Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Professor of History emeritus at SUNY/Albany, having retired from teaching in 2010 after 43 years of it at Hampton Institute, Vassar College, Japanese universities (under the Fulbright program), and SUNY/Albany. For about the last half century, I have also been a peace and social justice activist. Currently, in fact, I serve as executive secretary of the Albany County, NY AFL-CIO and as a national board member of Peace Action (the largest grassroots peace organization in the United States). I am an award-winning author or editor of 13 books and hundreds of articles, most of them in the realm of non-fiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “What’s Going On at UAardvark?” (2013), a satirical novel, in paperback and eBook form, about university corporatization and rebellion. Having witnessed what happens when a business model is applied in American higher education, I decided to take on that topic in the form of an over-the-top satire. From the reviews that have appeared thus far — in publications and on Amazon.com (where it has received a 4.5 star rating) — readers seem to really enjoy the book. Some have called it hysterical. I know that I enjoyed writing it!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think my writing habits — unlike the subjects of my writing — are fairly conventional. Starting with an idea and then moving to an outline, I proceed to the computer and begin typing away. When composing my “What’s Going On at UAardvark?” however, I decided to write in comparatively short bursts of energy, with one chapter each morning. As a result, the chapters are quite short, and this makes for a fast-paced book.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always been a voracious reader, especially of novels, and consequently a great many authors have influenced me. In connection with “What’s Going On at UAardvark?”, the author with the greatest influence upon me was probably Kurt Vonnegut, a master satirist with humane values. During my youth, I think the author who most influenced my political ideas was George Orwell.
What are you working on now?
At the moment, I am working on writing short Op-Ed pieces for online and print publications and considering the possibility of putting together another novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do have a website that provides information about me and about my books: http://www.lawrenceswittner.com. Beyond drawing upon this website for book promotion, I try to encourage book reviews, distribute notices about my books and articles through a large email list of friends and fans, give book talks at bookstores, arrange to be interviewed on the radio, and hold occasional book sales.. In fact, there will be a Kindle Count Down sale for the eBook version of “What’s Going On at UAardvark?” on Amazon.com from March 9 to 14, 2014, and readers can reach it at:
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Read good literature. It will improve your vocabularies, your writing, and your lives.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Think.
What are you reading now?
Michael Klare’s “The Race for What’s Left”
What’s next for you as a writer?
Who knows?
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?
Bertrand Rusell, “The Autobiography of Bertrand Russell”; Bertolt Brecht, “Poems”; Rabelais, “Gargantua and Pantagruel”; and a good encyclopedia.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lawrence Wittner Website
Lawrence Wittner Amazon Profile
Lawrence Wittner’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile