Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Societally unacceptable—with no plans to change!
We’ve published three books in the last year: Butch & Louie’s Book of Stress-Relieving Humor: Feel Better Fast, Butch & Louie’s Book of Poetry, and Butch & Louie’s Book of Odd Short Stories.
The only thing they have in common is us, Butch & Louie. We’re identical twin brothers who do everything together.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest book is Butch & Louie’s Book of Odd Short Stories. Our inspiration was poverty, and we like to write weird stories!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, we only write with words we can spell.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mrs. Blanchard, our tenth grade English teacher, encouraged our study of etymology, which looks at the origin of words and how they’ve changed over time.
One day, she asked us to stay after class to discuss some specific things she thought we could do to improve ourselves. As we were taking notes on everything she said, she used the word incorrigible in a reference to us. We raised our hands and asked her if she could spell that, and maybe use it in sentence to put it into context for us.
She said, “Of course. You two are incorrigible idiots who can’t spell sh*t!” She suggested we hang around for the summer and take a class in etymology, which might help us learn to string two words together that made some kind of sense.
At first, we thought etymology might be a cooking class, but thanks to Mrs. Blanchard, we got our first real lessons in understanding and using words. However, she was wrong about us not being able to spell the word “sh*t.” If she had looked around the school, she would have credited us with using it in several places, both in context and out of context.
Mrs. Blanchard would be surprised to know we overcame being idiots and wrote three books with all the words spelled correctly. Unfortunately, she has dementia now and lives in a home with other people who can’t remember who’s next door. However, we’ve been told that every time our names are mentioned, she gets very animated and needs a few tranquilizers to calm down, so we know she still remembers us. Why wouldn’t she? We’re Butch & Louie.
What are you working on now?
Lately, we’ve been thinking about a plan to spring Mrs. Blanchard from the home and take her for ride. That’s a lot better than taking tranquilizers. But first, we’ve got to adjust our cam chain tensioners. If the cam chain tensioners are too tight, we’ll have inner bearing problems, and then we’ll have to buy hydraulic tension cam plates and won’t be able to take anyone for a ride.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We did a marketing survey of 5000 people who showed signs of being able to read. They said their favorite genre was free books, so we immediately shifted to where the demand is, and now, all Butch & Louie’s books are free. That works for us because we’re not married.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Before becoming a first time author, a prospective writer should get a high paying job where they can make lots and lots of money because they’re going to need it. We suggest the used motorcycle parts business, and if they can get the parts for free, they’ll make even more money when they sell them. That was our funding source for our career as writers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before becoming a first time author, a prospective writer should get a high paying job where they can make lots and lots of money because they’re going to need it.
What are you reading now?
We’re reading the instruction manual for adjusting our cam chain tensioners. Friday is date night! We’ve got to get it done.
What’s next for you as a writer?
We’re just waiting to here from the Pulitizer Board.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
What! No streaming services?