Mar 05

Just Call Him Mike: Nick Wale Meets Mike Walsh

Finding the real Mike Walsh is one of those interesting projects that comes along only once in a while. Who is Mike Walsh? A soldier? A salesman? A loving father? In addition to all those, he’s a man who wrote about his son’s near-fatal brush with SIDS, and in retirement, decided to keep on writing and writing. Mike is friendly, approachable, and always has advice for those willing to listen. I guess sometimes finding the real man behind the book is simple– you just say, “Hi, Mike!” and you’ve found him… Mike Walsh is truly THAT down-to-earth. Read on to hear his wisdom…

Mike Walsh

Q) Mike, let me ask first, have you always wanted to be a writer?

A) Not really. Originally, I wanted to be an electrical engineer. When I was taking my English Composition course in college, I realized that I enjoyed writing. I didn’t really do anything with it until years later. There is an interesting story about that class if you want to hear it?

Q) Sure, Mike– go ahead!

A) On the first day of class, the professor said that we should all write something and not put our names on it, turn it in, and by the end of the semester he would be able to tell who wrote what. I wrote a poem. At the end of the semester, when the grades were given out, he had to hand me back my poem saying, “This has to be yours. There is no one left. You are the first person to ever fool me with that exercise.”

Q) (Laughs) You were certainly something! So would you say writing and words were more important to you than the rock and roll boom taking over the world at that time?

A) The writing was something for me. The rock and roll was something that I needed to fit in, and as a teenager that was important.

Q) Do you think the rock and roll boom opened the door for creative free thought?

A) I think the messages did. There was always a message, a poem, an expression that triggered a response.

Q) The reason I ask is that I have interviewed a lot of ’50’s and ’60’s-era teenagers, and many have said that guys like Elvis and Rick Nelson influenced their writing. How does that fit in with your experience?

A) It was them and a few others for me– people like Roy Orbison and the Beach Boys.

Q) How about authors? Which authors influenced you at that early stage?

A) The only way to answer that is to explain the fact that our father was big on me and my three brothers all reading. He had me read all of the classics by the time I was fifteen. So, to have a single answer for that is difficult. As an example, he would have me read one of Shakespeare’s plays a week, and we would discuss it afterward.

Q) It sounds like literature was always something you were familiar with. So, you were part of the generation of Americans drafted into the Army. How did you feel about that?

A) At the time the draft was going on, I was in a technical school for electronics. My draft number was coming up and the only way I would be able to finish school was to enlist and go into the Army two days after graduation.

Q) Two days after graduation? That must have been a culture shock. How did you feel about going from a school environment to an army base in such a short time?

A) It’s hard to answer that. Culture shock doesn’t quite describe it. It did bother me, there was no question about that. At the same time, because of the things I had experienced before, I was almost ready for it. As an example, when I was thirteen, I witnessed two six-month old twins die of smoke inhalation and that had an emotional effect on me. A couple of years later, a good friend of mine was murdered. That also affected me.

Q) Would it be apt to say that, for you, the Army was a place to escape to?

A) Yes, it was. However, it’s not a good place to run to. I can vouch for that.

Q) Once there, you didn’t enjoy being in the Army?

A) No. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was not destined to enjoy being treated like one of the herd. I like to think on my own.

Q) You did, however, serve in Korea. What are your memories of Korea in the 1960’s?

A) It’s not what people would expect. Being shot at, no matter where you are, does not give you a good feeling. At the time I was there, 1969, there were mostly dirt roads, a few trees, and a lot of small villages all over the country with huts made of straw. I know that sounds strange, but it happened, and it was a real culture shock.

Q) To put things in context, you have gone from the U.S.A. and been taken to an alien country– what were your thoughts and feelings at the time? It must have been surreal!

A) It was. I told a story in one of my books about it. The book is Just Some Old Man. It was so different. The culture and the people were very interesting. I did learn a lot about the Korean people while I was there.

someoldman

Q) Now that you’ve mentioned Just Some Old Man— let’s talk about your books, Mike. How did you get back into writing?

A) After our youngest son was born, we found out that he was a potential SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) child. He would quit breathing for longer than thirty seconds for thirty percent of the time while he was sleeping. The emotions as a parent that came out of that started me writing again.

Q) That must be every parent’s worst nightmare. You wrote down all those emotions and feelings– how did the resulting book feel?

A) It felt good to write Kaeleb’s Dad. I didn’t complete until 25 years after. I wanted to make sure that he was going to make it.

kaelabsdad

Q) Well, it’s great to hear that he did make it! Tell me, what is the writing process for you? Are you a night writer? A day writer? Do you like to write with music or without? What gets Mike Walsh into the groove?

A) Actually, I like to write with semi-classical music in the background. I am usually alone during the day and it makes a good time for me to write then.

Q) One of the things that drew me to you as a person was your obvious intelligence, Mike. You just came across to me as a really cultured and interesting guy. How would you stand with that analysis?

A) (Laughs) Thank you. My brothers would disagree, but I thank you.

Q) Well, it’s the truth as I see it! You’ve written a number of books– is it eight now?

A) I have finished eight and am working on my next one now. The first three were non-fiction books. Kaeleb’s Dad, was about our youngest son and his first nine months as a potential SIDS child. Eddie’s Method isabout my life as a teenager and how I managed to become who I am today, Just Some Old Man is about the four times in my life I experienced near-death experiences. The next five books have been fantasy books. The first two were Whetstone Chronicle and the follow up, Largo of the Whetstone Chronicle. The next three were a fantasy series, James of Elan, Gillbrath, and Key of Wands.

keyofwands

Q) Mike, now I have got to grill you– you are prolific. Do you find writing biography or fiction easier?

A) Grill away, Nick! Putting the emotions forward in a biographical work is hard. I really enjoy writing fiction more because I can just let my imagination go. While you are writing biographical subjects you experience the emotions over and over again until you finally get rid of them on paper.

Q) What would your advice be to a young writer starting a biographical or fiction work?

A) The old saying, “write what you know,” is the best advice I can give. Don’t be afraid to be yourself.

Q) That’s great advice.  I guess one of the burning questions I get requested to ask writers is a simple one. I will make it more personal in this case. Do you write for money or for person fulfillment?

A) I like it when someone reads my books and enjoys them. So I guess literary fulfillment. One of my brothers once told me if someone starts to read one of my books they will enjoy it. So far, that statement has held true. I like that.

Q) What are your thoughts on promotion? Are you a great believer in promoting your work?

A) I do. Just don’t ask me if I do well at it. I think the best promotion is word-of-mouth. I do try to use the social networks for promotion. In fact, a friend of mine, Angela Harris, has just started an online book club in which I am taking part, that will allow the readers to discuss the books with the authors. I think that an interview with credible people is important. The right questions allow the reader to get to know the author.

Q) I agree. I think a writer with personality can sell so many books, but the reader has to see the personality so the writer isn’t just a name on the front of a book anymore.

A) And that makes a big difference to the reader. If it is an author they can associate with, they will buy their books.

Q) Well, Mike, I will let you get back to your writing! Thanks for your time!

A) Not a problem, Nick! It was great spending time with you.

Mike Walsh answered my questions and went straight back to his writing. I think with every new book, more and more people find the “Walsh” magic. His sales have been steadily rising for years. If you haven’t already discovered Mike, now’s your chance! You can find him on Facebook.

Mar 02

Author Greg Eddolls Talks Apocalypse with Nick Wale

Greg Eddolls is a husband, a father, an internet marketing expert, a Christian, and now he has become an author. His first book The Glorious Battle: Road Map To Armageddon took many years to write, but now he finally has it out there for all to read. The book itself concerns the “end of days”– the coming of the anti-Christ and the final battle between good and evil. Greg has spent many years piecing together all available information to give an in-depth study of how events may take place. Greg has already had great success with his book. I asked him over to Novel Ideas, but not just to talk about the book– I wanted you to meet the man behind the keyboard. Greg Eddolls, step forward!

gregeddols2

Q) Hey, Greg! You are a San Diego kid like my wife-to-be, right?

A) Yes, I was born at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California; born and raised about twenty miles inland in Mira Mesa which is a suburb of San Diego. I moved away with family to Prescott Arizona when I was 19. I spent a lot of time from about 13 years old to 19…surfing at Black’s Beach, Del Mar, Torrey Pines and other awesome Southern Cali surf spots.

Q) Pretty awesome time to be alive then? Beach Boys fan? Surfing? Sunshine?

A) I was not quite old enough to be a Beach Boys fan. I was born in 1973. I came of age in the ’80’s. I went to public school until 4th grade. I was in “special ed”– you know, where you kick the red bouncy ball around? While everyone else was in school, I was being “special.”

Then, I went to Catholic School from 5th to 8th grade. Back to public school from 9th to 12th, finally graduating in 1991. I was a very average student.

Q) Why were you in special ed? You are obviously incredibly intelligent (sorry, I will now remove my arm from your ass…) but it’s a true statement! Your book is an immense study and took a lot of research and work.

A) (Laughs) You know, people with learning disabilities that do not fit the system ARE very intelligent. They just don’t fit the mold. When I was around 12 years old, my father told me that I march to a different drum than everyone else. And though that is surely true for every unique human being, it might have been exceptionally true for me. I was very emotionally turbulent and sensitive. Not sure why, but it makes for sensitive relationship qualities. My wife is happy about that.

Q) I was always a true Aquarius and that drove my teachers wild– I would never conform! So what happened after your education? The yellow brick road to wealth and fame? Early retirement and a book?

A) Let’s see…after high school, I went to the college of hard knocks. I tried self-employment, started a carpet cleaning business (of all things) with my brother. It was back breaking work. That lasted about six years before I had had enough of that. Then I bounced from job to job. I worked as a busser at a restaurant, Pizza Delivery guy, Teacher Assistant, Wireless Communications Consultant, and several other menial jobs that never paid very well. I took a strong interest (again) in computers around 1997.

I decided ten years after high school graduation that I would go to college (2001) to get an actual degree in something that would pay well. I chose Computer Information Systems. I graduated just short of Cum Laude (3.49 GPA) from Devry University Phoenix with a B.S. in C.I.S. You know, I always thought how odd that “B.S.” stands for something else too… B*** S***. There is more truth to that, I think.

Q) From that statement, I get the feeling that you don’t think education is essential?

A) Well, I say that partly in jest because I DID get an overall baseline of education in computer information systems. But what I truly learned at college is, firstly, any institution run by human beings is going to be totally screwed up no matter what; and secondly, that if I wanted to make a decent living that I had to be responsible for my own future. It was then that I began on the path of improvement, hoping for a good job that never materialized, and settling for much less in the small town of Prescott Valley, Arizona.

I worked for my brother who also owned a computer repair business, and I worked for several other computer store owners around town, all the while building a small base of faithful computer customers for whom I do consulting. My primary job (working for my brother’s business) dried up in 2007. My own business was not enough to support my family. It was on my 35th birthday that I found myself on a big jet plane on my way to a whole new experience and faith building adventure in Columbus, Ohio, where a Network Administrator job had opened up. It was the only open door, so I took it.

Q) You obviously play down your later success. What happened next? You went from a job that was the only open door available to becoming a successful internet marketing expert with a host of websites and avenue streams.

A) I don’t need to go into all the details. I have had a reasonable amount of success in internet marketing, but I am truly excited to be marketing my own products, and also to be interfacing with professionals like you who are pursuing their dreams and accomplishing their goals with internet marketing and social networking.

Q) Now, of course, you are marketing your own book, correct?

A) Yes, indeed– my book is my baby right now. I am having a reasonable amount of success with it.

Q) Okay, turning away from business, let’s talk about the writing process for you. How do you like to write? What gets you into the groove?

A) Well, I found out the hard way that I truly needed to have an outline. The subject of Biblical Prophecy is quite complicated to think about, much less organize and discuss in an orderly format. Before I had created an outline, I ended up writing myself into circles. I also like to read it out loud to make sure what I am writing is not overly repetitive.

For this particular subject, the writing process took nine years. Even though I have studied this subject for twenty years, when I started nine years ago, I realized that I did not understand the intricate details of the prophetic scriptures. I would try a theory on for size, begin writing about it, and studying it as a type of “digestive” process. I came to realize that this theory or idea about scripture that I had did not line up with all scriptures. This writing process is a thorough explanation of the reason how Biblical Prophecy is laid out. It is therefore a lengthy process to be undertaken by one mind. That is why it took nine years. Sometimes I had to go back to the drawing board and go figure out more details before I could come back and start writing the book again.

Q) How did it feel to be writing a book about such an incredibly explosive subject? Did it occur to you whilst writing the book that you could cause controversy?

A) I think the idea was supernaturally inspired…plus I like to write about deep stuff anyway. Having been in forums and blogs, which are much shorter in their attention span, I have argued and debated with so many people about the nature of Bible Prophecy, always finding that the forum or blog format is way too small to encompass the complexity of the subject with reasonable attention.

The subject of Bible Prophecy is much better suited to teaching over a period of time or within the large context of an entire book. So I started writing it. I have argued the subject so many times I really have decided that controversy will happen wherever there is an opinion. So be it.

gloriusbattle

Q) I guess the next logical question, Greg, is a simple one. How did you become interested in this subject?

A) Around the age of 17 I started getting very interested in the ideas of “New Age” spirituality. The thing that primarily drew my attention was the idea of prophecy. New Agers have a whole huge section of their own pertaining to prophecy, earth changes, and the idea that those who are enlightened or illuminated should be looking for the shift in consciousness that is coming to the world. The result would be a shift from the 3rd dimension to the 4th or 5th dimension. Of course, no one prophecy could seem to nail down which dimension it would be. It was assumed that these changes would be coming soon.

At the same time, I was sick and tired of living in rote, ritualistic, empty religious practice. I was seeking something with meaning, something that meant something HERE and NOW. New Age Prophecy was promising that kind of spiritual reality, so I was ALL OVER IT.

Q) How long did you spend studying “New Age” spirituality, Greg?

A) I spent about four years pursuing New Age. In the process, I discovered the realm of Spirit through the use of shamanistic type practices and use of hallucinogenics. Then one day, a friend of ours walked into our hippie hole, where twelve of us lived in a two-bedroom apartment more than happy to subsist on a shoestring budget and free to explore the dangerous realms of the occult in several varied aspects.

Q) You lived the “hippie” lifestyle– how did you get back into conventional religious studies?

A) My friend invited us to a bible study on the Book of Revelation being put on by his mother. He was recently saved by Jesus himself. He was faithfully spreading the gospel.

We went to the bible study with the intention of educating this mother on the true nature of spirituality. To my great surprise, eleven out of the twelve of us that went (including myself), ended up receiving Christ that night and being born again. That night, I had the fear of hell and the hope of eternal life with God revealed in my heart, and since that time, I have been fascinated with the subject of Biblical Prophecy and what it means for every soul on earth.

Q) Looking back, Greg– what do you think of “New Age” religion now?

A) New Age prophecies have been most definitely revealed as the false claims they truly are, and the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been revealed in all knowledge in the Spirit of God, in my heart, and now in many of those around me, as we continue to proclaim the truth to all those we meet.

Q) It would be safe to say that you have very personal reasons for writing this book. Has completing this book been a big achievement for you? Perhaps the biggest in your life?

A) I have to say it really is the culmination of my entire Christian life so far. It has set in motion some plans that only God knows, but of which I am confident that we will be moving forward with ministry, perhaps related to this book, and in other ways. My primary hope is that God will provide what we need to be free of debt (that we created) and to be able to freely travel the country–even the world–to minister the truth of the Gospel to those who want to know the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Q) I guess one of the biggest questions I get as a promoter of writers is a simple one: How do I get the word out there about my book(s)? As a successful internet marketing expert, Greg– what would your advice be?

A) Well, my absolute favorite tool is Facebook– specifically Facebook Groups. I have written a post about it which gives a detailed view about my process but I can summarize it like this. Use Facebook Groups!

Q) How has your own marketing worked for you?

A) Let’s see. The book has been out for about 5 weeks in e-book formats including Kindle, Epub, PDF, LRF, Palm Device, TXT, and RTF. I finished that first. When I began pushing digital books, I sold about 9 direct sale digital copies from my website in the first week. I have sold about 10 Kindle Copies directly from Amazon Kindle.

I found that many people wanted to have a print copy in their hands so I worked hard to release in print. That happened around 3 weeks ago. Since then, I have sold about 20 print copies directly from my website and local to friends and family. I have sold perhaps 3 copies on Amazon.com. So altogether, I have sold about 40+ copies.

Now, my biggest challenge is to work out the acquisition of more books for physical sale. I get more money from the direct sales locally or through PayPal on my website. So I desire to work out the budget from each sale, what is the percentage I reinvest for more books, what do I save, and what can I spend from my hard-earned profits. I have not quite gotten those number down yet, but I have made about $500.00 gross from my sales so far.

Considering that it took me less than $100.00 to complete the whole publishing process, that’s about 400% profit so far on the original investment.

Q) How does it feel to look back and remember being in “special” class…. and NOW have a hit book and a career? That must bring so much satisfaction!

A) I think I got over being “special” a long time ago. However, most of my life I have been less than “affluent” financially. I certainly can not complain about what God has blessed me with: a beautiful family, awesome wife, awesome friends. I have never had much, but it has never mattered in the long run. Perhaps, having been this way for so long, I have learned that I can be this way and it’s okay. I have so much more than many other third world folks who are thankful simply to be alive.

God is doing a NEW THING in my life. AMEN

Q) Thank you for your time, Greg!

A) Not a problem, Nick! I love your new site!

 

Greg is already touted to be one of the guys who will pioneer the use of Facebook book promotion. You can find his Facebook group here. I am also a part of that revolution. If you want a marketer and you don’t know who to call… Call Greg Eddolls. The Glorious Battle: Road Map To Armageddon is available now.

 

 

 

Mar 01

Ghost on a Canvas: Nick Wale Interviews Author William Gabienu

William Gabienu believes in God. He believes that we all need to get back into a way of life that includes God. The ultimate form of self help comes from believing in our creator. I asked William to come and chat to me about his new book. Now, you may ask why I called this one “Ghost on a Canvas.”  It struck me that when people lose faith, it doesn’t mean the faith has disappeared– it’s always there like a ghost looking down at you– you just need to find it again. When you need it, you’ll see it. I found William to be honest, forthright and completely in love with his faith. In fact, let’s go read the interview. William can tell you exactly what he believes….

William

Q) Hi, William– thank you for joining me for this interview. I know how busy your schedule is right now with your lectures and recent book release. For those who haven’t heard of you, who is William Gabienu?

A) I am a young man who just hit 29. A church guy since childhood. I think I picked up my passion for studying and reading Christian materials at that early age. My deep knowledge of Christianity automatically put me in the right position to become a bible teacher in my local church. I evolved over time into a new way of spreading faith. I started to motivate and inspire people based on the word of scripture, and so I became somebody who is invited frequently as a speaker at various conferences.

Q) It sounds like a natural step to me. You went from bible teacher to inspirational lecturer. I guess your book came along at its own natural pace, too? Just another step towards reaching a wider audience?

A) Basically, yes. I thought I should reach as many people out there as possible.

Q) So what do you want to help people with? What is your focus as a motivational speaker and self help guru?

A) Nick, I have met a lot of people over the course of my various functions, and one thing I have discovered is the deep sense of emptiness that many have. Christians and non-Christian people have lost touch with the true purpose of life and real meaningfulness. In short, I try to help people get back on track with their God-given lives and purposes.

Q) Why do you think people have become distracted from their faith? What do you think has caused that?

A) Well, firstly, I think it has to do with their disconnection with the true source of all meaningful things- GOD.

He gives life and so the direction and planning and true purpose of the same must be given by Him. I think it is wisdom. Secondly, people want to do everything out there and they get “lost” in the process because they end up doing what they were not born to do. The list goes on and on. My book gives a detailed account of why people have become lost.

Q) It has been said that people in the modern age have become “spoilt” and “selfish.” What do you think of that statement?

A) If you mean “spoilt” in the sense of poor usage of their lives, yes. “Selfish”….I would say “self-centred” instead, and this is evident in the fact that their plans have taken the place of God’s. Their thoughts seek to bring more honour to themselves rather than to God; and believe me, with this practice, man loses himself.

Q) Have you ever lost yourself?

A) Everyone has at some point in life, otherwise we wouldn’t be human.

I have lost myself sometimes, and I must say when you wake up and there is that deep sense of emptiness inside you, it’s bad. My book was birthed, actually, out of personal experiences and from what I have learnt from studying the lives of others.

Q) You took your own experiences and knew that they’d help others. Did you know instinctively that now was the time? That writing your book Grabbing Your Destiny By The Horns was the way ahead?

A) To say the book was ‘the way ahead’ is not exactly how I would put it. Let’s say it was just another way to spread my words of wisdom and the love of God.

I actually wanted my words in the hands of people and to see them benefiting largely. The words written in a book go far and I wanted the word of God to be spread as far as possible.

Q) Word gets around! So how did you find the writing process? Do you like late night writing or writing in the morning? Do you write with music? How does William Gabienu write?

A) (Laughs)  I like music a lot so I find it quite distracting when writing. Actually, I don’t have a particular writing moment. I write at any time the fancy takes me. I just sit and work and lose myself in my words. My brain works always when there is silence.

Q) Tell me about your personal relationship with God and your faith. When did you discover the Lord?

A) I grew up in the church but along the way I realized true relationship with God has very little to do with that. At the age of 17, at a Reinhard Bonnke crusade in my home country, Ghana, I decided to give my life to Christ in a  personal and total way.

Q Do you believe God comes from within?

A) I believes He is inside every true believer by His Spirit. I believe He lives within but I don’t know about Him coming from within.

Q) William, that is a very interesting philosophy. I have to ask, have you ever had a prayer answered?

A) A lot of times. I think one thing the Lord does best is to show Himself strong in our lives and I am happy about this.

Q) How is God viewed in Ghana? Is Ghana a heavily Christian country?

A) Yes, Christianity is the dominant religious force there and that’s a good thing for people like myself

Q) You currently live in Milan, Italy though, right? Why did you leave Ghana?

A) (Laughs) My parents have lived in Milan for many years. I felt it was time for a family reunion.

Q) Well, since our time is almost up, where can people find your book Grabbing Your Destiny By The Horns?

A) My book is available from all major bookstores and online. Thank you for interviewing me, Nick! I really enjoyed our time together and I can’t wait for the next one.grabbingdestiny

William and I ended the interview, and I found myself wondering about my own faith. I always do when I talk to religious experts. All I know is that when guys like William or Paul W. Meier talk about God, they talk from the heart. When you talk about love, it’s also from the heart– so I guess I love interviewing guys who have faith– it’s a true portrait of love.

 

 

Feb 27

Irving Confidentially – An Inside Look at Courier

Terry Irving took the time to speak to me yet again. (Click for the first and second installments.) This was to be our third interview. Terry, calm as usual, took this in his stride. Years of being under pressure in the busy television studios of the USA has taught him patience. In a mellow mood, the interview opened as follows…

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Q) So, Terry, tell me how does it feel to be the author of Courier and how has the experience of writing a book changed your life?

A) Writing Courier was a challenge I set myself and I was proud when it was done. That feeling of success lasted about half-way through the endless process of finding an agent and then hearing about publisher after publisher turning down the book.

Now that I’m back and trying the self-publishing route, it’s a bit exciting but it’s mostly hard work. I’ve re-edited twice and done enough social marketing for a national toy craze.

I have four blogs, two Twitter accounts, eight email accounts, and two Facebook pages (soon going to three). It’s become very easy to spend the entire bloody day just fooling around on various social media pages and not get any real work done.

“Changed my life?”  No, not really… I’ve done very similar things for freelance contracts.

Q) Tell me about your struggle to find a publisher. How many publishers turned down your book and what reasons did they give?

Well, ALL the publishers turned me down. ONE agent did not. I wrote to dozens of agents. My carefully plotted and penned “Query Letters” got nothing but refusals. They ranged from the polite to, “Who the heck are you and how dare you disturb me while I’m agenting to the rich and famous!!”

Finally, Word|link picked up the book and actually liked it. Dean Krystek (my agent) still does. He got it into all the major publishers and got it handed right back.

Q) Why do you think Courier has had such a hard time finding a home?

A) The publishing industry is scared to death. They have no idea how to handle the changes in the book business so they are only taking authors that arrive with their own pre-buiilt audiences. “Urban paranormal romance,” “cozy mystery,”  “historical erotica,” whatever.

It’s sad that you need to walk in with not just a manuscript but an entire marketing plan.

Q) How are you planning to fight the competition to make Courier a hit?

A) I’m in the process of developing a niche base and learning how to market.

Q) Has there been a single, outstanding moment on your journey to get Courier finished?

A) I will say that there has been one incredible experience. When I announced on Facebook that I had the actual book in my hands, I got hundreds of congratulations. It felt like everyone I’d ever met was slapping me on the back. That kind of thing can make even a macho guy like me get a bit misty eyed.

Q) For a man with a career as strong as yours has been, where does the release of Courier come on the scale of great things that happened to you during your life?

A) It’s cool, but winning my first Emmy was cooler and the birth of my daughter and my grandson blew both of those experiences away.

Q) Can you give me a rundown of what Courier is about in your words?

A) Courier is about a period and a person. I first came to Washington, DC in the Watergate Era and I’ve realized that most people no longer remember it or only have the distorted memories they got from watching the movie “All the President’s Men.”

Part of the purpose of the book was to try and recreate a really interesting city that has completely disappeared. In addition, I wanted to rebuild the TV news of the time – with 16mm film, and crazed correspondents, everyone smoking everywhere and a lot of raw politics washing around. That was VERY different from what’s out there now.

Finally, there are Rick Putnam and Eve Buffalo Calf. They’re the most surprising part of the writing process to me. It’s like they’re actors who show up on set and perform. It sounds so trite I almost don’t want to admit it, but I really have no idea what they’re going to do next. And I LIKE them.

Q) Rick, the protagonist, is vaguely based on yourself, am I right?

A) Rick is the cool dude I’d like to be and Eve is a tough and smart woman who backs up to no one.I tried to base it on myself and it totally SUCKED. I finally had to base Rick’s character on a combination of Nicholas Cage and a couple of correspondents I knew back then. There is really very little of me in there. In fact, I should thank them — Roger Peterson was a reporter in Vietnam and was severely wounded; he was told he wouldn’t use his arm again, yet worked tirelessly until he proved the doctors wrong. Jack Smith was a private in the battle of Ia Drang and wrote what I think is the most vivid account of any battle as a 19-year old in a Japanese hospital.

Both guys were incredible journalists and wonderful people who, sadly, have passed on far too soon.

Q) How about the characters of Hector? Mrs Jin?

A) Hector wasn’t based on anyone nor was the Gray Man or Mrs. Jin. Most of Eve was based on a single photo I found somewhere.  The three computer freak roommates, on the other hand, are based on three guys I lived with in 1973 when I first moved down to DC. They weren’t anywhere as cool in reality as they were when I got done with them in the book ,but that’s the fun of it.

Q) How do you hope your book will be received?

A) I was never trying to create Great Literature. I wanted to write a book that you’d pick up in an airport and buy because it looked like it would be amusing enough to pass the time on your flight to Los Angeles. There, I’ve apparently succeeded. All of the reviews so far have pointed out how they devour all 77,000 words in one sitting.

Q) Can you even compare the world of today with those heady days of the early ‘70s?

A) Sure. My knees hurt more now than they did back then. Somewhat seriously, you can’t really see where you are when you’re living in it. Until I started researching Courier, I didn’t really grasp how much things had changed. I don’t know if it’s better or worse but it’s certainly changed.

I guess, things were a lot more rough-edged and crazy but that probably had to do with the fact that the Baby Boomers were 22 and we were being crazy all over the place.

Q) Any defining memories of the era?

A) I used to hitchhike all the time – cross-country, down to Florida, up to Alaska. I never thought anything of it. I slept under vans and in abandoned buildings; even on the beach a couple of times – extremely pleasant.

I went to Florida for a week with $39 and returned with $24.I would have had more, but I loaned most of it to some heroin addicts and couldn’t get it back.  Never loan money to a junkie.

Q) I’m surprised you didn’t find yourself at Woodstock.

A) A couple of my friends were there – and won’t let you forget it. I was considering it, but I was still only 16 and my parents were able to send me off to my grandparents in the Smoky Mountains. The closest I got after that was selling ice cream outside a Stones Concert in Philadelphia.

Q) Did you sneak off to see the concert?

A) Of course not, I had ice cream to sell. I was cut off by my parents at 19 and had to pay for the rest of college by myself –ice cream played a large part in my plans.

Q) From ice cream to a News Producer with endless awards, contacts and influence… How did it happen?

A) The usual way– dumb luck, time and being too stupid to know when something was impossible. I recommend the combination to all young people. Also, never doing anything, EVER, that isn’t fun. Even running around Beirut and being shot at was fun. Well, for a while anyway.

I have to admit, even getting picked up by the South African police had its funny moments – as did almost getting killed by the South African students we had been filming. Sitting at dinner in the Hotel Commodore as three guys came in and shot up the place was a bit less fun, but it turned out that it was only a matter of business and after they’d shot the guy in the thigh who owed them money, they left like proper gentlemen.

However, don’t let these stories fool you into believing that I ever had a clue what I was doing. I can bring you dozens of colleagues who will testify that I was completely clueless at all times. Still am, most of the time.  I guess things haven’t changed all that much.

With our interview all but over I thought about what was said. Here stands a man who has done so much with his life– yet, in some ways feels that he hasn’t done enough. Angry? Perhaps, but I know one thing that makes him a top guy in my book: he will give anyone a chance and if you screw up then that’s your problem– but he will give you a chance and that is class as far as I am concerned.

ter

Feb 26

Life Experiences on Paper: Author Robert Nicholas Talks to Nick Wale

Robert Nicholas is a pioneer. He is always one step ahead of the world. He was one of the first on the computer scene and designed early games back when the industry was young. He has led an interesting life working for the Peace Corps in the Philippines. I was drawn to him when we met. He didn’t know me and I didn’t know him– but yet I was drawn. He asked questions, pushed for more information, gathered the facts and made a decision. He wanted an interview and I was more than happy to sit and ask the questions. People say interviewing can be terribly boring, but when you interview guys like Robert, how can you be bored? We discuss the baby-boomer period, the early IT movement, the Peace Corps, books, ideas, literature… How can you be bored when you are talking to a man who has helped to make history? I present Robert Nicholas to you in literary format!

MyStatuePhotoFull

 

Q) Great to meet you! So tell me, who is Robert Nicholas? Who is the real man behind the keyboard?

A) I’m a 66-year-old retired professional computer geek (laughs). In 1968, I received my BS in mathematics from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. I joined the Peace Corps and spent two years teaching on a remote island in the Philippines. Upon returning home, I taught junior/senior high school math at a social services agency in eastern New York.

At the end of 1977, I saw an article in Popular Science that Radio Shack (Tandy Corporation) was selling the TRS-80 hobbyist computer for $600, so I drove right down and ordered one. The manager of the store had no idea what I was talking about. That launched my career as a computer guy. I wrote articles for computer magazines and even published a few minor games for sale. Man, were they primitive compared to today’s offerings! This brought me to the attention of the head of the business office of the agency I worked for, and he hired me as their computer administrator and programmer.

I retired in 2001 at age fifty-five and toured the US in my motorhome. What an experience. I currently spend my winters in Florida and summers in upstate NY with my thirty-five-year-old talking African Gray parrot, Little Pete.

You will not need a dictionary or an encyclopedia to understand my poetry. I compose my verse so that it flows easily and the reader’s mind flows along with me. I don’t want you to struggle. I want you to enjoy.

Q) You describe yourself as being born into “the first year of the baby-boomers.” How would you describe those years for people unfamiliar with the economic prosperity of the time?

A) Yes, I was born in April, 1946 – the first year of the Baby Boomers. I grew up in a lower middle class family. Money was tight. People had lower expectations than we do today, yet my parents did well by us. We had summer vacations and they saw to it that I was able to attend college.

Life was far less complicated than it is today. We were naïve, at least by today’s standards.  This was the time of the first polio vaccine in schools – of Howdy Doody – hula hoops – drive-in theaters. It was also the Cold War era, and I recall “duck and cover” in school – as if hiding under a little wooden desk with an inkwell would protect us from a nuclear bomb.

No one put razor blades in Halloween candy. Parents didn’t have to stand with their children waiting for the school bus for fear someone might molest them. We spent all our free time playing outdoors. Our parents had to call us repeatedly to get us to come home for dinner or to go to bed. Neighbors kept an eye out for other children playing in their yard. We couldn’t get away with anything. Mom and Dad always heard about any “misbehavior.”

After dinner and dishes, my whole family would gather around in the evening listening to radio shows – mostly comedies and news. We had a beautiful stand-up radio that was the centerpiece of the den. Suddenly one day, a new form of home entertainment appeared to replace it – television. Our first one was a Philco loaded with vacuum tubes that got super-hot and often needed to be replaced. Reception was provided by a rooftop antenna which required constant adjustment. What a revolution! I remember my parents would not let me watch the initial episode of Superman. They wanted to preview it to make sure it was appropriate for me.

Let alone no cell phones, I remember party line phones. You could pick up your phone and hear someone else already using the line and had to wait your turn. At one point we lived in a small town that still had antique black phones you had to hand crank to ring a series of longs and shorts to place a call. I believe our “number” was one long and two shorts.

My grandparents were all born nearly a decade before the Wright brothers made that first historic flight. In fact, my paternal grandmother used to play live piano at silent movie theaters – well before I was born.

Geez, am I ever dating myself.

Q) You began writing poetry in your teens? Why poetry? Was it the easiest way for you to express yourself?

A) I was influenced by an English teacher in junior high school who was very into poetry. Writing poems was a way to express feelings – to work things out. While I also enjoyed writing short stories, poetry was my love.

I kept my poems to myself, other than those I wrote as class assignments. This was my private world – my escape into my inner being – my sanctuary. I wrote about family, friends, school, puberty, love, hatred, war and peace. I wish I had kept all of them. They would make a great book.

When I entered the Peace Corps, I found poetry to be a wonderful tool for expressing what I was experiencing. Some of those poems are my best work.

Q) Would you agree that you are a pretty artistic person? I have read that you enjoy both music and painting. Is writing just another facet of your artistic personality?

A) Somewhat. My grandmother got me started playing piano. She taught me basic music theory, scales, chords and proper fingering. My father also played piano but by ear. In elementary school, we all played Flutofones – a cheap little plastic flute. Try to imagine 25-30 tone deaf little kids attempting to play “The Star-Spangled Banner” in unison. Good grief, we were terrible!

In junior high, I inherited the violin my two older sisters had played. Then I took accordion lessons, and in later years started playing digital keyboard and acoustic guitar. I still do, but never became particularly talented at any musical instrument. I can get by.

In my twenties, I started painting with acrylics and watercolors. I dabbled on and off for years. Now I enjoy “painting” on my iPad using apps that allow me to create in multiple layers to make it easier to manipulate the structure of the work. I’ve been using this format to create the illustrations for my books of children’s poetry.

I see my writing as my newest artistic venture. It is an enjoyable hobby.

Q) You were in the Peace Corps in the Philippines back in the late ’60’s, am I correct? How was that experience for you?

A) I spent 1968-1970 on the very remote island of Romblon in the Philippines teaching modern mathematics. While my view of life widened with exposure to university and the friends I made there, it was in for a major overhaul. My world view expanded explosively and was forever enriched from the time I got off the plane in the Philippines.

Everything I took as a given was challenged. My pre-conceived ideas of community, family and friendship were turned inside out, shaken apart, dismantled and reassembled. I was advantaged and was going to live with those who were less so. I had no realistic understanding of the gap between the life of my youth and the lives of those I was about to encounter. First hand in the “third world” was going to be a shocker.

It doesn’t take long to realize you aren’t in Kansas anymore. It smacks you right in the face, the ears, the nose and the stomach. No amount of training can come close to the reality of being there.

The principal of the high school requested the Peace Corps to send a volunteer trained in mathematics to assist in upgrading their curriculum and train the math faculty. At the time, their courses were basic arithmetic with a slight introduction to Algebra. As a result, many students were failing math when they advanced to colleges and universities; so there was a real need for me to help fulfill.

I was very fortunate that two of the teachers readily accepted the new concepts. They both eventually went on to take courses in summer school and get degrees in mathematics. I gave them the kick start and they made my Peace Corps assignment a success. They both went on to train other math teachers both in the high school and the elementary school.

Q) Your experiences eventually spawned a book called Hey Joe- Poems and Stories from the Peace Corps. How would you describe this book to readers? What drove you to pen your experiences?

A) First off, why did I decide to write my Peace Corps memoirs forty-two years after I left? The book is a collection of material I wrote while I was in-country and over the years since I returned. Some of them I wrote recently based on notes and a wealth of remembrances. Every once in a while, my mind would wander back to my experiences there and I felt compelled to put them to paper.

I like to give my family “unique” gifts for Christmas. Over the years they had received fascinating craft items I purchased and even some of my original watercolors. I had been thinking of pulling all of my writing from that period together but never got around to it. It dawned on me that this would make a terrific unusual gift for everyone. So I spent about two months writing, editing and organizing it and created a three-ring spiral version complete with poems, short stories and photographs. It was a hit! Being a long time Kindle user, I decided to submit it for publication as an e-book.

“Hey Joe” was a term of endearment Filipinos used, and still do, to refer to Americans. I met some wonderful people who warmly accepted me into their community and their homes. I treasure their memories.

“Arrival,” the initial major poem, is an overwhelming, hard hitting, mind numbing description of the first day I arrived on Romblon. I wanted to immerse the reader in the sights, sounds and odors that assaulted me as soon as I stepped off the boat. That is followed up by my second day as I am introduced at the school in front of a crowd of hundreds of people in the bleachers there to greet me.

Of course, I explore the concept of culture shock – both arriving in Romblon and upon returning to the United States. One of my reviewers commented that my poem “Culture Shock” exactly expressed her own feelings when she returned from her Peace Corp stint.

“Hey Joe” is filled with local dialect words (Hiligaynon) to help the reader appreciate the richness of my experience. So come larga (sail) with me on a banca (outrigger canoe) across the Sibuyan Sea to the malayo (remote) isla (island) of Romblon in the Philippines. Take your siya (chair) at the lamisa (table) as my new panimalay (family) and I enjoy our panyaga (lunch) of kanon (cooked rice), isda (fish), utanon (vegetables), fried saging (banana) and tubig (water). Meet my host Nana Lola. Lakat (walk) down the dalan (street) with me as I join my migas (friends) Manny, Louie and Popeye to drink tuba (fermented coconut milk). And learn how I got my nickname, “Puti Iboy.”

heyjoe

Q) Could you tell me about your writing process? How does it work for you? Late nights? Early mornings? Music? Silence? What gets you into the creative groove you need as a literary creator?

A) I write new material in the morning when all is quiet. Then I play piano or draw on my iPad to clear my head. Then I do some editing in the afternoon. Late at night is when I reflect on what I have written and generate new ideas.

Once I get on a roll, I find it hard to stop. I can go and go and go. Of course, I am retired which makes it easier to devote the time to writing.

It takes about a week to complete a longer poem. First, I draft it in free verse and then flesh it out. Usually, I let it sit for a few days before going back to polish it off.

Q) Let’s talk about sales and promotion. How do you promote your work and how are you finding sales?

A) I use the social service capabilities of the Internet. I started simply with my own blog, Twitter, Facebook and user forums. I use WordPress for my blog. There is a learning curve, but it isn’t that difficult. I am now exploring GoodReads, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

It takes time to build a following, so I remain patient and hopeful. My books have appeared on a variety of on-line book promotions sites.

Hey Joe and Shaker Lane were first published under Amazon’s KDP program which locks you in exclusively for a period of ninety days. In mid-March that ends, and they will both be made available for Nook, Apple, Kobo and Smashwords. Both of these are having new covers designed by an artist. Shaker Lane is completed and was reissued as an e-book and now as a paperback. Once my artist finishes the new cover, Hey, Joe will be reissued as an e-book and published as a paperback.

I also published two books of children’s poetry. Mr. McSnipper is currently available as a paperback and for all the major eReaders: Kindle, Nook, Apple Kobo and also in other formats with Smashwords. AlphaAnimals is on Kindle for now and will soon be available from all other sources as well.

Sales have been disappointing, but to be fair, my earliest book was published less than three months ago. Naturally, when I give them away for free as a promotion, I experienced great success. Plus, Peace Corps memoirs and poetry are not exactly the hottest selling items in the world of eBooks.

I find the most difficult part of selling or giving away promotional copies is to find readers who understand the importance of writing a review on-line – hopefully somewhere between “okay” and “excellent”. Reviews drive sales – and the combination drives your book’s rating which draws it to the attention of other potential buyers.

Without reviews, a book doesn’t even get noticed. There are nearly TWO MILLION eBooks on Amazon! It isn’t that people don’t want to buy your book, they never even see it in the mass of what is out there. So if you read any book you buy on-line, mine or any other author’s, please take the time to review it. It doesn’t take long. Just a few short sentences are fine and you really help out the author.

shaker lane

Q) Would you say that the process of becoming a publishing author or poet is worth the effort?

A) It provides satisfaction, and you can make some money at it. Apparently very few Indie authors get rich. I didn’t get into it for the money, but a little more would be nice LOL!

Q) Tell me about your new book “Mr. McSnipper and Other Verses”. Is this one your best to date?

A) I would say that Shaker Lane was my best effort followed by Hey Joe. Mr. McSnipper and AlphaAnimals were fun illustrated books I wrote for children. My niece commented that she had a hard time finding books for her young daughter, so I wrote one … and then two.

Mr. McSnipper started as a drawing on my iPad. I created a hermit who has a somewhat wolf-like appearance. As I worked on the drawing, I began seeing him as a poem. From there the poem changed the drawing and the image improved the poem. The end result was McSnip who has a fat tummy, pale skin, jet black hair, hairy bare feet and wears a shirt that is too tight, pants with patches on patches, a speckled green scarf and a tall tipsy hat. I had fun! Here’s the opening stanza:

 

In a land far away known as Spoonsipper

Was a small village by river Stoneskipper

There in twelve minutes or possibly quicker

Stood tumbledown shack of Mr. McSnipper

 

Other poems in the collection include There’s a Troll on My Couch, Silly Sally, Little Pete (my African Gray parrot) and Stanley the Little Blue Ant who teaches about discrimination and the loneliness of being an outcast due to your color.

Of course, being a former teacher, both of my children’s books have an educational slant. Mr. McSnipper teaches children how to read a poem – the meter and rhyme. All of the major silly poems are also turned into limericks and sonnets to show children the various poetic forms they can use to express their ideas. There is a section toward the end where I show how to write a poem from scratch – starting with an idea in free verse all the way though a complete rhyming poem.

AlphaAnimals teaches about various animals. It also has tongue twisters. One section has a tongue twister for every letter of the alphabet and EVERY word in each tongue twister starts with the same letter. Don’t think that wasn’t tough to do. For instance:

 

Two talking tigers told ten tall tales,

Twenty tall tales two talking tigers told.

Try saying that three times fast.

Q) If you could have written any book from any time period– which would you have chosen?

A) I already did. My childhood and youth in Shaker Lane and my time in the Peace Corps in Hey Joe.

Q) What is next for you? Another book? Another project?

A) My next effort will be to tackle writing short stories with the eventual goal of doing a novel. At this point in time, I am developing story plots in two categories: SciFi and Detective/Mystery. These are both genres I enjoy reading myself, so they are a natural place to begin.

I plan to write another children’s book of verses and short stories similar to AlphaAnimals.

Q) If you were a reader and you were checking out the work of Robert Nicholas– which of your books would you suggest to yourself as your first foray into your work?

A) Tough one. My personal favorite is Shaker Lane. If a reader is not as interested in poetry, then go with Hey Joe. I urge readers not to avoid it simply because it is poetry. As I mentioned earlier, I write my poems to be easy to read. There are no obscure references to Greek gods, muses, nymphs, battles, unknown historical figures, etc. If you can read, you will understand and enjoy my poems.

The poems in this collection are woven into a unified story, an odyssey. It has a magical, inspirational feel to it – a range from joy to sorrow. It is an adult myth – a novel told in verse. It should appeal to adults, young adults and teens. It is not for young children.

Shaker Lane is my childhood friend beneath my feet. Does the lane exist as an “entity”?  Does it actually talk to me? Am I only hearing other people speak, and believe it to be the lane?  Is it merely my own thoughts? Or is it a child’s overactive imagination?  What power does the pebble I find there hold over me? What does the old woman in the green-shingled house know?  What mystery awaits me at the end of Shaker Lane?

It was reviewed by Jim Bennett who is a member of the Kindle Book Review Team. I was really thrilled when he gave it a four-star rating. Here is part of his review.

“In the introduction, the stage is set and you will be hooked. The boy, the pebble, and the lane interact. You will not come away from this book unmoved…. a touching volume.”

Q) Thank you for your time, Mr. Nicholas. I hope we can interview again sometime. I found this to be utterly fascinating.

A) That would be nice. Thanks for inviting me.

Make sure to check out Robert’s website here for more information and links to all his literary works!

 

Links For The Literary Work of Robert Nicholas:

 

Shaker Lane

Kindle $3.99                           http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQ4BYWI

Paperback at CreateSpace ($9.99)      http://tiny.cc/pdsvsw

Paperback at Amazon  ($9.99)       http://tiny.cc/pdsvsw

 

Hey Joe

Kindle $3.99               http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AI7ES80

 

AlphaAnimals

Kindle 99cents ($3.99)   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BB0ANYQ

 

Mr. McSnipper

Paperback at CreateSpace $14.99       https://www.createspace.com/4163395

Paperback at Amazon $14.99 http://www.amazon.com/dp/1482384779

Kindle $3.99   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZOA858

Nook $3.99                 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1114122190?ean=9781482384772

Kobo $3.99     http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Mr-McSnipper-and-Other-Verses/book-QVrFRDf7O0aaSlYFizepgg/page1.html?s=By1ldgSY3USyQUQtRVA9jA&r=1

Smashwords $3.99       http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/274054

Apple $3.99     (You have to go into iBooks, Store then search for book)

 

Feb 25

George Vega: Trading Cards, CBS News, Publishing and a Moment with Nick Wale

“How crazy is it that CBS News does a story on my instructor and interviews me? Crazy cosmic stuff!” George Vega exclaimed, as we sat down for our third interview. I had seen the news interview myself and I knew it had been a huge milestone in a career already littered with the golden stones of success. Crazy cosmic stuff, indeed? This interview was to be our third, but I had to just ask. “You were on TV, George?” I said playfully, already knowing he had made a spectacular debut on CBS news. George cottoned on and toned it down. “The footage is on my Facebook page.” I had already seen the footage, but I couldn’t help playing along, acting as naively as possible…

Geor 

Q) What was the TV interview for, George? Were they showcasing your illustrations?

A) My martial arts instructor was asked to possibly show his classes for CBS to do the report. Instead, he did the smart thing and had those who can participate in kind of a demonstration. We demonstrated traditional and Wushu.

After I did a small demonstration of sword and open hands, the producer wanted me to be interviewed. I was not expecting an interview, but sadly, much was cut out as far as the demonstration goes. I guess it ended up “on the cutting room floor.”

Q) You must have impressed some news producer somewhere along the line?

A) I suppose I did. He actually used to train in King Fu but due to health reasons had to stop.

Q) Can you explain to readers what “traditional” and “wushu” are?

A) Well, let me try to simplify it. Traditional are most styles that originated hundreds of years ago and there are many styles.

Wushu is the SPORT version of that organized by the Chinese government. They put together a committee of master and well-known practitioners to standardize the forms and movements. They even created Compulsory forms as well.

There are a few subcategories, but the main two are Northern Hand and Southern Hand. Northern has high flying kicks and jumps, while southern has powerful low stances and intricate hand techniques.

And there are weapons categories, of course, like Broad Sword, Double Edge Sword, Staff and Spear. These are just some of the major ones there are more three section staff and Tiger Hook Swords. I can go on and on. I am just simplifying it, as I said.

Q) You must really love kung fu– have you ever used it in a real life situation?

A) Sadly, yes, but they were brief encounters.

Q) An illustrated Kung Fu guide might be a good project for Vegamationpress! Have you considered it?

A) That would be fun!

Q) We should get back to talking about your work within the publishing world. What is your current project?

A) Well, there are a few in line. Right after this interview I will probably finish my Sketch card set for Cult-Stuff, H. G. Wells, War of the Worlds. I wish I could show you but I need approval first. I have just been contacted about an exciting project! Joseph Michael Linsner’s Dawn cards. Breygent is the company releasing it and I am one of the artists working on this card set. I’m very excited to work on the character– lots to have fun with. She’s not super popular but she has a cult following. Joe Linsner’s art is amazing so I understand why. Dawn is the character and Linsner is the creator.

Q) I thought the trading card fad was over? Is it still a strong market?

A) It’s no longer just a market for sports. It has grown into a huge industry! The collectors want these sets since they always have a sketch card in it. So if you buy a set, you get an actual sketch card from an artist. The space set I worked on was sold out before the artist even finished the artwork.

Q) I have to ask– do you ever see your own trading cards on eBay or other auction sites?

A) Yes actually. Just the other day I saw one. They might ask for what seems like a lot of money but I know I work hard on them. If no one buys it I guess the seller might start hating me! Please go buy it, someone!

Big ben

Q) Have you ever placed a bid on one of your own cards?

A) Not if the price is too high! That sounds cocky… Sometimes I might buy a base card or something I really enjoyed working on.

Q) How do you find these jobs? Do you have to approach people or do they come to you with projects in mind?

A) I found them or made initial contact. At that point they send me a solicitation and I sign on. I am always sending out my artwork via link or an e-mail with samples. You have to shake the bushes to find the work!

Q) That’s how I find many of the writers I interview. In fact.. I found you that way! I think networking is everything in every line of work. Would you agree?

A) I agree! That is so important. After high school you have to drop the “I’m too cool, EMO act” because you want a career, don’t you? It is hard getting told no but the word “NO” never killed anyone…unless you’re one of those guys from DUNE! OMG, will anyone know what I’m talking about?

Q) I had a question from a reader for you. Where do you get the inspiration for your work?

A) It depends on the work. Assignments are different from personal work. For example, the sketch series I’m doing now– I simply try to PUSH design and have fun with it. With assignments, it’s different. I process them in my head, possibly all day.

Q) Would you say you are at the top level of illustration or are there better guys?

A) There are guys who are total beasts! But they get great exposure. I have designs and ideas that will twist your thinking since I love playing with normal vs. abnormal.

Q) Many artists lose touch with themselves and find themselves on a downward slope. Has this ever happened to you? Has there ever been a time when you couldn’t rely on your talent?

A) Well, I did lose my Illustration side for a few years but that was because I was running a business and just focusing on Graphic Design.

I joined DeviantART to try to upload a sketch or two once in a while, then it became once a week and it grew to full blown illustrations.

Q) I have been asked by many people– where is the money in art and literature? Do you have any answers?
A) Entertainment!!!! I’m generalizing on purpose. You have to find it everywhere. There is small money to be made, big money and money you have to chase.

I think the industries that pay best are Video Games and concept work for movies, wIthout having 3D modelling knowledge.

Q) Have you ever tried your hand in the video games sector?

A) Yes, I have sent artwork out. I guess something may happen soon. Previously, I received no response; now, finally, I hear, “Hey, I have seen your work before…” Same thing with some comic editors out there, but I’m waiting in a long line and hoping for my number to come up. I have worked hard to just have a chance to be in the line.

Q) George, what was the biggest break of your career?

A) It was working on a Fan Comic. Transformers: The Lost Seasons. The exposure led to many e-mails and internet groups that I networked with.

Q) Thanks for your time, George!

A) No problem, Nick!

Vega

Catch George’s other interviews here and here!

Feb 22

“The Dark Communion” Has Arrived! Nick Wale Chats to Author Joey Ruff

Joey Ruff is new to the world of publishing, but an old hand at the world of writing. I recently met Joey and wanted to know more about his work. He explained that he had written a book called Synder which was the first book in a planned series of ten. The book had sold moderately well and he had released the sequel The Dark Communion mid-February. Now, I started wondering what this book was about. Joey explained that it was a monster story, a horror, but with a twist. Anyway, I will let Joey explain about the book. I think his interview might just fascinate you enough to go buy it!

Joey Ruff

Q) Nice to meet you, Joey! I have to ask, why did you become an author?

A) I’ve always wanted to write. I remember in third grade, I would write my own “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, the kind where you have to flip to different pages and nearly always die by falling rocks or poisonous bees (laughs). Those were fun! So, after that, I wrote stories about my friends.

In ninth grade, I wrote a short story on assignment and I remember my English teacher (who was named Dick Bushy–no joke) gave me a perfect score and commented on how visual it was, how he could see everything I described. I’ve been writing ever since. I guess I should add that writing’s the only thing I ever wanted to do. I got my English major in college and a minor in writing. I was so addicted I would write in the middle of my classes!

Q) It’s been your passion for a long time then! Let me ask you, how do you write and what is the process for you? Is it a long process? Do you like to write to music?

A) Little stolen moments here and there. I always get the best inspiration when I’m in the most inconvenient place to write anything down: driving, in the shower, etc. When I worked at Burger King in college, I would be on the line making Whoppers and I would get flashes of inspiration and write with a grease pen on a Whopper wrapper. But when I sat down and decided to hammer out the first book, I did it mostly on lunches and breaks at the office (my previous job). I wore headphones and listened to heavy rock. I’m not sure why, but with the first book, I listened almost exclusively to Breaking Benjamin. I think it really helped set the mood and the tone of the overall story. With the second book, I listened to a lot of Incubus. The tone of that book, at least to me, isn’t as dark as the first.

Q) Did the music help you to set a tone or theme for a book? Darker music for a darker book, so to speak? Many writers tell me me that they often channel the feelings evoked by music, so many of them prefer to write in silence.

A) I don’t know if it came across that way, but in my mind, that’s what I feel like. In chapter 8 of The Dark Communion, the main character, Swyftt, is driving home at night and it’s starting to rain. He begins to reflect on his past…his wife, his daughter. That scene came from a song called Weight of the World by Blue October. I was struck by the emotion in the song, and I wanted to capture the desperation. In the song, at the end, the singer whispers, “Let’s go. Let’s really, really go,” and I thought that line had a story behind it. So I was able to take the emotion in that song and translate it into a scene in my book and to this day, it’s a scene that I can’t read without tearing up. However, music’s just one of the many places I draw inspiration.

Q) Swyftt is an interesting character. Tell me about him– how did the character come to you?

A) Most days, I’m not sure. (laughs) I wanted a character that felt real. Given the life that a character like that would lead, the isolation of doing a job like that… hunting monsters! It’s not a job for just anyone, and so I wanted a character that would be drawn to it believably. He’s a character with a lot of pain, a lot of demons in his past; and also, he’s a character that’s been running from God, literally, for twenty years. I was raised my entire life in church. I’ve had my ups and downs in my faith, and I always found that on my downs, at my lowest points, I was a person that I didn’t like to be around. I was selfish, I was rude, I felt like that needed to come out in Swyftt. You know people tend to ask me if Swyftt is based on me.

Q) Yes, I was going to ask about that…

A) Honestly, I do see a bit of myself in him. If I were in a place that I could really let myself go and not care about societal restrictions and what other people thought about me, then sure. I’d say maybe he’s the ‘me’ that I could be if I let myself go to a certain degree; and certainly, if he has any redeeming qualities, maybe I’ll claim those. But as a husband and father, my priorities are vastly different than Swyftt’s. I could never afford to be too much like him. Though writing him originally — finding his voice — was quite difficult and very taxing on me, there were times when I was writing the first book that I was nearly depressed at times.

Q) You were depressed? You really felt the character’s pain and grief. How did that affect your real life?

A) I was very short-tempered even hours after I’d stopped writing. I just tried to put myself so much into his mindset, figure out who he was as a character, it was almost like acting. However, with the second book, I had a better grasp of who he was that it didn’t require as much of me.

Q) In my review of The Dark Communion, I tried to put a lot of emphasis on how action-packed this book is. Did you consciously set out to write a blockbuster of a book, and the emotional stuff just crept in? Or did you set out to write a book that dealt with both? Was it always the plan to write a character as dark as Jono Swyfft?

A) I set out to write action. I wanted to create and write about monsters. I’ve always been a big fan of the concept of horror movies, always been drawn to the supernatural, but I’ve always been disappointed by horror movies. They always have the same two plots: either a bunch of kids wronged someone who’s coming back for revenge against them, or a bunch of kids unleashed an evil and have to seal it away before it kills them all. I wanted to write–not necessarily horror–but monsters with a plot. I’ve been a big fan of the TV show Supernatural so I allowed myself to be influenced by that to some degree. The show always did a really good job at telling an old story with a new twist. and that’s one thing I really tried hard to do– give all these familiar monsters a unique spin.

darkcommunion

Q) Have you always been so interested in monsters and mythology? Has that always been a big thing for you?

A) I’ve been a fan of mythology as long as I can remember! I’ve always been fascinated with the way that varying cultures had such similar ideas: a vampiric creature, shapeshifting, the gods mating with humanity to create weird races, numerous accounts of bigfoot creatures. I did research into Ley Lines, found that same idea echoed in Asia as Dragon currents, found it again in Australia as Song lines. I got to thinking that if all these ideas were so similar, despite the barriers separating ancient civilizations, then maybe they were all based on some kind of truth, some actual event or creature. Growing up in the church, I found a very Christian way of explaining it. CS Lewis wrote, “I believe in Christianity like I believe in the sun. Not because I see it, but because by it, I see everything else.” So I created a very Christian-based world of monsters, and then I created the most unchristian character I could think of and let him loose to play in it. Since the threat was so real and so high, the action had to be, too; and the character became dark as a byproduct of his upbringing, experience and environment.

Q) Your character has an addiction to firearms. Has that always been an interest of yours or is it something you’ve only just recently become interested in?

A) It’s an interest now. I wasn’t a big gun guy before writing the book. I did my research. I spent a lot of time — many hours — just searching gun sites trying to figure out the best weapons to use, what made the most logical sense. I came across the TP-82 pistol on accident, and it changed everything. Swyftt calls that gun Grace. It’s his sweetheart. Like Tupac, Jono thinks of his gun as his girlfriend and has sexy ways to describe her and the gun made sense. It’s a combination rifle with three barrels: two shotgun barrels on the top and a rifle barrel below. Did you know it was originally used by Soviet cosmonauts upon reentry? When their spacecraft would land in the middle of nowhere and they’d have to worry about not getting attacked and eaten by bears or wolves until rescuers came.

Q) You have written Swyftt as a man who uses knowledge as his biggest weapon. The right ammo to get the job done is a big part of his edge over the monsters. Did you have to research ammo? Research the way the guns felt, kicked?

A) I did research into the various shotgun rounds he uses, also. I couldn’t believe that they actually existed. He uses bolo rounds and flares. In Book 2, he uses the dragon’s breath shells that basically turn his gun into a flame thrower for a few intense seconds. As I wrote, I also learned that a buddy of mine WAS a gun guy. He had some of the guns I was writing about, so we went out shooting a few times to the range. He gave me the hands-on approach, which is something you can’t get from normal research– how it sounds, how it kicks, etc.

Q) As a result of the book, have you personally bought any weapons?

A) Not yet. My wife said we needed a gun safe before I could buy any guns, and she just got me one this past Christmas.

I definitely have a list of guns I’ll be purchasing…hopefully with the royalties from book sales.

Q) Let’s talk about sales. So far you’ve had strong sales, correct? How do you promote your work?

A) I’ve been pleased with the sales, but I’m not sure I’d consider them strong. They could always been stronger. I’ve been using social media almost exclusively. A neighbor told me Twitter would be instrumental, so I created a handle on there (@ruffwriter4), linked up with some book reviewers, and got my book on their waiting lists for review. My brother’s been my biggest fan, and I know he’s been pushing it as much as he can get with word-of-mouth. He’s sold at least four copies himself. I use Facebook. I’ve created a blog.Yet, I’ve only been actively doing this for a month or so, and I have to keep reminding myself that and not expecting too much! Yet!

Q) What do you feel works for you promotion wise? Where do you see results?

A) Talking one-on-one to people. My wife is in sales and is always hosting parties for her clients. On Valentine’s Day she hosted one, and I got to mingle with people I’d never met and spark interest in the book. I’ve also had cards printed to use for promotion. On one side, it’s the cover of the novel saying “available on Amazon” and on the back, it’s Swyftt’s business card as described in the book. I pass that out to people I meet, leave it with the tip at restaurants, etc.

Q) So you believe promotion is an investment, too?

A) I believe in the book. I believe the book will sell itself, but it’s my job to get word of the book out there. I think that if nobody knows your book exists, nobody will buy it, regardless how good it is. In my opinion, it would be stupid of me not to invest, at least a little.

I don’t have a ton of money to throw at it, because we’re working to pay off debts, but I’ve decided to invest all of the initial royalty payments back into the book to help get it further recognized and generate more sales.

Q) Well, I have to say I enjoyed The Dark Communion immensely, and I wish you the best of luck with it!

A) Thank you, Nick!

 

I can’t wait for the next installment! I hope you all enjoyed the time Joey and I shared! We had a great time just talking about the mechanics of a book. Every writer will tell you that one of the most interesting elements of writing a book is the research! Find Joey on Twitter, Facebook, JoeyRuff.com, or email him at ruffwriter4 (@) gmail.com.

 

Feb 22

Harvard University Success Story Darrell Bennett Speaks

Mr. Darrell Bennett is one of my favourite people in the world of books. He is cool, educated, a guy who really tries to help those coming up behind him in education. Darrell runs a publishing company, he’s a lawyer, lecturer, a youth worker and a role model for many kids growing up in the USA. I asked him before Christmas to write a short article for Novel Ideas. I believe he deserves an audience in Europe. So here he is, my buddy Darrell from New York, talking to you directly from the heart…

Darrell Bennett

Special thanks to Nick for allowing me the opportunity to share with you all the release of my newest book for students and young adults, THE POWER TO THINK, THE WILL TO ACT! As a college educator, I specifically designed this book to help people take tangible steps to make their dreams a reality.

In THE POWER TO THINK, THE WILL TO ACT, I talk about the depression that started during my time at Harvard, about the massive failures in my first year in business for myself, about how my grandmother died the weekend before I was supposed to start my first job as an adjunct college lecturer. This book is about how I used the adversity in my life to my advantage and found my purpose in my deepest pain—and how you can too!

darrellbennett

This is precisely the motivation that people need, especially now!  You will learn practical strategies on how to discover your purpose and begin living the life you want today.

(THE POWER TO THINK, THE WILL TO ACT is available on www.DarrellBennett.com and the e-book is available on the Kindle and the NOOK.)

Feb 21

“I’m going to help the kids…” says Happiness Guru Patrick McMillan

pat

Law of Attraction guru Patrick McMillan sat across from me. I was on a new assignment– I was going to interview a pioneer. Patrick McMillan comes from a broken home. He had an overbearing father and an alcoholic mother. Through his life, he has worked in Hollywood, brushed shoulders with the rich and famous of Los Angeles, traveled widely, and now he has found his true calling. He is a published self-help consultant. His mission is to spread the word of the Law of Attraction specifically to children to give kids the tools to bring positivity to their lives.

Sipping his coffee with a smile, he explained about his parents. “She was a mean drunk and he was overbearing. I took it until I was fifteen and then I left.” Thinking back to those far off days, he continued, “I was homeless for some time, but I stayed positive and soon I found myself faced with opportunities galore.”

As we sat in a coffee shop, I wondered out loud why he had written a book. “I just wanted to help all those kids that are like I was. I wanted to help kids and parents bond together. This was something I never had.” Patrick is a guy who has a natural affinity for kids and he identifies with parents. His own two sons have already benefited from his teachings. “I taught my kids first and then their teacher came to me and asked me to teach the whole class– I was surprised!”

Patrick then sought out experts in the self-help field. This led to him being recognized and applauded by the community for his written work and tutorials. He explained, “Well, it just snowballed! One day I was teaching my own kids and the next I was meeting with parents, children and classes.”

I asked him what he actually does. “I want kids to be positive, to realize how they think and feel about things manifests into reality; I use techniques and workshops to get them to pro-actively change their behaviour. Parents and children are able to bond with my help and that makes the connection stronger. It’s quite a beautiful thing.” I sipped my own coffee thinking about my own experiences with the Law of Attraction. I have always believed in it and I think a positive outlook CAN influence your life in a very profound way. “I think we all have the makings to do great things, Nick.” Patrick said seriously. “Why should a kid feel inadequate, sad, unloved, and confused? Why should a kid fall into bad patterns because he or she simply doesn’t know any better and doesn’t have the toolbox to deal with life?” Well, what can I say to that?

Living in Colorado, Patrick spends much of his time counseling kids. He teaches Happiness and he lives happily. I believe that he has a great new concept– catching kids before they learn bad habits– teaching them critical skills to learn how to be happy. “Positive behaviour is what all parents expect from their kids. Not all achieve it, but with my help, children can gain the tools to make themselves happy,” he explained, as he took another sip of coffee. I asked him, “What makes kids stressed?” He shot me a serious glance. “Society. Society has put more stress on our kids than ever before. It is my dream to help them throw off the shackles of society and dream to achieve.”

“Childhood depression has reached an all-time high– never has it been higher,” he explained. “Why should we stand by and allow our kids to be depressed? Why should weight, size, looks, or not having the latest shoes be such a big deal? Why should kids be bullied and made to feel small? Why aren’t kids more accepting?” I had no answer. “The reason,” Patrick explained, “is simple. We do not give our kids the tools to cope and they falter. They become bullies or the bullied because they cannot allow themselves to be accepting or accepted.”

Patrick conducts coaching sessions from anywhere. He interacts daily with clients over Skype and he also meets in person. He works with kids to solve behavioural issues, self-esteem problems, depression, and bullying. He is currently working on a new book, and his last book, Discover Your Happiness: A Guide Just for Kids, has been one of the benchmark books pioneering Law of Attraction teaching specifically for children. He comes highly recommended and, without a doubt, he’s a mover. The families he has helped have proven his theory. He left me with one sentence: “I am determined to do everything I can to help them, Nick.”

See my previous interview with Patrick here.

Contact Patrick at powerfulhappiness (@) gmail.com for details of appointments.

 

Feb 20

‘So, We’re Living Here in Allentown…’ Nick Wale Interviews Author Michael Phoenix

Michael Phoenix is unemployed in Allentown, PA. Allentown has a reputation for being one of those cities caught in a web of unemployment– a victim of the demise of Bethlehem Steel. I asked Michael about the city of his choice and he doesn’t seem to be too worried. Allentown is going through a re-birth, a brand new start, and so is Michael– from homeless and unemployed to journalist. They are both true Rising Phoenixes. It was a pleasure to interview a man so talented and hard-working. I present Mr. Michael Phoenix to you– author, journalist and self made man…

Michael Phoenix

Q) Hey, Mike!  Let’s start with the easy one! Tell me all about Michael Phoenix.

A) He’s a writer who is slowly making a name. Someone who has been through the worst he could experience. Survived it. Restarted from ground zero.

Q) Right from the beginning? So what were these experiences that shaped you?

A) The death of my wife. It changed me to the core. Everything I believed was gone. Being attacked in a hotel room. Living on the street for eight nights.

Q) I am sorry to hear that, Mike. What was the most important thing you learnt from those experiences?

A) I learned that as long as you do not give up, you can survive anything. When one thing ends, something else begins. If I had not gone through those experiences, my book A Dream in the Night would not have been finished. The idea and first draft were finished. The final version and second edition were not. I just sat down and finished it.

dreaminthenight

Q) Had you always wanted to pursue a career in writing? If so, when did that start?

A) I think it was second grade. It was the first thing I remember. I got an A for a Haiku poem. Then, when I was14, a friend died. Writing became an outlet for my emotions.

Q) Would you say that it helped you overcome your grief?

A) Yes. It became a way of dealing with the emotions I could not express openly at the time. I still use it as an outlet. Part of it evolved to trying to help people out and making a difference.

Q) You live in Allentown, PA, one of the cities hit hardest by the end of industry. Do you help out your community?

A) Financially, I cannot do it right now. I try to do it through my writing.

Q) Tell me about your writing– how do you write? Late at night? With music? What’s your writing style?

A) My writing style is freestyle. The ideas hit me at unusual times. Sometimes at night, when I am out, etc. Music– I have always loved it, but never had the natural talent. I do want to learn it in the next two years.

Q) Is there a book inside you that you haven’t written yet but badly want to get out and onto paper?

A) Actually a few. One is a series revolving around ancient artifacts. The other is continuing the story of wraith in the night.

Q) You mentioned your book A Dream in the Night earlier. What is it about?

A) Basically, it’s an auto-biography. What I experienced. Hopefully, it can give others hope. It deals with being alone. Death. Surviving the teenage years. Looking at life from dusk to dawn.

Q) Has living in Allentown shaped you at all? You told me once the Billy Joel song wasn’t accurate– is it actually a nice place to live?

A) Living in Allentown has had an impact. Coming back to the area after eight years, I see it with fresh eyes. Like every other city, there are good and bad sections. The Billy Joel song is dated.

Q) Well you choose to live there, correct?

A) Yes. There is a lot to do in different areas, lots of interests. I just cannot get used to the cold (laughing)! Allentown is going through a sort of re-birth. Several old buildings are being replaced with more modern ones. The city government is building an arena and waterfront.

Q) Do you feel that it will change the image of the city? What are your feelings on this ‘re-birth‘?

A) I give them credit for trying. I just do not know if it will work. Time will tell.

Q) So why did you agree to an interview with me, Mike?

A) I looked at your site. You are very professional and neutral. That’s something I respect. I am very serious.

Q) Well, thank you for your time, and I believe you have a great future ahead of you.

A) Thanks, Nick.

 

Mike doesn’t say a lot. He chooses his words carefully. I think you will agree, however, he makes his point. Words so easily wasted and I think Mike knows that as a journalist he can’t afford to waste a single letter.