Interview With Author Robert Hoffman
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve recently retired from teaching after 34 years. I was a blogger for six years for our local paper, the Albany Times Union. I’ve also blogged for Albany.com, Fark.com, CrooksandLiars.com, and kneesandfists.com. In 2021, I published my first novel, “Blind Spot. I’ve also written a television pilot with a friend which was just named an “Official Selection” at the Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Festival. “Taken to the Grave” marks my second attempt at writing a work of fiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Taken to the Grave was inspired by my wife’s unexpected journey into the world of DNA testing. My wife had always believed that she was half Swedish and half Italian, but her DNA test indicated only Italian descent. After some probing, she came to the realization that her “dad” was not her father. Through some difficult times, and some serious soul searching, she has adjusted to her new reality. She asked if I would be interested in writing a book based on her discovery, and “Taken to the Grave” is a fictional account of her experience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in very short spurts, rarely more than an hour at a time. Sometimes, just five or ten minutes. I think I have ADD. Lol.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Richard Russo – “The Risk Pool”
Gary Shteyngart – “Absurdistan”
Kurt Vonnegut – “Breakfast of Champions” and “Slaughter House Five”
What are you working on now?
I am beginning my first short story. It’s about a man who believes he is followed around by Socrates. I am also writing another short story about a man who was Stalin’s double, and how they form an unlikely kinship.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Good question, I really haven’t found one. Bookbub is supposed to be good, but it is pricey.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start writing. It’s a long process, but once you start, you’ll get the bug. Also, read a lot of books, it will inspire you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write.
What are you reading now?
Gary Shteyngart – “The Russian Debutante’s Handbook”
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep plugging along. I’m also writing a TV pilot with a friend. We’ve been entering festivals with it, and we also did a staging of it which was fun.
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?
Confederacy of Dunces
Unbroken
Slaughter House Five
Pet Cemetery
Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Hoffman’s Social Media Links
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