Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would like to know more about you.
A1. I’m 73 years old, retired, I have a wife of 48 years, and 3 young ladies in their forties. I began writing when I was 45 years old—I was busy working and raising my children until then—but I didn’t publish my first book until 2012 when I was 60. The book was entitled Fighting the Effects of Gravity: A Bittersweet Journey Into Middle Life. Fighting Gravity was an Indie Award Winner. My 7th book, Old Age Sucks published in 2022, could be considered a painful, physical sequel to Gravity, proof that everything can get worse with age.
My next 3 books are a series of fiction accounts of an obstetrician/gynecologist his two boys, his wife and his parents. The first in the series, Book of Samuel, was set in the Pittsburgh Airport where, after a flight is missed, all heck breaks loose with the family so to speak. The main character, Dr. Samuel Johnson, has a dream of becoming a writer in the series and begins writing his story within my story—a book within a book.
Book of Samuel is a Reader’s Favorite Award winner. The rest of my collection consists of satirical, humorous vignettes accentuated with pictures and illustrations for added humor and effect.
Q2 What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book Last Train to Snarksville?
The key challenges were battles (not really battles) with my editor over the use of song lyrics and illustrations. I had another illustration that I really liked for the cover but Shutterstock, frowned upon me using that illustration for that purpose. iStock on the other hand, to whom I pay $80 a month for the privilege of using their artwork, is much more liberal in their policies. I used one of their illustrations for the cover.
Also, there were song lyrics that I wanted to use in their entirety but I was warned that lyrics could only be used if referred to or summarized to avoid copyright infringement.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your writing?
An author who was very popular years ago by the name of Irma Bombeck was one of my favorites. Another essayist whose style is similar to mine is Kurt Vonnegut. I also owe, at least in part, my sense of humor to comedians like Bill Cosby, David Letterman, and Johnny Carson.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country and what makes it so special to you?
My family has always had a special affinity for Hilton Head, SC. My wife and my 3 children began to go there for summer vacations in 1987—first by car and now by plane when we can go. My parents traveled with us until they could no longer make the trip due to age. They are both deceased now and our children are planning their own trips.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book Last Train to Snarksville?
When I think I have enough fresh ideas to begin writing a new book I just start writing one essay at a time.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book Last Train to Snarksville?
It takes about a year to get from one project to the next.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
Amazon
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover for Last Train to Snarksville.
Interesting story. I have an essay in the book entitled “(As Long as There’s Superman) They’ll Always Be Kryptonite.” Hence the picture of Superman on the cover. I was going to name the back after this essay. But one day, after she had made her initial read of the book, my editor told me, “Well you haven’t lost your snarky sense of humor.”
Later in the conversation I said, “hey I have a new title for the book “Last Train to Snarksville. I was kidding around but she thought it was great. “That’s a lot catchier than your other one,” she said. I had to agree.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and yourself?
During my normal life journey, I make day-to-day observations that I find humor in, situations that others might not see the same way. For instance, why do people refer to athletes by their first names like they know them personally? I make a note of these reflections that I feel would make a good essay and when I get the opportunity I sketch them out with a pencil and paper. When I think I have enough I start writing in earnest.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Writing is a marathon not a sprint.
Buy Last Train to Snarksville on Amazon
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