Interview With Author Jim Landwehr
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Jim Landwehr and by day I am an Land Information Systems Supervisor for Waukesha County, near Milwaukee. I recently had my fourth memoir, At the Lake, published in addition to my five books of poetry. I got started writing seriously about 13 years ago and have had some success with it, at least in the small press niche.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
At the Lake is a book about 15 different cabin experiences over the past 50 years. Inspiration comes from the whole up-north experience and culture. It’s where we go to rest, recharge and restore.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
At the Lake was unusual in that I wrote it entirely in longhand first, with transcription to the computer afterward. I found that process gives me a different thought stream and I tend to look at the transcription as a first edit. The only other unusual habit is I tend to start a story with no idea where it will go. It’s just an idea that takes life in real time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of Bill Bryson and Michael Crichton. On the poetry side, I love Richard Brautigan and Billy Collins, among others. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut was very influential as was Brave New World, (Huxley) and Trout Fishing in America (Brautigan).
What are you working on now?
For the first time, I am delving into fiction. I am working on a short story collection and having a lot of fun with it. Way outside my comfort zone, but I am loving the freedom it gives.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to use a combination of social media and my author website. I also have a blog but it has been dark for a while and I’m having a hard time getting back into it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
BIC. Butt in chair. The story won’t write itself, no matter how great your idea is.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
An author I heard speak once talked about “anchor time.” He said that he carved out 3 hours a week devoted to writing and, if nothing else got written, he had that 3 hours every week. I live by my anchor time!
What are you reading now?
Bill Bryson’s book, One Summer. I just finished his book titled The Body: a guide for occupants that was fascinating.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a couple of entries in contests that I am hoping to win, as one of them has a getaway writing retreat at a local art campus.
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?
Trout Fishing in America, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Overstory, Slaughterhouse Five.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jim Landwehr Author Profile on Smashwords
Jim Landwehr’s Social Media Links