Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired orthopedic surgeon who traded his knife for a word processor and after retirement have written 5 books, 2 novels and 3 non-fiction works. My first book, Man’s Unofficial Guide to the Use of his Garage, was prompted by how organized I had made my garage; the second book, The Comb in the Urinal and Other Perplexities of life, is 16 short stories about everyday objects found in the most unusual places and how they got there such as the mattress on the side of the road, lost dog sign, and lost luggage. Some of these stories are true, and I challenge the reader to figure out which ones are fiction and which are true; My third book, THE WAY I SEE IT: A Head-to-Toe Guide to Common Orthopedic Conditions, is written solely for patients and the layperson in order to educate them about their aches and pains and allow them to talk intelligently with their doctor. It includes 90 disease processes, 80 photos/x-rays/diagrams, and include every major joint in the body from HEAD TO TOE! My 4th book, YOU DEAR SWEET MAN, was inspired by a digital subway ad that was so sharp, it was almost in 3D, and I thought, “Wow, it would be so cool if the model in the ad moved within it.” From there, 66,000 words later, I had written a paranormal suspense novel with an unpredictable twist.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is THE MYSTERY OF FLIGHT 2222 inspired by a short story I wrote in high school 60 years ago. The plot has always been in the back of my mind and with the success of my first novel, YOU DEAR SWEET MAN, I decided to embellish the plot and transform it into a full length book. Synopsis: Two strangers meet while seated together on a long distance air flight. The more seasoned of the two creates a game to pass the time. They choose seven passengers and proceed to guess their names, age, occupation, marital status, personality traits and more about them. Later, they are informed of severe mechanical problems disabling the plane, leading to a crash into the sea. They survive along with only seven other passengers, incredibly the seven people from their game. The interaction among the passengers creates stresses well beyond one’s imagination leading to a subsequent prolonged and horrifying adventure in a raft, presenting many obstacles to their survival including sharks, severe weather, death, hunger, thirst, declining physical and mental health, paranoia, and pirates of the high seas. Their long awaited rescue from the ravages of the sea is just the beginning of a trip to Hell and back.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh yeah! I never have an outline. I do research but only during the writing of the manuscript depending on what happens to my characters. My characters write the book, and I only organize it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rod Serling. I loved the stories of TWILIGHT ZONE, and my novels reflect that.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the life of a doctor, my life, but not really an autobiography. The book, Bones and Me, takes the reader through what it feels like to have decided to choose the medicine as my profession and how all the years of study, sweat, toil, fun and sadness defines me today.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
thomasneviaser.com
facebook.com/neviasersbooks
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Neviaser/e/B076BFV8QX/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in what you have decided to do whether or not others think different. It may work out, and it may not, but the journey will have taught you so much. Remember, throughout life, we all find ourselves “ALWAYS A FRESHMAN,” beginning new lives, works of art, writing literary works, or finding the next job. I’m 78, and I have started my Freshman Year by writing my 6th book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be your own boss! Simple but a strong advice.
What are you reading now?
Too busy to read now with children, grandchildren, dog training, and bird hunting. It’s Christmas time, and it’s time for my family and some hunting with my 2 labs.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to market my books, finding interviews on the radio and elsewhere. Hopefully, find speaking engagements to impart my orthopedic knowledge to the public. I don’t expect to make a lot from my books, but I would like people to read them and get enjoyment from them. I am especially proud of my orthopedic book, THE WAY I SEE IT: A Head-to-Toe Guide to Common Orthopedic Conditions. I have finished 3 speaking presentations that include Low Back Pain, Shoulder Problems, and Knee Conditions.
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?
Kon Tiki, The Third Reich, Atlas Shrugged (all 3)
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