Interview With Author James B. Flaherty
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a MadMan in NYC's ad world–but much better behaved. I was a corner office writer/creative director of some major agencies in NYC and even four years in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Left the polished executive life to create and direct a four-star country inn/conference center in NY State. I've published four books. Two are full-length literary fiction novels; two are non-fiction aimed at helping everyone 50 to 90 wake up on the right side of the grass with a smile–and a purpose.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
EMBRACE YOUR AGE — YOU CAN BE BETTER THAN EVER was written because I am concerned (and a bit annoyed) when I see people from 50 to 90 retreating from life. I believe there are no guarantees you'll wake up on the right side of the grass, but if you do, EMBRACE it, love and live life with a purpose. It will make you a better friend, parent, lover, a better human being. Would you want to be your friend? I want people to be honest with themselves and start living life with a smile–and a purpose!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
First of all, I'm not chronologically in what they call The Prime of Life. Although I think I still am. I'm 87 years old–going-on-60, maybe 55. I'm disciplined. Get up early, make my bed (even though I have a full-time Nanny who lives in and cares for me, the dogs, the house–and cooks brilliantly), have my healthy all-fruit breakfast, go to my pool (interior, so it's year-round) and do 30 minutes of serious exercise, come back upstairs, shower and dress for the day. Then I work every day. I try to make two hours of every day Writing Time. Somedays it's more, some, a little less…but every day I write something.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read too much. But since I like fiction, besides the masters, Hemingway, Wouk, Michener, Faulkner, I enjoy Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love), and the homey reality of Elizabeth Berg, and too many others to mention. I have 1500 books on my Kindle, and there isn't a week that I don't add three or four more.
What are you working on now?
I've just finished the Bible (which includes the pilot) for a TV series I believe could run for many many profitable and enjoyable years. Need an agent to help sell that. I've started a new novel–have about 85 pages in the first draft–still haven't decided whether I like everyone enough to spend another 300 pages with them. Also, I have a screenplay, which is oh, almost 75%$=finished. It's a dark comedy, which is hard to write, but very satisfying.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not positive. I think everyone should have some Amazon ads, and certainly make use of Promo Sites, such as Awesomegang, Bargain Booksy, Books Butterfly, and BookBub. I need to do more with Social Media, but find it interferes with my writing time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stop dreaming about "the book" you think you have inside of you. Start writing. If you're unsure of your ability, join a writer's group. It's a terrific boost to your thinking and writing skills. Even though I'm not a "new" author, I belong to two groups and love our interaction.
Try to establish a routine. If you're a morning person, make a habit of writing something for at least one hour every morning. Start "the book". Guess what–if you decide it's ca-ca, you throw it out the window and start something else.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For starters, read Elizabeth Gilbert's book, BIG MAGIC. She usually writes fiction, but this book is about finding and grabbing hold of a creative idea. Other good advice I can give to any writer-author: READ EVERYTHING YOU WRITE–NOVELS OR EMAILS–OUT LOUD. The eye doesn't always see what the brain hears.
What are you reading now?
Hmm, here's an odd mix, current on my Kindle: THE SUMMER OF THE BEAR by Bella Rollen; HOME SAFE by Elizabeth Berg; ADRIAN MOLE–THE CAPPUCHINO YEARS by Sue Townsend; A VOICE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS by Edward Abbey; and I just read an old Herman Woul book I had never read–YOUNGBLOOD HAWKE. I read ALL the OUTLANDER series; And ALL of Michener; coming up: THE TEMPLE OF GOLD; THE HOUSE ON THE LAGOON; too many more to list.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think I must finish the dark comedy screenplay before I dive back into the novel. A novel owns you when you're writing it–you become those people, speak their language, dream about them. I've put them in the waiting room, keeping them comfortable and not forgotten until I'm ready for us all to move in together.
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?
I'd want my Kindle with 1500 books. But, just in case, I'd bring Moby Dick, and Churchill's books on the Great War, and the Bible (it shouldn't hurt!) and maybe a book on Morse Code so I could get off the damn island. I mean, I won't even go Glamping because they don't have bidets.
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