The Interview - RJSWriting

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

I had English and creative writing in college and found myself wanting to write a story. My brother was a field medic in Vietnam, and it was his stories that inspired to me to write my first book Bullets and Bandages. I tried with a publisher at first but al they wanted was for me to buy my own books. As my writing continued, I learned to use the KDP platform and with my editor and cover designer, the stories flowed. I'm thankful to have the knack at writing, it comes naturally to me.

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

Good question, a tough one for me as I have a few good ones, but there is one that stands out now that I think about it. It was the last chapter of Bullets and Bandages: Bond of Brothers. Such a long journey in the Military and at war for Rob. He makes it back home and finds his best friend Clarence did not survive. The ending chapter is Rob's trip down south to visit the gravesite and pay his respects to Clarence's family. I was thrilled after the hard work was over because it worked out to be almost the same ending scene as in the beginning of the story. It all tied together nicely.

Was there anything you had to research for the book?

I would have to say even though I write fiction, research always comes into play. I find it key in making the work as realistic as possible for the readers.

Did you have any say in the cover design?

I picture what I want in the cover, we work together, and my cover lady does her magic.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading a book about the constitution and how it was created. The book also looks at different aspects of the content in detail, very interesting.