Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Michael Merry author of The Golden Altar and his most recent novel The Reluctant Colonel.

Good day Michael and thanks for participating in our interview.

Norm:

In fiction as well as in non-fiction, writers very often take liberties with their material to tell a good story or make a point. But how much is too much?

Michael:

I’ve found that the most unbelievable stories are often 100% true. Years ago I gave up qualifying stories with the words “and that’s the truth” I’ve run across so many strange situations in Latin America that anything at all pertaining to that region would at least be considered, albeit sceptically, by me. I recall when taking my first leave in 1962 my parents just shook their heads in disbelief when I related some of my experiences.  

Norm:

Are the characters in The Reluctant Colonel based on people you know or have encountered or are they strictly fictional? As a follow up, where did you get your information and ideas for the book?

Michael:  

Ah! That would be telling! I lived in Latin America for almost 30 years. I have seen a couple of coups first hand and they are not very pretty. Even the “bloodless” ones are not pristine by any means. Sure, my three main characters contain many of the attributes of people I have known. However, each character is a composite of several people. 

Norm:

How much real-life do you put into your fiction? Is there much “you” in there?

Michael:

Well, I went to Latin America when I was 18 as a Telegraph Instructor so I know the basics about operating systems. I also know, from first-hand experience, that in the pre-computer, Internet days, shutting down communications was imperative for several reasons. Back in the 50’s you couldn’t pick up a telephone and dial a foreign country. At Christmas you would have to book a 3- minute call and pay for it, weeks ahead of the actual date, there were so few facilities.   

Norm:

What obstacles did you have in trying to tell your story?

Michael:

None really. I read a lot about Castro, Roa and Johnson to understand their characters. As far as the coup’s plotters were concerned that was quite easy, having known a few!

Norm:

How did you approach writing the characters of George McGregor, Felipe Fernandez and Daniel Montego? Did you plan them out or did they evolve as you wrote the book? 

Michael:

As I said earlier, they are composites. I’m sure that when some of my friends read the book they might imagine they see themselves in the character. Perhaps they will be right. 

Norm:

Has your environment and/or upbringing influenced your writing?

Michael:

Yes, definitely. I was raised in the UK, went to a very good all boys school and was taught that work ethic was very important. I was also a Catholic and in my home-town we were a rarity. I got used to being an individual and this has probably wormed its way into my writing style.

Norm:

I believe The Reluctant Colonel is your second novel. How did it differ from the writing of your first novel, The Golden Altar?

Michael:

Golden Altar was dreamed up one day when I was out of work and really short of money! I thought to myself ‘How could I get rich very quickly” and up came an idea to steal the fabled Golden Altar in the church of San Jose.

Norm:

What has been your overall experience as a published author? As a follow up, what has your experience been like with self -publishing? Do you recommend it over traditional publishers?

Michael:  

The statistics regarding new books are staggering. It seems everyone and their brother has written a book or has an idea for one. The difficult thing is to sit down and actually write 600+ pages (The Reluctant Colonel) without driving a possible reader round the bend with boredom. I believe that Booksurge helped me a great deal, they were very understanding, and as any new author will know, publishers do not have time to look at new, unknown writers works.  

Norm:

What does a typical writing day look like for you, from waking to turning in at night, and how does it compare to a conventional 9 to 5 job?

Michael:  

I only write when I feel like it. No routine or anything.  It’s always been like that. These days I have more time but it has not affected that rule.  

Norm:

Do you have a local writing community or fellow writers that you look to for support and advice?

Michael:  

No. None at all. Both books were written because I had an idea that I thought would make a good story.

Norm:

Are you working on any books/projects that you would like to share with us? (We would love to hear all about them!)

Michael:  

There will be another one but it’s floating round in my head right now. Be sure that you will definitely be among the first to hear about it.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about you and your books?

Michael:

Well at Amazon for one under the book title. Also typing my name into the Google box will bring up several reviews which contain a small biography.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

Michael:

None. I just wish to thank you for your previous review of Golden Altar and I thank my lucky stars that your name immediately came to mind when seeking reviews for The Reluctant colonel.

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

To read Norm's Review of The Reluctant Colonel CLICK HERE

Click Here To Purchase The Reluctant Colonel