ISBN: 0741423936

The following interview was conducted by: NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures. CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews

To read Norm's Review of The Newspaper Boy CLICK HERE

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Leon Newton, author of The Newspaper Boy.

Good day Leon and that you for agreeing to participate in our interview.

Norm:

Please tell our readers a little bit about your personal and professional background.

Leon:

I am a storyteller and like to write books, by the means of plays, short stories, novels, screenplays and scholarly material. One of my books The Village Poet and Collection of Writings has two plays and two short stories. One of the short stories is entitled “The Newspaper Boy”, which later developed into a novel. One of my fore coming books is Global Terrorism to be published by National Social Science Press in 2006.

I am a Professor of Political Science. My research area of topic is in International Affairs.

Norm:

When did your passion for writing begin? What kept you going?

Leon:

My passion for writing started when I was about nine years old. I wrote short plays and stories. I explain most of my development into a creative artist in my book The Village Poet and Collection of Writings in a “Letter to my Readers”. It is autobiographical and discusses my development into a creative literary artist, not by choice but in the interest of sanity. My development into creative literary artist was like a spiritual experience. I discuss more in my book The Village Poet and Collection of Writings.

What kept me going was the faith in the reading public and that if they would read my books they would understand. I am compelled to write and be a good storyteller. I write to appeal to the spirit and the goodness of life.

Norm:

What inspired you to write this book?

Leon:

I was inspired to write “The Newspaper Boy” because I wanted to appeal to man’s humanity and their fellow men. I wanted to demonstrate that respect and that human kindness is still possible in a world of bigotry.

Norm:

Your novel has a broader mission than simply entertaining or storytelling. Can you talk more about that mission and what you hope readers will take away from reading the book?

Leon:

I hope readers will understand that we as humans can choose to be kind and respect other people’s humanity. We are more alike then different among humankind. We as humans must not be held hostage to our post and by helping others we help ourselves.

Norm:

What kind of research did you do to write this book? Did you have anyone edit your book?

Leon:

Yes, I did some research on Irish history and the Irish immigrants in America. Yes I did have someone to edit, but I discovered a few printing errors after book was published.

Norm:

Have you personally been subjected to bigotry and if so, how did you react?

Leon:

Yes, but I would not allow the negative experience to affect me and my view of respecting the humanity of others.

Norm:

I understand from reading a recent article on the Internet that some individuals question why you have a Jewish man befriend a poor Irish lad and help him achieve his American Dream. How do you respond to these people?

Leon:

In my novel, Mr. Goldstein befriends Eric not out of charity, but rather Eric’s strength of character and sense of fairness towards others in life that is rare these days. These are the qualities good men and women are developed from and become strong leaders with a sense of convictions of justice and compassion. I say this is rare because most people prefer money, fame, and materialism.

Norm:

As a follow up to the last question, many individuals were surprised to see an African-American write about the Irish. How do you respond to these people?

Leon:

The human condition does not preclude ethnicity.

Norm:

How different do you find writing a novel than writing plays and short stories?

Leon:

I find writing novels harder because my writing talent is more dramatic and less descriptive. I like writing plays, screenplays, and most dramatic material. However, I find descriptive writing fun and challenging.

Norm:

What challenges or obstacles did you encounter while writing your book? How did you overcome these challenges?

Leon:

The challenge is finding the time to write and research Irish Americans because I am a university Professor of Politics and my research time should be spent writing scholarly articles to be published in academic research journals. The next big challenge was trying to get agents and publishers to think “outside the box” with a vision to see the potential of the global book market regarding the Irish, TV, and film rights. Many of my Irish American friends said the book would be received in the U.S.A., Ireland, Canada, England, and where most Irish live in the world. Because, its historical appeal and information about how the Irish immigrants were treated in the U.S.A. upon their arrival. The book has potential for Irish Americans.  I have overcome these challenges by perseverance.

Norm:

Did you have a hard time fleshing out characters initially?

Leon:

No. I did not have a hard time fleshing out characters because the characters told the story. I was only the recorder. For me, the creative process is a mysterious writing exercise that often cannot be explained, such as a recorder and allow the characters in my mind to tell me the story and interact with each other.

Norm:

When you wrote The Newspaper Boy did you have a particular audience in mind?

Leon:

Yes. The general reading public, Irish Americans, the Irish in other countries, and those interested in good storytelling.

Norm:

What would you say is Eric O’Connor’s biggest strength? His greatest weakness?

Leon:

Eric O’Connor’s biggest strength is his caring for others. His weakness is his willingness to trust others too much for fairness.

Norm:

What is the best way for people to get involved in combating racism, bigotry and anti-Semitism?

Leon:

To treat others fairly.

Norm:

What is next on your agenda?

Leon:

A screenplay called a “Day in Life” and a collection of short plays.

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors.