Ask the Author: Rich Schiesser
Answered Questions (9)
Rich Schiesser
Among others, there are three bio-type books I want to read this summer:
1. "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy" by Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook COO) and Adam Grant
2. "Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker" by Stephen Galloway; while at 20th Century Fox, Sherry became the first female to serve as president at a major movie studio, and I worked at Fox for several years.
3. "Keep Breathing" by Morrie Markoff; I recently met Morrie who just published his first book at the age of 103; his wife of 78 years is 101 and encouraged him to do so.
1. "Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy" by Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook COO) and Adam Grant
2. "Leading Lady: Sherry Lansing and the Making of a Hollywood Groundbreaker" by Stephen Galloway; while at 20th Century Fox, Sherry became the first female to serve as president at a major movie studio, and I worked at Fox for several years.
3. "Keep Breathing" by Morrie Markoff; I recently met Morrie who just published his first book at the age of 103; his wife of 78 years is 101 and encouraged him to do so.
Rich Schiesser
Several years ago visited a restaurant outside of Boston that had a creepy legend associated with it. The structure had been a residential mansion a century ago in which children were murdered. Years later residents reported seeing a child’s fingerprints on the upstairs windows that could not be washed off. I saw the fingerprints as part of the current restaurant tour. They looked real and it was chilling. Very strange, but possibly could make for an interesting mystery story.
Rich Schiesser
My favorite fictional couples go all the way back to Romeo and Juliet, to Tony and Maria in West Side Story, to Mitch and Abby McDeere in John Grisham’s “The Firm”. More recently, my favorite fictional couple is Katie and Alex in “Safe Haven” by Nicholas Sparks. It shows how two people can survive, and truly thrive, after tragic first loves end, only to begin anew. Realistic and satisfying.
Rich Schiesser
I tried several approaches such as going for a jog, reading or even taking a nap (seriously). What eventually worked best for me setting aside time everyday, usually two or three hours, in which I did nothing but attempt to write. Sometimes I would complete only half a page, but over time I came to writing several pages. Not trying to make it perfect the first time also helps, a lot!
Rich Schiesser
For me it is the ability to share a compelling story, and to connect with readers. Some of the most meaningful reviews for me are from readers who say my novel made them laugh, cry, reflect on family and appreciate what they have. Thoughts like those are priceless.
Rich Schiesser
I followed two inspirational sayings. "First get it written, then get it right." If you strive for perfection on your first draft, you may likely get discouraged and never reach the finish line. Get something, anything, done as a first draft. Then re-write and polish it, maybe several times. And strive for economy of words. Most first drafts can eventually be cut down, sometimes in half!
My second inspirational saying was "If you wait for inspiration, you at not a writer; you are a waiter." I found that waiting for inspiration is usually fruitless. Most times you just have to buckle down and start typing. Eventually something will click and then you're on your way again.
My second inspirational saying was "If you wait for inspiration, you at not a writer; you are a waiter." I found that waiting for inspiration is usually fruitless. Most times you just have to buckle down and start typing. Eventually something will click and then you're on your way again.
Rich Schiesser
I am writing my next novel in which Doug's girlfriend, Lisa, from "Shattered Hearts", sets out to find the heart of her lover. Unfortunately, it resides in the body of another man!
Rich Schiesser
Because I worked as an information technology (IT) manager, I developed an aptitude to write technical papers which led to some best-selling books on IT management. But I always wanted to write work of fiction. While managing the main computer center at 20th Century Fox Films, I had the chance to take a 6-week creative writing class. The instructor rated my 3-oage short as very good, and encouraged me to pursue fiction writing. That really spurred me on. To top it off, the 3-page short story made it into my novel, "Shattered Hearts". Pretty cool, I thought. :-)
Rich Schiesser
From the experiences of some friends and family members. I witnessed some of the destructive effects of sibling rivalries, especially when two of them are so opposite in temperament, aptitude and age. Other elements of the story, such as the organ donor program and the romanticized views of motorcycle gangs and drugs, also came from experiences of some of my colleagues.
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