Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a retired psychotherapist, originally from Massachusetts, now living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. I now spend my time drumming for several bands, writing books, designing and making jewelry, and cooking.
I have written five books to date: “God Should Have Worked On Sunday”, “Freestyle Community Drum Circles” (the 2nd edition coming soon!), “My Life Cracks Me Up”, “MiXED NUTS or What I’ve Learned Practicing Psychotherapy”, and “American Baapu: India Through My Eyes”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“American Baapu: India Through My Eyes”.
Briefly, my wife and I helped a young Indian woman who was stranded at the Dallas airport. We became friends online and she started referring to us as her “American parents”. When she announced her wedding later that year, she asked that we come to India and be part of her wedding party.
I wrote a piece online describing that experience which was read by more than 100,000 Indians! Many young Indians found and friended me on Facebook. At first, we talked about differences in culture and religion. Then, many of them began to share personal challenges and ask my advice. Before long, they were calling me “Baapu”, “Angel Paa”, “Touji”, “PapaRick”, “Baba”, and “Dad”.
When my wife and I announced that we were returning to India in 2017, my unofficially-adopted Indian sons and daughters insisted that we stay in their cities with their families. “American Baapu” describes that experience.
We are returning to India in 2019. This time, we will be staying in eight cities with eight different families. We will also be the “American parents” in an Indian wedding, once again.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m writing or editing a book, I spend 10 to 12 hours per day at it. I take many months off between books.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Although I write only non-fiction, I most enjoy reading fantasy novels. My favorite writers are Jim Butcher, Lois McMaster Bujold, Seanan McGuire, Elizabeth Moon, Patrick Rothfuss, Robin Hobb, Charles de Lint, R.A. Salvatore, and many more. Also (non-Fantasy) Bryce Courtenay, Daniel Quinn, Howard Zinn, Milton Erickson and countless admired psychology authors.
What are you working on now?
I just finished revising and expanding “Freestyle Community Drum Circles”. Its first edition sells well, especially in Europe, but I always felt it could have been better: less preachy, less repetitive, more comprehensive. I’m hoping to have accomplished that in this second edition.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own webpage (under repairs now) at www.rickcormier.com
Each of my books has its own Facebook page with excerpts. I promote my books via my personal Facebook page as well as an email list.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write and write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that a writer should write so that the largest multitude of people can understand his message. I was deeply influenced by that idea in my late teens. I write accordingly.
What are you reading now?
“Beast Master” by Shayne Silvers
What’s next for you as a writer?
I thought that “MiXED NUTS” would be my last book. Then, this whole India connection took place. The story was becoming much too long to tell verbally, so I wrote “American Baapu”. I have no idea what the next book might be!
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 Complete Works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Book of Secrets by Osho (now that I’ll have the time to get through it!), The Australian Trilogy by Bryce Courtenay.
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