Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Canadian prairie boy. I spent 40 years of my life as a musician, travelling across Canada and the US playing nightclubs and honky-tonks. It’s a great way to make a living.
I drifted into writing out of that. A song I wrote put me there. The song came from loneliness, the books came from the song. That song was “I Call Your Name” (Music From Soup,soupsyz.com). Back in 2001, we were the house band at The St. Louis Hotel in Calgary. One night after hours, I sat on my bed, picked up my acoustic, and out came the song. I played it through a few times, decided I liked it, jotted down the lyrics and turned out the lights. Later, I bolted upright from my sleep in a sweat, jumped up to my computer and began typing. I kept typing until I collapsed. When I woke, I read what I had (47 pages), and got right back to writing. I was in the fire. I never looked back. That book became the first in the One Song series. There are now four. “I Call Your Name” started the process.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest book is called “Soup: The Future Is Past and Present.” The inspiration was everywhere. My niece, Candy Haugen had a lot to do with finishing “Soup” back in late 2018. She is working with me now on our new book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know. Probably. I don’t know enough authors to compare notes. I do most of my ‘writing’ while doing something else, such as riding my bike, or hiking. Or yardwork. It seems to be a subliminal process, churning around in the background waiting to come out. And when it does, big chunks are there, so I sit down at a keyboard of choice and make it real. Trying to force something doesn’t work for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Pretty much every book I’ve read has influenced me in one way or another. Stephen King, Neville Shute, James Michener, Herman Wouk etc., etc. I read pretty much the entire collection of Louis L’ amour in my younger days on the road. I quite enjoyed those.
What are you working on now?
My niece, Candy Haugen and I, are working on book five of the series, “What Happened Really?”, and the accompanying music.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.travishaugen.com is my author website, which takes you to “Soup”: The Future Is Past And Present. Search soupsyz in YouTube to get the Soupsyz channel, www.facebook.com/travishaugenauthor/ will get you to our Facebook page.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep an open mind on opinions offered; but go with your gut.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wake up with a plan and execute it while remaining flexible to changing environments.
What are you reading now?
“In the Shadow of the Gods”: The Memoirs of a Led Zeppelin Tribute Singer, by Jean Violet and Aaron Joy, and “What Was Said to Me” – The Life of Sti’tum’atul’wut, a Cowichan Woman, by Ruby Peter.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing songs and stories, and getting back to book presentations, which involves live music , and readings from the books.
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?
Three books I haven’t read by Authors I admire, and “The Book of Joy” by The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. That should get me through anything.
Author Websites and Profiles
Travis Haugen Website
Travis Haugen Amazon Profile
Travis Haugen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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