Ask the Author: Brett Hartman
Answered Questions (6)
Brett Hartman
“I don’t do horror,” she said to herself as her mind gave way to a dreamless sleep, only to be awakened by the realization that Donald Trump is still President. “I do terror.”
Brett Hartman
SONG OF THE CAGED BOYS takes place entirely inside the confines of a fictional juvenile detention facility, Rankin Hall. Thankfully, I’ve never lived in such a place, but in 1984 I got locked up in a few psychiatric wards where the treatment was similarly oppressive. That experience, along with my work in a county jail as a psychologist, inspired me to write the book. The “anger management” material comes from my clinical work with clients.
Brett Hartman
First, I get an idea that nags me. That’s the passive part. But then I start thinking there may be enough substance here to make a book, even though initially I have no real sense of where the story will take me. I just know there’s enough juice to keep me going…or maybe it’s the coffee, next question:
Brett Hartman
I’ve just launched SONG OF THE CAGED BOYS, and I’m trying to find ways to get it in the hands of its primary intended audience—teen/young adult males—because I believe it can have a positive impact on that group. Getting young males to read is a big challenge, obviously, so I welcome any suggestions. Next up is editing the sequel to SotCB with hopes of publishing it in early 2021.
Brett Hartman
Start by writing about the things you love AND the things you need to get off your chest. Then Edit, Edit, Edit. Realize how awful your first draft is while knowing you can make it better. Write for the intrinsic love of writing and expect nothing in return. Drink coffee!
Brett Hartman
It’s definitely the journey into this private world where, little by little, all these characters somehow make themselves known. A close second is revisiting and revising this world through editing.
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