Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Author Bio
Paul C. Steffy has written several short fiction stories, two novelettes and one novel: Distant Wings. His travels include twenty-six countries and all fifty United States.
He enjoys flying; travel; wildlife photography; hiking; the feel of ocean spray in a brisk wind; wildflowers, pine forests and much more; stimulating conversation; quiet moments at sunset and fulfilling evolving goals. He values these and many other aspects of his busy life.
The Southwest is where he continues to write.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I am currently advertising my book, ‘Let’s Fall in Love’ Volume 1, Paris and Dubrovnik. I have travelled around the world, and visited twenty-six countries and all 50 United States. I know how wonderful it feels to be with a loved one while travelling.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find it normal for me to write seven days per week, and from four to eight hours at a time. I try to read from one to three hours per day to feel in touch with various contemporary and historic authors. I read almost all genre of books and usually I read from three to four books simultaneously. Vacations for me include reading and writing daily or whenever possible. I write something daily even if it is only a paragraph or two while travelling.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Various Greek, Roman and early European authors inspire me. Their knowledge and intellect so long ago is amazing! Moving into the modern era I enjoy: James Joyce, Hermann Hesse, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Mark Twain, Richard Bach, Winston Churchill, John Steinbeck, C.S. Forester, J.R.R. Tolkien, Nora Roberts, Preston and Childs, John Grisham, Dan Brown, Steig Larsson, Stephen King, Frances Fitzgerald, and dozens and dozens of authors in a multitude of genre–and don’t forget Shakespeare. I’m not counting books because I’ve lost count of the many hundreds of great books I have had the pleasure to read, study and enjoy. Hopefully, I’ll continue to grow in knowledge and understanding within my lifetime. So many great books, so little time!
What are you working on now?
My current interest is to complete a story about a young man from the Midwest who feels the call to join the Army in 1967 amid the height of the Vietnam War. He believes it is his duty to lend a hand and fight the evil communist regime in Southeast Asia. During his year in Vietnam he realizes his reality and that of the people around him is not what he had expected, or was led to believe. When he returns to the U.S. after his year overseas, he finds his life, his friends, his family and his country have changed–some for the better and some for the worst. He returns from Vietnam when he is nineteen years old–unable to vote or buy a cold beer legally. He must pull himself together organize his thoughts and a game plan and succeed in a competitive environment within a nation torn apart because of a war he originally believed was just in purpose but poorly managed. His father was among the ‘Greatest Generation.’ He discovers his generation eventually does blend into society but after years of looking for answers not easily found.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I look for sites, such as this one, who allow an author to display his or her work for free or at a reasonable price where the presentation is professional and it attracts multitudes of interesting informed readers who look for special books to please their own eclectic interests.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! It may take years to succeed. The personal satisfaction of seeing your books in print in any form is extremely satisfying and well worth it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When you know you are right, believe in yourself regardless of what others are saying. When you succeed they will be envious and continue to find fault with others.
What are you reading now?
Six books of all genre from fiction to poetry to history.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing!
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?
The Long Valley, Tales of the South Pacific, The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire and The Wizard of Oz.
Author Websites and Profiles
Paul C Steffy Amazon Profile
Paul C Steffy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile