Tell me about yourself. What got you
started in writing?
I teach Criminal Justice at a two-year technical college in Wisconsin. I
am married and have 4 children, ages 1-11. It was always a goal of mine to
write a book of some sort. I always thought it would be cool to go to the
library and be able to check out my own book; maybe that is kind of “nerdy”,
I don’t know! So, I knew I wanted to write something, I just didn’t know what.
As my
kids started to grow up, I found myself saying all the “fatherly” quips or
phrases that my dad used to say to me. This made me simultaneously laugh and
shutter! But, it started me on a journey of reflection of all the things my dad
taught me about life. He passed away in 2007 of a brain tumor, and my kids will
never know him, other than what I pass on to them through stories and pictures.
I wanted some way to give my kids something to take with them that was part
autobiographical and part family history of their dad and grandpa. I started
jotting down memories and stories from my childhood, of lessons I learned from
dad, and the book “Dad, You Were Right: Reflections from a Stubborn Son”
evolved.
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| Get the Book at Amazon |
How do you schedule your
writing time? When do you write?
With 4 kids and working full-time, this one can be a challenge at times!
I try to carve out an hour here or there to try and write. I am in school for
my Doctorate in Education, so that takes precedent time-wise, but I’ve found if
I get up an hour or two before the kids do in the morning, that gives me some
time to keep chipping away on a project.
How and where do you write? Do
you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?
Usually
I write sitting at the kitchen table, on my laptop. If I am away from home, or at
work, and something pops into my head I’ll jot down the idea on my smartphone
to save it for later when I can transfer it onto the laptop and expand on it.
What's your favorite part about
writing? Your least favorite part about writing?
My
favorite part of writing is seeing the idea take shape and evolve into
something usable, seeing the idea that was once in my head come out on paper.
My least favorite part would have to be the time it takes, I can’t spend long
periods of time committed to a project…that and editing/proof-reading the work,
my wife helps greatly with that though! She has a better eye for that kind of
stuff.
How did you come up with your
book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?
It sort
of evolved over a period of time, from reflecting on what my dad taught me
about life, to what I want to teach my children, and again leaving something
for them to look back on to learn more about their grandpa who they never knew.
The whole
process took about 6-7 months, start to finish. This was from the beginning
stages of jotting down notes through to publishing it in May/June of 2015.
What types of marketing do you
do to promote your writing?
This is
the part I am still figuring out. Admittedly, I don’t like the
promotion/marketing aspect of writing as much I do the actual writing/creating
part. I feel like I’m bragging, or boasting, when trying to advertise my book,
like “Look at me and how awesome I am!” To me it sound disingenuous, insincere.
I don’t like asking people for money, or to buy something, I feel too much like
a car-salesman. But, I realize it’s part of the gig, so I’ve done some Facebook
advertising from my author’s page, I’ve done Freebooksy/Bargainbooksy, and Goodreads
too.
A lot
of it is word of mouth though. My family and friends have been great, extremely
supportive, they share it on social media which helps a ton! It’s great to have
their support and confidence, especially when embarking on something new and
personal like writing the book I did. I owe them a lot for all of their support
and help.
What are you currently working
on? Do you have a new book out?
Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.
Nothing
on the back burner. I have the project I’m currently working on and that’s
about all I can load on my plate right now with everything else going on in my
life!
What would you tell a beginning
writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
I would
say, baloney, just go for it! I always look at challenges or goals I have a
couple of ways. 1) If others can do it, it must be possible, so why not me too?
I think too often people are limited by their own beliefs, or lack of
confidence, we’re scared to try. We are our own worst enemies most times. It’s
not others telling us we can’t do something, it’s us! Einstein said, “In order
to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of
failure.” And 2) If you try and fail, at least you tried, that’s better than
saying someday “I wish I would’ve…” I can rest easy at night knowing I at least
gave it a shot. If you don’t succeed, so what, try it again! Thomas Edison,
said, “I have not failed 10,000 times-I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will
not work.” Those two guys seem pretty smart to me, so I try to take their advice
when doing something new.
Question for Kathyrn: What got
you started in writing? And, what advice would you give a still-new author such
as myself? Any do’s or don’ts?
I got started in writing when I was expecting my first baby. I was sick 24/7 so I had to find something to do that would take my mind off morning, afternoon, and evening sickness. My first short story was called, Weebles Wabble. Not a terribly terrific title, and I have never let anyone read the manuscript except my parents.
As for do's and don'ts. Don't give up when it's tough, because it will get tough. Do market without stress - my handy dandy marketing book will help with that, and help other writers whenever you can. Paying it forward is always a good idea.
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Thank you, Chris!
Learn more about Chris:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisschatz6
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