coaster ride of emotions. That's what I aimed for in this particular book, so I'm hoping that others see Juggin Joe as something completely novel and interesting.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

Hmmm. That's a pretty open-ended question. I'd say, in general, my experiences have been very good. I've met plenty of interesting people along the way. Writing is a continuous learning process, so for me, it's continually evolving. There's a certain excitement when people read your articles or books, and offer thoughtful, constructive comments. Most of the time, it’s very satisfying and personally rewarding. Reviews are quite interesting, because they can run the gamut, from incredible to horrible. For example, my writing style has been referred to in the same vein as Mark Twain; the love story in Juggin Joe has been called something of a modern day Romeo & Juliet; Joe's persona has been equated to that of Forest Gump; and I’ve been told by many that the book would be fantastic as a movie…that's pretty heady stuff, and great to hear…and then, you might read that someone thinks the book is no good. So, part of my experience has also been to recognize that if you’re going to publish, you need to develop a thick skin if you don't have one already.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

As you can imagine, for self-published authors, promoting your writing is a big challenge. Obviously, there is no traditional publishing house backing you, and working to get your writing out to the public. And, because there are literally tens of thousands of books being published each year, it’s that much more difficult to be heard above the rest. That’s the hard part.

But, where there’s a will, there’s a way. For me, it's cyberspace. The Internet is one of the greatest technology advances of the 20th century, and it works wonders getting writers out to the world. Take this interview with you, for example. Thanks to the web, this conversation is available to potentially millions of readers, and some of them may be interested enough in what I have to say, that they'll give my books a chance. So, while I lack a traditional publisher, I’m keying off of this new cyber tool to fuel my literary aspirations. That's awesome!

Aside from the book listings and chapter previews on my Lulu Storefront, at www.lulu.com/yakel, I'm on Amazon.com. I’m also trying, for the first time, a small book cover advertisement on www.myshelf.com, which will be listed in April. In addition, I've found that other Internet sources, like Froogle, and a variety of free or low-cost press release and article websites, like EzineArticles and PRWeb, also help to circulate interest in my writing. I also post book flyers in coffee shops, and other public gathering places, to promote the local flavor of my writing, and I’m in a handful of brick-and-mortar book stores around Capitaland, NY. Of course, book reviews and author interviews like this one help to build interest as well. Truth be told, promotion is a constant struggle – it’s not my favorite thing – but it comes with the territory of being a "one-man show"…not that I wouldn’t entertain the notion of distributing Juggin Joe with a traditional publishing house, or consider a movie deal or some other media outlet for the book, but for now, I’m doing things this way, because it’s the road I’ve chosen to take with my writing pursuits.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

Find your own niche or specialty, and write about the things that excite you; the things that you find personally satisfying; the things that you have some expertise in. Look for ways to express yourself in your own way – sure, there are writing rules and etiquette, but Juggin Joe is my proof-positive that the rules can be bent…Sweet Jesus an' Cornbread! Why not bend the dadblame rules tah yer own satisfaction? Dare tah be diff'rent! I've said muh piece, an' ther jes' ain't no more tah say on it!

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

Sure. I'd like to encourage people to support their local authors, by visiting their libraries, independent book stores, and the larger chain stores. Take a look at the local author section. Chances are, there's a variety of reading selections in almost every genre. Don't see a local author's book on the shelf? Tell the proprietor to stock it! Give your homegrown writers an opportunity to satisfy the reader in you. For about the same cost as a movie ticket, you can probably pick up a great read written by someone in your own community, and you might even grab an autographed copy to boot!

Thanks again Kaye. It was great talking with you.

Author: SHARON TROTTER

2006-03-28T14:24:00.000-08:00

Author: Sharon Trotter
Author’s website address: www.tipslimited.com
Published books by the Author: Breastfeeding: the essential guide
Books in Process: Baby skincare

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing my book in 2002 whilst still breastfeeding my youngest child (he was 2 yrs old at the time). However what I did not realise is that I have been writing all my life. My Xmas letters are famous and I have always loved keeping in touch with friends and family by letter so I suppose the natural progression was to write for a living. My other passion is baby skincare and I have been writing about this subject since 1996. This work has since been submitted to professional journals and to date I have had 9 articles (on midwifery related subjects) published in professional journals.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

I was always bemoaning the fact that there was nothing available on breastfeeding that told it like it was, so I decided to write it myself! As a midwife of 20 years and a breastfeeding mother with 7 years personal experience I felt I was well qualified to pass on tips to new mothers and also to professionals who wanted to help breastfeeding parents.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

Having been to Women-into-Business workshops for a couple of years I could see what NOT to do when starting up your own company. So when the draft copy of my book was getting continual rejections from publishers and literary agents, I decided to go it alone. If I could not prove my passion for the subject of breastfeeding and my absolute belief in my book, who else would? I attracted advertisers from hand-picked companies associated with breastfeeding and baby skincare and raised enough money to finance half the printing costs of my first edition. This was unorthodox but it worked well for me and allowed me to finally see my book in print. I then had to get my book onto the book giant’s website Amazon.co.uk in order to get the word to spread. I sent review copies to midwives, media personalities, Doctors, lactation consultants and breastfeeding associations until I drummed up enough interest for sales to climb. Within a few weeks of publication my book had entered the top 10 breastfeeding books on the UK Amazon site, from a total of 434 other titles, where it has remained ever since! In order to introduce it to the American market I had to open an American bank account (not an easy process!) and find a distributor in the States to organise my Amazon.com orders. I now hope that this new market will embrace the simplicity of my book and that news will spread of my contribution to breastfeeding support for parents and professionals.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

A desire to help parents in the vital early days of breastfeeding which I know are the most pivotal times in the struggle for success.

5. Why do you continue to write?

Having got the bug, I continue to write papers for professional journals! I also plan to write a new book on baby skincare.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

I aim to produce evidence-based information about breastfeeding, baby skincare and other midwifery related subjects. I hope that this will make a difference to how parents approach parenthood and professionals educate the people in their care.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

Mostly positive but quite a rollercoaster ride at times! The malicious reviews (2 on Amazon.co.uk) have been extremely upsetting. If these individuals knew how much work, pain, effort and energy went into getting a book self-published they would never have made such hurtful comments.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

Via Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, local book shops, my websites, business trade fairs, midwifery conferences, Baby Shows and primarily word-of-mouth.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

Never loose site of your original goal and never give up! It may not work out how you planned but at least you can say you have no regrets.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

Surround yourself with positive people!

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 28, 2006 - Copyright

Author: MICHAEL IRVIN BOSLEY

2006-03-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

Author: Michael Irvin Bosley
Author’s website address: http://www.outskirtspress.com
Published books by the Author: Trans-Light-Element ‘The Open Door’
Books in Process: Trans-Light-Element ‘The Finnish Connection’

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I actually began writing in my personal journal as a youth. During my Junior and Senior year of High School, I was part of a group of students who formed a ‘corporation’ that sold subscriptions to an authorized independent school newspaper. I wrote one of the articles in that paper. It was a project in one of our classes. Class members each invested a dollar in the newspaper and received token certificates of stock. When the project was over, we dissolved the ‘corporation’. We stockholders not only got our investment back, but earned an extra dollar from profits derived from subscription sales. I also entered an Inter-Scholastic League Essay Writing competition in which I was encouraged to continue writing. During these and subsequent writing exercises, I discovered an inner voice that found expression on the written page. Once so expressed, the voice could never be silenced – even if it were ignored, the statements would remain for anyone who cared to read them.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

The fundamental inspiration for Trans-Light-Element arose in part from a personal conviction that major discoveries and great achievements usually resulted from the every-day labors of ordinary people. The world’s first reliable time piece was designed over the span of 4 decades by an obscure Englishman named John Harrison who taught himself how to build clocks while working quietly in his own humble little workshop. Orville and Wilber Wright built their own wind-tunnel in their bicycle shop where they plotted the world’s first true lift tables they used to design the wings of the world’s first aircraft. I can point to invention after invention in American history, each the result of ordinary people asking extraordinary questions; people who looked beyond the current resources and common understanding of their day to come to a new realization of the greater truth. While Trans-Light-Element is, at first glance, just a fantasy science fiction entertainment story; at heart, it is an expression of the power of all free persons to explore the universe from their own backyards, using what tools they can either acquire or manufacture using personal skills and resources. Trans-Light-Element is the spirit of free people everywhere to discover for themselves answers to life’s greatest questions.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

While Trans-Light-Element ‘The Open Door’ is my first published book; I have to confess it is not my first attempt at writing or story telling. My approach to this work was developed over years of studying the art of writing – in particular, the manner in which words are employed in the English language to convey information and project mental images – images that remain crystal clear. In other words, any writer will probably agree that first the voice inside expresses the feeling of what one wishes to convey – then the mind reviews and revises, sometimes eliminating what tends to distract and confuse. The important thing to me is how does the prose sound and feel to both the audible and the mental ear? Does the conversation support the action? Do the characters act as they would in real life? Does the combined information flow help the reader feel as if he is present, almost a participant?

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

Every writer I have ever studied has left his or her mark upon my style; but, practice – repetition, and the desire to craft statements in natural settings – while employing the vocabulary of the topic in question – and, sometimes, just the desire to keep it simple and moving have left their hallmark upon the chambers of my inner voice. Do I always succeed? Of course not; but I must say the quest is the biggest influence upon my writing.

5. Why do you continue to write?

Once one begins a journey, there are two choices; turn back and forget it, or press forward until the journey is done. Writing, like life, is a journey that is never done until we, like Job, die, "being old and full of days." Job 42:17

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

If I am given the time and opportunity to finish the Trans-Light-Element project – I would hope it would become as popular among young readers as previous successful mystery adventure series in times past; entertaining, enlightening and instructive – and foremost, an example of the happy fruits of goodness. Also, every good story deserves the perfect ending.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

I have enjoyed the honest praise from those closest to me – whom I trust to be my most valuable critics, because they know me… and have nothing to gain one way or the other from sharing their personal impressions about my work. Knowing something I created has been recorded in the Library of Congress is another point of personal satisfaction. I suppose, if the world should sit up and take notice of this one little book cast upon the sea of thousands of new creations in our modern age of computer internet assisted publishing; I might relish the value of keeping the better part of my personal anonymity. Fame is not a great thing. However; to be recognized and respected among one’s peers is one of the grand rewards of any professional endeavor.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

I am still developing a comprehensive marketing strategy. It has always been my hope that word of mouth, reader to reader would be the greatest promotion. I plan to engage the services of professionals, at length, to assist the general interested public become aware of Trans-Light-Element.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

Listen to your inner voice, seek to always understand the truth, write only that which will uplift a neighbor – and never assume the book of knowledge is closed.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

Thank you for listening.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 26, 2006 - Copyright

Author: J. D. GUINNESS

2006-03-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

Author: J. D. Guinness

Author’s website address: http://outskirtspress.com/thefamousfakes

Published books by the Author: The Famous Fakes

Books in Process: Long Story Shorts, a spoof collection of celebrity diaries, and Just Add Walter, a comic novel about an awkward Canadian family relocating to Hawaii.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing, not fiction, but plays, in 1984; mainly so I could give myself work as an actor! Some of the titles produced were Pun: A Play On Words, 100 Celebrities in 45 Minutes, I Gotta Be Them, and The Divisible Man. For the most part, I tended to write comedy-variety shows made up of jokes, sketches, character impersonations, songs... All the things I love to do. I was also in a couple of tribute shows, Another Fine Mess (Laurel and Hardy) and My Charlie Chaplin.

I toured with these across Canada and into the States, and did other, “straight” acting in stage plays, radio, TV, and film productions as well. In fact, I met my wife K.O. in a play. She was a Mae West impersonator and even worked as Kirstie Alley’s photo double, among many other roles.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

When K.O. and I got married (at the stroke of midnight on the Millennium; January 1st, 2000) I felt relieved that a certain desperate, yearning part of my life was now over forever, and so I wanted to commemorate the happy change somehow.

I remember thinking (as I stood on our honeymoon hotel room balcony, or lanai, as they say in Hawaii – I know, sweet!) about how much the behind-the-scenes aspects of being a character impersonator always amused me. Especially when we would curse unappreciative audiences under our breath!

Originally The Famous Fakes was going to be a play (with a different title, Porcupines in a Plastic Bag. Ugh!!). A friend claimed that it wasn’t really an original idea, because I’d lived it. I claimed it was an original idea for that exact same reason. There isn’t another story out there exactly like the Famous Fakes; someone has to tell it! And who could tell my story better than me? I think I was right.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

At first, narrative flow was a problem because I felt the story needed to be told in flashbacks, which in the theatre always looks clunky and can be difficult to follow. I’m pretty sure it was K.O. who said, “Make it a novel, and make it hot.”

Once I changed formats, I was amazed at how easily the story flowed. I knew how it would end; it was just a matter of breaking it down into an escalating series of funny vignettes. The key here was the freedom you have in fiction: anything is possible! The whole process got me tremendously excited. I wrote for about two or three hours a night, Monday to Thursday, and I finished the first draft in about six months. It was a joy, the entire time.

Trouble was, I just couldn’t leave it alone! I adapted it from a novella to a screenplay, and then, using the material that emerged during the movie version, I adapted it yet again to the full-length novel you see now. All of which took me about five years, which I didn’t actually mind, as I think it just got better from all the care I’d lavished on the story and the characters! (Thinking things like, “What’s the Jodie character been doing all this time?” or “Why don’t I put Caitlin in this sequence?”) I was clearly learning How to Write a Novel as I went along. Moreover, I was having fun!

I’m proud of how it flows – I think it has a tremendous amount of action and incident, and yet it moves.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

I’ve had literally dozens of influences, but I think, if pressed, I could boil it down to the five following men. They are different kinds of writers, that’s for sure, but for me they share a commitment to passion in their work, and that's what it’s all about for me.

Charlie Chaplin. I love his attention to things. He is meticulous. And of course his mimicry is just wonderful; it comes not from malice but a genuine interest in people. I can mimic just about everyone I meet, too, and I find that, not only does this entertain my family, but it’s a great way to relax, and just cope in general.

Ian Fleming’s James Bond books. Again, it’s the fascination for details (textures, smells, etc.) that’s so impressive, in addition to the often superb cliffhanging-storytelling.

Russ Meyer. He’s got a thing for women. Dynamic women with big bosoms, and desperate men with square jaws. Meyer’s crazy films are sheer entertainment for me, exactly my type of humor. He was a major influence on Famous Fakes, specifically.

Ronnie Barker. Half of England’s Two Ronnies comedy team, the big guy with the white hair and glasses (“It’s goodnight from me.” “And it’s goodnight from him.”). Barker was probably the best TV actor and writer ever. Again, with him it’s the superb mimicry, and, especially, the joke construction. I just love his stuff. Sometimes his “saucier” material comes across as a “more literate” Russ Meyer!

George Harrison. To me he was the anchor in the Beatles, a guy who put all his heart and soul in the Now. It seemed of top-most importance to him to express direct, but dignified, love and sincerity to just about everyone he met. It seems, like all the others here, the Writing and the Person were one and the same.

Taken together, these men represent, to me, mind, guts, groin, funny bone, and heart: everything I aspire to as a writer, and, by the way, as a man.

5. Why do you continue to write?

I continue to write for the sheer enjoyment of it. To me it’s easy and a pleasure. I never get writer’s block; I just do it, and then go back and fix whatever I don’t like. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t “creating” something, whether it was a comic book, play, or now a novel. I love the work of doing it, not just the romantic, author-y posing aspect of it. I like getting my hands dirty! I mostly work in more collaborative media such as film, radio, and TV, and so books are relatively peaceful, like a solitary holiday, almost!

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

I would like to continue to entertain people with different kinds of projects, although my specialty appears to be humor.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

I’m assuming you mean how is the book doing? Well, it took a long time for the book to catch on, but I expected that because I’m new.

I used to worry that people may have been put off by the explicit sex, but I’d always think, “Damn it, it’s a satire, after all. I’m going to write whatever I please. In the end, I am always careful and I trust my own judgment. And anyway, joke ‘em if they can’t take a f***!”

As it turned out, Outskirts Press was the ideal place for me because it meant guaranteed publishing and creative control. To me, that happens to be every bit as good as money!

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

I promote my book through word-of-mouth and by publishing articles about it via the “List mania” and “So you’d like to…” guides on Amazon.com. By linking my book with various similarly-themed, best-selling books, magazines, and DVDs, I’m getting noticed (And yes, I really am getting noticed. I recommend it. Also, it keeps your writing muscles in shape, which is always a good thing).

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

I would advise other writers to do it only if you truly love it, and then never give up.

On a broader note, may I just say optimism is literally good for your health? I am seriously an optimist, I have no patience for people who seem to go through life with a sneer on their face and the refrain, “Life’s a bitch and then you die.” What a bunch of faux-cool crap.

OK, sure, life can be a mess, but these people confuse hip pessimism with intelligence, when in fact I think it’s much smarter, and a better use of your time, to feel good about yourself, first, because then you can make other people feel good. Better than enumerating all the things that are wrong!

This doesn’t mean walking around grinning like an idiot all day. This means paying attention when people talk and trying to help. I think we’re all here, really, to improve the lot of others. What else could it be?

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

I am very appreciative of the warm support I have had, not just from my family and Outskirts Press but now Kaye Trout and the Midwest Book Review, too! I think it’s wonderful that there’s a serious network out there for POD books. If independent filmmakers can be considered cool, why can’t we?

(On a different note: one of the glamour models alluded to in my book, Vikki La Motta, died the year it was published. I don’t think Ms. La Motta ever saw the tribute, but I like to think she’s reading The Famous Fakes in heaven. Now there’s a thought. A thought and perhaps a book…?)

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 22, 2006 - Copyright

Author: KEN BOIRE

2006-03-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

Author: Ken Boire

Author’s website address: Outskirtspress.com/inheritthetide

Published books by the Author: Inherit the Tide

Books in Process: In The Company of Fishers

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
As with most writers, it has been a life-long desire but most of us will always need a day job. I like writing for the joy of creating scenes, actions, and emotions in somebody’s mind using only the written word. A great deal of the fun comes from creating characters.

For many years I made a very good living writing research reports for niche customers. I loved the work but each time I put pen to paper I felt manacled by the binding rules of engineering, public policy, political correctness and the required institutional point of view. I vowed someday to write free of the clamps on my creativity. I knew I could do it. I needed to put my pent up stories on paper. Ten years ago I freed myself of career ties and went into business as a consultant. The freedom allowed me to partition my workdays, effectively freeing the huge amount of time necessary to start Inherit The Tide.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
During the years when I worked in a large engineering outfit there was a group of people who enjoyed racial jokes and slurs. Official policy was that such things were not allowed but none of the managers and executives objected. Uncomfortable with what was going on, I voiced my lack of support for use of some of the demeaning terms. I soon found myself on the outside of the clique.

I knew my 20th century experience must have been nothing compared to the bile faced by Native Americans on the frontier. I felt a tinge of sensitivity to their plight. Certainly the tests faced by the Native American women who married white men and tried to adapt to a white society must have been monumental. I wanted to test my writing talents in a challenging situation where the point of view would be both woman and Native American. I also wanted to reveal the bitterness and pain while showing that love can overcome barriers created by ignorance. I was driven by the idea that people are what they believe and understand. I had been carrying the story idea and my locked up emotions around for years. When I started to write it flowed easily. It was like a dam had been broken.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I created a flow chart of the story. It is similar to the "critical path analysis" commonly used in large engineering projects or in planning a computer program. The critical path type of thinking requires one to identify all of the pieces or tasks and get them into the correct order. In creating a critical path for a novel it forces one to create the entire story and fit it into a logical presentation.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
In the book, Grandma understands her world as an ocean of mankind. She sees her family as creatures tied to the sea, "… born upon the tide…" she says. The ocean symbolizes a stage where anyone can be humbled and equalized by its awesome power. To her, the tide symbolizes structure and order. She has accepted that the tide embodies the intelligent design of the universe. To inherit the tide is to have the power of a shaman. Grandma knows Hecky will need to believe in himself for he will probably still be a child when she dies. A fatherless Indian kid in the city, in 1950, would not have much of a chance at success unless he believed that he did inherit the tide. She left him the one thing nobody else could, the power of his heritage.

I suppose one could say memories of my grandma came alive and influenced the story more than anything else. I felt like she was the only adult who understood me when I was a kid. I was a bit of a problem child and she was always there to answer my questions and guide me in the right direction. She and another old Native woman saved me from drowning in quicksand when I was about 10-years old (not in the book). I felt closer to her than I did my own mother before that; and afterwards I worshiped her.

5. Why do you continue to write?
Putting words on paper straightens out my brain. I like the discipline it requires and most of all, I like the feeling of having done something well that I didn’t have to do at all.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
In this book each character is born from the circumstance as the story unravels. I had a rough idea of the types of characters the rough story line needed but I didn’t know what they would look like or what their mannerisms would be until they flowed out through the story. By the time each of them arrived on the scene it had become obvious to me who they were. It is entirely an intuitive and spontaneous process at that point. In Inherit The Tide, the only two characters I had a deep and clear picture about before the writing started were Susan and Grandma.

Before long I knew Hecky would be at the center. It became clear he would need to see himself becoming an extension of the things and ideas he believes and understands. That would be the underlying theme to accomplish through the entire book.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I am constantly thrilled and flattered by the attention and respect people have for writers. There is an immediate breaking down of barriers. People seem to assume writers are thinkers and balanced, open, creative, patient people and that is very satisfying. I really like being asked to autograph a copy.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Here is the way it went. The novel started at the bottom of the Amazon.com sales list at the end of October, with somewhere between about 1.5 million – 5 million titles between it and the top. By mid-December, it slipped into the 26,266 spot – over 98% of the way up the list. It maintained the top 10 – 20% through December and now is in need of a boost since it has settled into the top 20 - 40% in late January. This mid-range ranking should be short lived as a distributor will be picking it up soon and there are orders waiting to be filled there.

· I wrote a press release. A hometown newspaper featured the book by picking up on the release.
· The largest newspaper in Alaska responded to a direct contact and featured the book as one of three in its Sunday magazine. [The novel is set in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.]
· Spreading the news through professional trade circles resulted in a book announcement being sent out to several thousand contacts by way of a company newsletter.
· A paid advertisement is being planned for the weekend issue of the Seattle Times. It will capitalize on the Valentine Day shopping patterns of the weekend edition’s 1 million readers.
· A free copy to Northwest Writers resulted in a crackerjack review and a professional caliber web posting.
· Twenty free copies were spread around to friends with active networks, and resulted in recommendations to dozens of others.
· Twenty books were sent to newspapers with review sections.
· Sent mailers to about a few independent book stores in Washington and Alaska and got one very positive reaction from a large outlet.
· The book has a website through the publisher, plus my own, and has been picked up by several other sites.
· Sent e-mail flyers to all of my contacts.
· No free books to family, friends, and neighbors – tell them to buy it.
· The cover is a stand-out presentation by itself.

Major brick and mortar stores such as Borders and Barnes & Noble make no bones about ordering it for customers. The day after the book’s release, it was picked up by Borders, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Powell's Books, 1BookStreet, Blackwell's, Al Books, Booksamillion Club, Studentbookworld.com, and others

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
My advice is to find a quiet place to work and make it yours. Imagine you are storing ideas there so when you walk in they motivate you. Leave your rough notes sitting around, shuffle through them from time to time.

Keep the story to yourself at least until the first draft is on paper. Don’t let the energy leak out, it dims the picture you are trying to create. When you get stuck, write yourself out of it by asking where do I want all of this to end up?

Visit the library when you need a break and pick out a book from an author you have never read. Look it over and ask yourself, how would I have done this? What is her best paragraph? How would she handle my problem?

At the beginning, take an hour to create a flow chart, then look at it frequently through the writing. Remember, you can always change the flow chart, and you should change it if the story is going merrily down a different path. Rely on your creative instincts. The flow chart is just a compass. Most of all it helps keep things happening in a logical and correct order. Novels are complex and order becomes important to the believability of the story. Sacrifice that and people will not read on. Circular overlapping stories are not easy to write and the reader must be able to follow along without back tracking. The reader wants order and she wants motivation. The writer must pull her forward in a direction she wants to go because she needs to know what happens next. Confuse her and all is lost.

And lastly, when people tell you how much they liked the book, let them know how much that means to you. I am amazed at the detailed comments I have received from some readers. I feel like each word had value to them and it makes me feel delighted. I am thrilled when somebody approaches me with the idea that Inherit The Tide would be a great movie. It makes me giggle. The supreme compliments were delivered by a reader in Texas and another in Oregon that put together a fantasy cast for a movie.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
The one thing that stands out is how complex and difficult management of the story becomes as it grows toward the conclusion and how much time is needed. Before I started writing, I knew who the characters would be and the theme of the story. Weaving it all together in a finished literary fashion became a major time demand. I was taken by how solitary the work is. No one can help create a story that comes from inside of you. I do not mind working alone, but the large amount of solitary time created a loneliness other novelists probably share. I was surprised again about how much time it took to get from the first draft to the final product. I cut out so much that I could probably assemble a second book similar to Inherit The Tide although I have no plans to resurrect any of it.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 21, 2006 - Copyright

Auther: RANGI RANGANATH

2006-03-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

Author: A. Rangi Ranganath

Author’s website address: rangiranganath@yahoo.com

Published books by the Author: One People One Language

Books in Process: Real Origins of German, Greek, Latin & English-Mini Word Origin Directory

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing? 1990. Search for real origins of language and agriculture.

2. What inspired you to write your first book? Search for truth.

3. How did you approach writing your first book? Thru lot of research.

4. Who or what influenced your writing? My late mother.

5. Why do you continue to write? Discovering more new information.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? Spread what I know.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer? Very grateful.

8. How do you promote your book(s)? It is available at www.authorsonline.co.uk and Amazon.com.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers? If you are convinced about something, share with others.

10. Any other comments you would like to add? Confucius said that moral responsibility demands that you share your knowledge with others. There is an adage in India that says that knowledge is the only wealth that still sticks with you even if you give it away to a million people. In fact you may get even richer as people feed back their thoughts to you.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 2006

Author: RM LAMATT

2006-03-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

Author: Rm Lamatt
Author’s website address: N/A

Published books by the Author: Fears Flutterby
Books in Process: The sequel to Fears Flutterby

Interview:
1. When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing in 1952 when I was fourteen, Long Island, New York. I found it fun.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
Watching my dear friend fade into Alzheimer’s inspired me and finding love conquers fear.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I used tape recording of my thoughts, also small notes scribbled down on napkins and other sources. Finding scenes in my life and writing of them.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
The fear I had within myself influenced me to write of it.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I continue to write because it makes me learn more aout myself and to pass my thoughts on to someone.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
To be a better person through my writing.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Others ask, "How did you find the time?" and "What could you find to write about?" My answers, "You make the time and there is always a throught o write on."

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Promoting is hard. Mainly now through Yahoo Marketing, Amazon, leaving my book in public places so it can be passed on to others.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Let your fingers do the typing or writing. Keep your conscious brain out of it. Write with the unconscious mind. I found that to be the beneficial and easiest ways of writing. It’s FUN.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
I’ve found writing is similar to playing an instrument or painting a picture. It all comes down to ‘flow’. Music flows, brushes with paint on them, flow, and writing flows when it’s at its best.

Reviewer: Kaye Trout - March 2006 - Copyright

Author: EDWARD ARNOLD

2006-03-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

Author: Edward Arnold
Author’s website address: N/A

Published books by the Author: 2012-Year of the Apocalypse
Books in Process: Puppet Masters

Interview:
1. When and why did you begin writing?
About 10 years ago, I was working in a film, and during a lunch break I spoke with the director, he asked about my "day job", a Private Investigator, and if I had any real serious cases. When I told him about one, he said I should write about it. I knew absolutely nothing about writing screenplays. But over a period of years I learned, and began to try my hand at it. I have written 4 screenplays, all of different genres.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
That’s a difficult question to answer. I have traveled all over the world and learned how people everywhere are controlled by Dictators, Government officials, Social standings, and perhaps the worst of all, Religion. A Dictator can be assassinated or removed from his pedestal of control by force. Government officials can be replaced if the people finally admit they are not living up to their promises. But the religious hierarchy is in an untouchable position; they can keep the people under control by brainwashing them at a very young age. Those under their control will never be aware what happened and will follow the church leaders until the day they die… In my book, I wanted to stress that I believe all people should be free to accept or reject religious theory.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I had no plan, no outline, just thoughts. I began writing and allowed it to flow from deep inside of me and into print.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
Stephen King. Like me, he appears to be an ordinary guy writing from his heart; it also seems he has a vivid imagination and could care less what anyone thinks of his work.

5. Why do you continue to write?
Because I still have a lot of stories to tell.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
To get all of the stories that are in my mind out onto paper. Each story I write makes way for another, it’s like a cleansing of the mind, and after one story is told, another is created.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I’ve had a lot of good input, and it does feel good to see your story in print. I’m not egotistical a bit, getting a book published doesn’t make my chest swell, nor do I care if I am ever recognized. That’s why I didn’t have my picture placed on my book… It is just personal satisfaction.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
It just came out and I’ve just began promoting it.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
What you can conceive, you can achieve… Just do it!

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
A writer is a writer until they have a book published, then they are an Author.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 2006 - Copyright

Author: CHARLIE HUDSON

2006-03-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

Author: Charlie Hudson
Author’s website address: http://charliehudson.net

Published books by the Author: Orchids in the Snow (Novel), Shades of Murder (Novel), The Parent’s Guide to Business Travel (Non-fiction), Shades of Truth (Novel)

Books in Process: Reef Wranglers, Artificial Reefs in the United States (Non-fiction), Shades of Gold (Novel)

Interview:
1. When and why did you begin writing?
I actually began with short stories and essays in about the sixth grade. I set writing aside for "real" work, joined the US Army for what turned into a career and had some articles published in 1992-1994. I retired in 1995 and set off on the path of freelance writing.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
My truly wonderful husband brought home a copy of Writers’ Digest magazine with a lead story of "Beginning to Write When You’re Forty." He dropped it on the coffee table and said something like, "It’s time. Quit stalling and write your book."

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
Naively, although I followed the principle of "write what you know". Orchids in the Snow is a novel about a military wife and family during the early 1980s. That was a watershed time for military families when many of the unwritten, rather rigid social expectations for wives were being challenged. I wanted to capture that dynamic while simultaneously portraying what it’s like to be a military wife.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
Probably my grandfather more than anyone. He wanted me to be a lawyer, but he also instilled a love of reading in me. He had this great library.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I think it’s a case of letting the genie out of the bottle. I kept it on the back burner for more than twenty years to "be practical" and worked hard to be at the stage where I can write and not have to worry about trying to support a family.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I would be less than honest if I claimed that I didn’t care about the great commercial breakthrough. On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoy the quiet successes of getting an email from someone I’ve never met telling me how much he or she liked a book of mine.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
A lot of frustration, punctuated by that great sensation when you hold a book in your hand with your name on it or when you have a chance to talk to readers.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
I’ve used literary publicity agencies, I have my web site and I try to generate word-of-mouth through fans, friends and family.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Be honest with yourself, learn how to cope with rejection and persevere. By being honest, I mean, be honest about what you want to achieve. If you think you won’t be satisfied with anything less than the Best Seller category, you’re likely to be in for a lot of disappointment.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Only a very small percentage of writers make big money. As a writer, you really do have to decide if that’s the only measure you plan to use. Judith Applebaum writes a wonderful book with regular updates about How to Get Happily Published. I recommend it to anyone who is a beginning writer.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - 3/17/2006 - Copyright