Ask the Author: Jack Hassard
Answered Questions (4)
Jack Hassard
Although it can sometimes be a lonely enterprise, over all being a writer is being involved deeply in what matters to you. There is a sense of freedom in being a writer. Writing about what matters to me and how it may affect others is a primary goal and motivation. My first writing experience (other than academic writing of a thesis and dissertation) was to write the 2nd edition of a high school science text, Crusty Problems, in 1972. This little geology book got me started.
Jack Hassard
Reading is an important aspect of writing. In the case of my latest book, The Trump Files, I depended on the writing of others, scholars, journalists, and political scientists. I used email to collaborate with others about the book, and these conversations were important in providing encouragement and inspiration to keep going. Writing can be a lonely experience, but the joy comes one word at a time, and putting it all together. Over my careers, going back 50 years, I've viewed writing my books as a project. Some of my book writing was a joint effort with several people, including Joe Abruscato, Donald Peck, Joan Fossecca, Julie Weisberg, and Mike Dias. These co-author experiences were important in pushing me forward as a writer. I'm in my 80s, but I feel no different from when I was writing in my 30s.
Jack Hassard
My inspiration came from continually writing on my blog, which I began in 2005. Writing on the blog was a way I could explore what was happening in education, science and politics. When Donald Trump came along, I was shocked by his lies and lack of empathy. As a result, my blog from 2015 until now has focused on a comprehensive study of the Trump administration. My wife got tired of continual complaining, and said, "Your an author, go write a book."
Jack Hassard
I continue to write on my blog, and spending a lot of time learning how to market my new book, The Trump Files.
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