By R. G. Ziemer
1. What message are you hoping people will receive when they read your book? Understanding the past allows us to move freely into the future, without the ghosts of old sins and ancient history. At least that’s one thing I’d like readers to see in the novel.
2. Why did you write this book? First, I had this ghost story on my mind. Then, I wanted to write a book that teenage boys would enjoy, written from a young man’s point of view, and looking at the world the way high school boys might see it.
3. What has been the hardest part of the publishing process? The impossible part for me has been attracting the attention of a literary agent. I invested a lot of time and energy into the quest and received almost no response.
4. What has been the biggest (pleasant) surprise in your publishing journey? The good news is that there are small presses out there that will consider the work of a new author without agent representation. I was pleased to be published by Black Rose Writing out of Texas.
5. Would you write a sequel to your book? Why or why not? I have had a sequel in mind since finishing the first draft. Why not? I’ve created characters that I like and I think they are interesting, the setting is clear and vivid, and the premise has promise for many future ghostly adventures.
6. What author or book has influenced your writing? Modern writers whose work I admire include T.C. Boyle, Annie Proulx, Louise Erdrich.
7. You are stranded on an island with only 3 books. What are their titles? Um, is it cheating to say The Complete Works of William Shakespeare? Okay, let’s keep that one and add two I haven’t read yet: Annie Proulx’ “Barkskins” and “LaRose” by Louise Erdrich.
8. What is your philosophy about rejection? Move on to the next one!
9. Do you have a day job? What is it? I have a small commercial construction company – and I enjoy teaching composition at the nearby community college.
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