Interview With Author Jack Tymann
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Who am I? I’m the retired President/CEO of Westinghouse International, where I led government relations and business development in 75 countries – before retiring after an exciting 40-year career. In Adam, I bring lessons learned over my lifetime not only in the corporate world, but in politics – and most importantly – a sixty-year love affair that has blessed us with four married children, twelve amazing grandchildren, and our first great-grandson.
I am finally free to pursue a decades-long passion to bring to life the “Dreaming Dreams” trilogy – three 100,000+ word novels of high fantasy inspirational adult fiction. “Adam in Taoland” is my debut published novel.
I’m a guy whose been writing passionately since 7th grade, when I received an award from the New York City Mayor for Best Essay in my age group. I’ve served as Editor in Chief of
newsletters in elementary school, high school, college, the early years of my private sector
career, and in my community. I’ve written hundreds of speeches and presentations and executive summaries. I even wrote and directed a hilarious play while studying at the Harvard Business School. I’ve written several hundred commentaries for Gannett and Scripts, guested on Talk Radio, lectured, and served for 3-years in the US House of Representatives, as Consigliore to my Congressman. I’ve received a BSEE from Manhattan College, completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, and completed studies at INSEAD in Paris and at the Brookings Institute.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have been blessed by an amazing life journey – as husband, father, grandfather, corporate executive, politician, mentor to many, now giving back in church, community, charities, church, politics, and greater society. The many lessons I’ve learned throughout my years — and the amazing people I’ve met along the way – are my inspiration. I expect other authors might give this answer – but my story, and the way I share it, is quite unique.
My three books focus on finding true purpose and the reasons for life amidst the conflicting demands of our times. In a tension-packed era of COVID lockdowns, recession, climate change debates, racial tensions, struggles to succeed in the business world, family strife, and the ever-present debate over individual liberties VS socialist big state control – I hope readers will find “Adam in Taoland” and my “Dreaming Dreams” trilogy uplifting and enlightening – with broad appeal.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Every author will answer this question differently. In my case, I am caregiver to my wife and soulmate of 60 years, who is in late term Alzheimer’s – and I cherish every moment with her. This affects my writing habits. I am supported by family, compassionate caregivers, and medical practitioners – who relieve me of my duties usually from noon until 6pm every day. I head off to a social room in my building or to a public library and isolate myself – do not ever bother me when I’m writing. I also send myself notes on my Iphone throughout all other hours – when inspired by a conversation of film or anything – or by a dream – to be incorporated into my work soon thereafter.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced since early in my life by the great authors of Fantasy Fiction. My story is a bit different from the others though. I haven’t discovered any novel written about the conflicting worlds of AI, the corporate world, politics, and the serving of others – set in the distant future in a magical land and written in the genre I’ve chosen. While I dare not compare Adam to several classics that have inspired me, I like to think of Adam as a 21st Century adult version of “The Wizard of Oz” or “Alice in Wonderland”, incorporating life-lessons like those found elsewhere – in “The Game of Thrones”, “Hunger Games”, “Lord of the Rings”, “The Name of the Wind”, “The Hobbit Trilogy”, and other such books and films.
What are you working on now?
“Adam in Taoland” is first of a planned Trilogy named “Dreaming Dreams.” It presents the reader with Adam (and Tariana’s) journeys from ages 20 to 50. I am now doing book signings, interviews, and promoting on Social Media.
I am currently about 25% through first draft of my manuscript for Book II – “Homeland Rescued” – a return home to a secret place called Galtland – from where Adam and Tariana, from ages 50 to 70, lead a twenty-year bloodless revolution to liberate the enslaved people of Novana.
And I am working of detailed outline, plot and character development on Book III – “Never Forgotten” – sharing Adam and Tariana life from ages 70 to 80. This is to be an inspirational novel – describing the struggles and lifestyle as Tariana declines through Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s ultimately a joyful magical time where love and support and joy drive out any despair or anger about a disease they did not ask for. It’s about a network of compassionate caregivers and a group of 18 others in the same role as spouse that Adam finds himself in. Together, with unconditional love and gratitude for countless blessings, Adam and Tariana journey toward the eternal spiritual life that follows the physical life as humans.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote “Adam in Taoland” on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and via giveaway programs on Kindle, Amazon, and Goodreads. I also do book signings and interviews wherever and whenever I am able.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Two key suggestions. First, get help – you cannot do this alone. Find the right developmental editor, beta readers, and artists, cover designers, and copyeditors – choosing those who uplift and encourage you. Secondly, persevere, stay with it, especially through the times of self-doubt when you questioning whether you are good enough to do what is a monumental task.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pretty much what I just answered above. I was blessed with family, friends and writing coaches who believed in and encouraged me throughout out the process.
What are you reading now?
I am reading “Beyond Good and Evil” by Friedrich Nietzsche, “The Alchemist” by by Paulo Coelho, “The Celestine Prophesy’ by James Redfield, and “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am writing the second two books in the “Dreaming Dreams” trilogy.
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?
The Holy Bible, Lord of the Rings, The Everlasting Man, and Jonathan Livingston Seagal – and if I were allowed a fifth – Atlas Shrugged, which I would read for the fifth time.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jack Tymann’s Social Media Links