Tell me a about yourself. What got
you started in writing?
I was born into a family of teachers. Both my parents
were avid readers, and I caught the bug at an early age. I wrote my first book
when I was ten, and my parents purchased the only copy, which I had
handwritten, paying me a dollar. I taught college writing for over forty years.
As a lover of literature, upon my retirement, writing became my number one
hobby.
How do you schedule your writing
time? When do you write?
I have always been an early morning person, so I do most
of my writing before noon. I work out nearly every day, and many of my best
ideas pop into my head during my daily walks. I then hustle up to my study
before breakfast and jot down everything I can for that day’s writing session,
which will begin right after I eat.
How and where do you write? Do you
prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?
I have an
upstairs study, and I spend a lot of time in there in front of my computer. I
write everything on the computer. I can easily correct, erase, edit, etc.
What's your favorite part about
writing? Your least favorite part about writing?
My favorite part of writing is
starting anew each day, creating as I go. I actually become part of my book. My
least favorite is when I write the two words, The End. I always feel sad, as if
I have lost a good friend who must now go off to live on its own at Amazon or
Barnes and Noble. It’s like saying goodbye to my child. After all, I created my
“little baby.”
How did you come up with your book
idea? How long did it take you to write your book?
When my first wife died, I
was literally a basket case. I never thought I would love again, let alone go
beyond just the basic elements of living, breathing and eating. After I found
the courage to venture out and live my life again, I knew that I had to put my
true journey down on paper for two crucial reasons: as a cathartic push to move
forward for me, and as possibly a way of helping others.
What types of marketing do you do
to promote your writing?
I love to create, but I am not good in the sales’
department. My books are on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple, and they
have found good homes there. Every now
and then I do a bit of advertising, but I primarily rely upon the word of others.
I have already retired, so my writing is my avocation, not my vocation.
What are you currently working on?
Do you have a new book out?
I have lots of books out, international thrillers
and mysteries, humorous novels, literary fiction, and my memoir. My latest
book, TRIANGLE OF HOPE, is one of which I am particularly proud. My head is
working on a few things, but I just have not involved my computer.
Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.
I
have nothing definite at the moment, though I do have lots of threads running
through my head.
What would you tell a beginning
writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
Write
for yourself. Write what you yourself like to read. Enjoy what you are doing,
or don’t do it. Life is too short as it is.
A question for me:
I am curious. Why would someone
want to write if he or she finds it difficult to do? Why not take on another
hobby?
Good question! I think some folks are out there for the money only and they believe writing will give them the big bucks. Disappointments arrive every day. Hopefully, most writers write because they can't NOT write; the process is a part of their very soul. I think writing is difficult at times for even the proficient writer, but what distinguishes them from someone who writes just to make money, is what you read between the lines. There is depth and realness. There is joy and sorrow. There is actually something - dare I say it - that may even be more of a business and less of a hobby. For many writers, being a writer is like finally getting the career of their dreams. They can do what they love and make money too.
***
Thank you, Michael!
Learn more about Michael:
Link to my trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asN3jjj3vBM
I thank you so much for hosting me on this wonderful visit today. The three kitties thank you too.
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