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Good day Alfred and thanks for participating in our interview

Norm:

How did you get started in writing? What keeps you going?

Alfred:

First of all, thanks for providing me with the chance to discuss PushBack. After retiring as an engineer I sold real estate for ten years. During my tenth year in real estate, I said to myself, “I don’t need to do this anymore; I’m going to become a writer.” I was 73 years old at the time and there was nothing in my background that prepared me for that decision. Ignorance is truly bliss.

Norm:

I notice you worked in technology as an electrical engineer. How useful was your experience as an electrical engineer in writing PushBack?

Alfred:

It was very useful. While working as an engineer I worked on government projects that required a top secret clearance and in some cases beyond top secret. While in that environment it became obvious to me that maintaining that level of security depended upon the people involved. Lose that trust and anything could happen.

Norm:

PushBack is your second novel. Did you learn anything from your first novel, Finding the Way and did you apply this knowledge to your second novel?

Alfred:

Finding the Way was Historical Fiction, and for me, easier to write and from what I’m learning, easier to read. I wrote and published Finding the Way in a little over two years and took me twice as long to finish PushBack. Of course one learns as one writes. But I learned more while writing PushBack than Finding the Way,  a very different kind of story,

Norm:

Did you know the end of PushBack at the beginning?

Alfred:

Yes I did. The story line did not change from its early conceptual stage until finished, but the way it was told changed dramatically.

Norm:

What was your main focus when you created Jim Reed in PushBack?

Alfred:

During an early draft of the story Jim Reed did not survive past one of the early chapters. That was one of the problems with the story in its early stages. I did not have a well defined protagonist. I finally used Jim Reed to fill that need.  

Norm:

It is said that writers should write what they know. You clearly know something about electronics. Were there any elements of PushBack that forced you to step out of your comfort zone, and if so, how did you approach this part of the writing?

Alfred:

Not because I am an engineer, but because of who I am, I have difficulty putting the drama into dramatic moments, or feelings of warmth or passion into romantic situations. I try to overcome that by writing and rewriting those parts. Gritting my teeth and doing what doesn’t come naturally.

Norm:

Do you agree that to have good drama there must be an emotional charge that usually comes from the individual squaring off against antagonists either out in the world or within himself or herself? If so, please elaborate and how does it fit into PushBack?

Alfred:

We have well defined antagonist where Jim Reed and an organization called the Freedom Legion squares off against the evil CAN party

Norm:

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Alfred:

I am not looking for ideas for a novel. I have a backlog that I may never get through. I have the first and last chapters and name for my next book. Right now I’m bogged down with publicizing PushBack.

Norm:

If you could switch places with a famous author, who would it be and why?

Alfred:

Ernest Hemingway. He was his own person, wrote what he wanted when he wanted to.

Norm:

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

Alfred:

Right now—at Amazon.com in my author page. I have a blog http://pushbackbook.wordpress.com but haven’t had time to get it going.

Norm:

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

Alfred:

This is my first experience with a E-Interview and I have enjoyed it. Thanks Norm; for the opportunity.

Norm:

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

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