Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been an innovator, storyteller, promoter and celebrity-insider for more than two decades.
Since 2001, I have been the publicity/ marketing director & researcher for the iconic best-selling novelist Barbara Bradford. I also serves as an editorial and marketing consultant for a collection of first-time authors through The Editorial Department. Previously I served as a PR executive, promoting an assortment of first-time celebrity authors including Ray Manzarek of The Doors.
From 1995 – 2001, I was widely credited with inventing the “living celebrity postal phenomenon.” In all, I have worked with more than 40 legendary personalities, creating media events to celebrate their postal recognition by an assortment of foreign nations.
I am excited to share that I have my first book coming out on November 10 2016 called Poet Of The Wrong Generation. With Poet Of The Wrong Generation, I attempt to combine all my unique experiences to bring you a novel of love & betrayal, music & fanfare, downfall & redemption — a fable of stardom’s rewards, set in New York City during the 1990s.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Poet Of The Wrong Generation due to be released on November 10, 2016.
I’ve been a fan of classic rock and folk music for as long as my memory stretches. So the concept of me writing a novel with a rock star protagonist should come to the surprise of no-one who knows me. I was also a novice songwriter back in my teenage years into my early 20s. So in fact, the words I scribbled in spiral notebooks 25 years ago were stashed away for decades, only to become an integral part of creating this novel when I came up with a storyline and the characters. I often wondered: what might life have been like had I actually pursued a musical career back in the 1990s? I suppose that some of this book is how that far fetched fantasy might have played out. Another notable aspect is my years of working with celebrities. As a kid, I had such reverence for the life of rock stars, athletes and other entertainers. Then I started to work closely with some of the biggest names in entertainment and quickly discovered that fame and glitz of the celebrity life is mostly a facade. These cherished individuals all have the same everyday wants, needs and problems as the rest of us.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I lose track of time… late at night, especially on the weekends when I don’t have to be up with an early alarm. If I’m locked in on writing, or polishing my work, I can work on through to sunrise without realizing the time. These are precious hours when my kids are asleep and the phone doesn’t ring. If on on-a-roll, there’s no time for clock-watching.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nick Hornby
Carl Hiaasen, especially Basket Case
The Song Reader by Lisa Tucker
A Confidential Source by Jan Brogan
What are you working on now?
Promoting this current book in the moment, but I do have a second novel in development with a new set of characters.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
RT Magazine, Amazon Author Central Page, Goodreads and a pair of original music videos on YouTube featuring original from my Novel Poet of The Wrong Generation
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anyone compromise your values. Don’t rely exclusively upon your publisher to sell your book. Every author is their own marketing director and every avenue of promotion should be researched and considered.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be afraid to cut some of your best writing if the content isn’t truly necessary.” This was advice came from my esteemed editor, Jeannette De Beauvoir. She attributed this suggestion to William Faulkner who referred to it as “Killing your darlings.” It’s a painful lesson in some ways. Writers often tend to fall in love with a well-written sentence or paragraph. Then comes the editing. And occasionally, a terrifically clever phrase, or idea is redundant in the storytelling. Don’t fight the urge to let it go. No matter how exceptional the lines in question may be, if they are holding up the flow of your storytelling, you need to hit DELETE and move on.
What are you reading now?
Conversations With Tom Petty by Paul Zollo
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will be launching my new blog: Musings On Music, Marketing and Make-Believe
in promotion of this novel http://authorlonnieostrow.blogspot.com/
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?
Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Night By Ellie Wiesel
Author Websites and Profiles
Lonnie Ostrow Website
Lonnie Ostrow Amazon Profile
Lonnie Ostrow’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account