Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I practiced law for 34 years and retired in 2017. At the end of 2016 I published my first novel: Advancing on Chaos. Thereafter between volunteer activities and travel I continued to write. My second book was a memoir of sorts: A Second Chance At Dancing, followed shortly thereafter by Chasing Charles Bukowski. Recently I started hosting a monthly radio show called Writers’ Forum on ERBH, 88.3 FM New Orleans.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled And Trouble Followed. In all my books I try to present storylines or factoids that a reader might not know about and might be interested in. Sometimes, like in Advancing on Chaos, this is done with some humor. In Trouble I focused on the Reconstruction period and in particular the use of Black Codes in the South, which replaced the Slave Codes and which were the predecessors to Jim Crow.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write or revise most every day for 30-45 minutes. It’s a lesson I learned from reading about Charles Bukowski’s writing habits.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many books to mention. When I was younger The Catcher in The Rye was one, indeed my first book cover is modeled on the original Rye cover. Richard Brautigan’s In Watermelon Sugar is another. My memoir cover is modeled on it. Favorite authors also include James Baldwin as well as Cormac McCarthy.
What are you working on now?
I have 3 novellas that I am in the process of continuing to edit as well as a novel that focuses on 3 military veterans from 3 different wars and their adjustments. Tentatively titled Coming Home Again it was a finalist for the 2019 Faulkner/William Wisdom Creative Writing Contest for first Chapters.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have used several. Awesome Gang, Freebooksy and Fussy Librarian.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what interests you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make your own mistakes.
What are you reading now?
Just finished reading a book by Chris Thomas King, The Blues, to prepare for my interview with him on my radio show. I also started Sub Rosa and other Stories by Jim Lambert for another interview coming up.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing and editing.
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?
Tough question. One of Brautigan’s novels, probably In Watermelon Sugar, one of Salinger’s novels, probably Catcher in the Rye, and a novel by Gary Gautier, called Hippies.
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Michael Tusa Website
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