Interview With Author Larry Tollin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book! The bulk of my career was spent in the music business managing artists that sold over a combined 100 million records, while managing a plethora of world tours, and creating global merchandise deals with third party marketing companies. As each artist is unique with regard to their needs and personalities, I was prepared for the job as Jenn’s caregiver without even knowing it. I recently started a company called The Best You Management to serve non-celebrities who have gone through some sort of transition in their lives such as; divorce, death, moving, career/financial changes and other life transitions. I offer many of the same management services utilizing the acumen and experience I learned over 25 years in the entertainment world. As Jenn will tell you, I have an opinion on everything, I am very unfiltered, and I am far better at managing others than I am managing myself!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Everyone Needs A Larry- inspired by my wife’s stage IV cancer journey. Initially, when Jenn approached me about her desire to offer all of the lessons she learned during her journey, and to do her part in eradicating cancer and saving the world…I thought it would be a good idea to tell the story from both the patient and the caregiver point of views. For every patient there are one or more caregivers involved…many of whom are clueless at the start. I felt that past caregivers deserved a “shout out” and new ones deserved some guidance as to what they are about to embark on.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have severe ADHD and tend to talk in a stream of consciousness…so this was not an easy process for me at first. I tend to write or record my basic thoughts…and then go back and edit myself…with an attempt to find the most descriptive and colorful way of making my point. Jenn and I used our own humorous banter throughout the book, as well as saved journal entries, emails, letters and top 10 lists to entertain and teach those who may have to deal with a difficult transition or illness…for both the patient AND the caregiver
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mario Puzo- Godfather 1 and 2…always listed as my two favs oof all time
Nora Ephron- her romantic comedies always seemed to get a tear out of me- specifically When Harry Met Sally
David Maurer-his 1940 book The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man influenced another fav movie called the Sting- with screenwriter David Ward
What are you working on now?
Marketing and branding our book and other ancillary tie-ins
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still learning although similar to the record business, there is no replacement for word of mouth advertising. Of course the million dollar question is to find out how to create that. If you are not a celebrity, I feel you sometimes need “an event” of some kind to separate your project from the pack. I learned early in my record biz days that no matter how good the record was…if no one hears it…it will not sell. The book business is no different. Unfortunately there is lots of brilliant content that never reaches its desired level of success. However, there is a plethora of mediocre content that has been successful as the result of elite marketing and distribution. We are seeking to approach various channels to promote our book outside of traditional outlets, e.g. hospitals and health centers, book clubs, large organizations that may find the connection to our message. But unless you are a celeb or have a proprietary story that no one else has…you need to go outside the box.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Whether it is books, music, art. acting or other creative forms…do it if you love it. If you feel the passion then it is worth your time. But ensure it is not your primary source of income as only a small percentage ever reach consequential financial success. Write about what yoiu know and what you care about.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Most people never succeed because of their perpetual fear of failure. Realize that when you attempt something in which you cannot be in worse shape from when you started, there is no downside risk. The most successful people I know have failed more than they succeeded. Their failures serve as life lessons, and their successes are far greater than t6he failures.
What are you reading now?
Everything I can about the upcoming college and pro football season.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will see where this takes me…and will be ready for the next journey
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?
As mentioned prior…Godfather 1 and 2…Anything from Nora Ephron for both a laugh and a cry…books by or about people I admire in sports, music, business and self help.