Previously posted on November 6, 2017
Q: Why did you decide to write a book?
A: My son Scott told me about NaNoWriMo, the National Novel
Writing Month and I decided to challenge myself to see if I really could write
a novel. I have written lots of short stories and poems over the years, but
never any longer works. (My lone attempt at writing a book resulted in the
unfinished young adult novel that is still waiting on me.) Because I am
retired, I no longer had the excuse of not having the time, so I decided to go
for it and see what happened.
Q: Did you really write the entire novel in one month?
A: I did. It actually came together really well and finished
it by the end of November.
Q: Where did you get the idea for the story?
A: Two big influences were the book (and movie) Somewhere in Time by Richard Matheson
and the TV show The Sopranos. I’ve
always loved stories about time travel and I thought this book was great
because it focused on the story and the people instead of the sci-fi aspects.
Instead of some kind of time machine, you had a character who literally wills
himself back in time through a form of self-hypnosis. From the TV show, I loved
the scenes with the main character sitting across from his therapist, which
gave me the idea for the two main characters, Jack and Dr. Melton. Beyond that,
I think at one time or another most people experience at least some regret over
the past, something that happened or didn’t happen, and wonder how different
things might have been.
Q: How long did it take to get the book ready for
publishing?
A: I spent several months editing and revising, but for the
most part, the book stayed pretty close to its original form. I had some great
suggestions from my beta readers, but most of the changes were adding or
changing very minor details, a sentence here or there, or in one case, changing
a character’s name.
Q: Why did you choose to self-publish?
A: I wanted to get the book out and maintain control over
the process. I didn’t want to go through the whole rejection process and deal
with all of that. I just wanted to make it available and if anyone reads it,
great, and if not that’s okay, too.
Q: Who designed your cover?
A: I did. I ignored all the suggestions that you should
never do your own cover and that you should pay someone to get a professional
design. It’s my book and I understand it better than anyone, so I did it myself
and I think it turned out great.
Q: Any last words?
A: Read the book! And if you like it, tell your friends.
Honestly, I think it’s an interesting story with a positive message and hope
the people who read it will enjoy it.
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