The Interview - Mr. Lucky

How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.

I needed to write this book.

So far, 2 vanity offers from publishers who said "You definitely have a strong voice...! What I didn't have was £4000!

So far, only on Amazon.

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

Me. Of course!

Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?

Organically. In this case, the prose was narrative so I just began at the beginning.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

Rosie Thomas, Carole Shields...too many to mention...

Tell us what you enjoy most about writing [genre].

Having a product I am proud of.

What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?

It is a large book and was painful to write - compelling myself to tell my truth.

Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?

I AM the main character!

Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

matter how shit things are, they can turn out OK....
No matter how shit things are, they can turn out OK....

Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?

Yes. No matter how bad it seems...there is always hope. I AM Mr. Lucky!

As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?

'Self - indulgent'. Countered by " Its an autobiography!

The many Amazon reviews tell the other side of the story....https://www.mrlucky1956.com/what-folks-have-said

Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?

Be kind to yourself, and be patient

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

The one dealing with my HIV diagnosis...

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

Not really, just overload. SO much information to process and put into order.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Read, think and imagine the future!

Was there anything you had to research for the book?

No - all from my memory...

Did you have any say in the cover design?

Yes. I designed it. A lucky 4 leaf clover, just slightly off centre!

What are you reading right now?

PIGS IN THE SKY, by Barbara Kingsolver.

What can we anticipate from you moving forward?

I want the book read, in the hope of their enjoyment but also that it may save just one life. It it does, then my work is done.

Do you have any movie or tv adaptations in the works?

I have adapted the large majority of it in to 3 screenplays, and am currently looking for an agent or a producer...

Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?

No, I didn't. I wanted to be an actor - and still do!

How long did it take you to write this book?

THREE YEARS!!

Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?

At home, at my desk.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?

Usually , and anything that suits the mood....Renaissance polyphony is very soothing.

What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?

I watch TV play guitar and write screenplays!

Are any of the characters in your book based on people in your real life? If so, can you tell us more about that process and how it influenced your writing?

They all are! It was hard to be honest about them.

Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?

Absolutely!! The main character is ME! My memoir....one like you've never read before!