Ask the Author: Craig Swartz
Answered Questions (8)
Craig Swartz
Excellent question and one that I am currently employing in the sequel to The Prison Planet. If you've finished my book, you may have come away with the feeling that a few of the main characters were searching for an answer to that one question most of us ask ourselves at some point during our life, and that is; "what is my purpose while I am on this Earth?" Most people go their whole lives without asking themselves that question, leaving it up to a higher authority or someone else to answer it for them. They don't do the requisite soul searching to unravel their life purpose mystery.
My own mystery that I have been attempting to solve for many years now is: "how am I going to be of service to others?" In fact, that is the one question more people should be asking themselves, and if they did, we'd probably be surprised at the outcome. I observe things occurring in the world today that make me feel downright depressed at times because I believe we should be so much farther down the road to that future we envisioned whilst reading science fiction, watching men land on the moon, building rockets and dreaming of a "Star Trek" society. And then asking ourselves; "why aren't we there yet?" Do we really hate each other so much that we can't work together at all and destroy any chance of world peace?
My mystery, yet to be solved, is that I have traveled the world, done so many things, met a lot of great people and have come up with a common denominator that could provide a basis for a vision of a peaceful future, but how do I convey that vision to a public at large? Part of the solution to my own mystery was covered in The Prison Planet and I hope to complete the rest in the sequel. Thank you for the question.
My own mystery that I have been attempting to solve for many years now is: "how am I going to be of service to others?" In fact, that is the one question more people should be asking themselves, and if they did, we'd probably be surprised at the outcome. I observe things occurring in the world today that make me feel downright depressed at times because I believe we should be so much farther down the road to that future we envisioned whilst reading science fiction, watching men land on the moon, building rockets and dreaming of a "Star Trek" society. And then asking ourselves; "why aren't we there yet?" Do we really hate each other so much that we can't work together at all and destroy any chance of world peace?
My mystery, yet to be solved, is that I have traveled the world, done so many things, met a lot of great people and have come up with a common denominator that could provide a basis for a vision of a peaceful future, but how do I convey that vision to a public at large? Part of the solution to my own mystery was covered in The Prison Planet and I hope to complete the rest in the sequel. Thank you for the question.
Craig Swartz
Thank you for a great question. At first glance you wouldn't think it's a hard question but give it a few minutes and then as you ponder all of the possibilities the sheer amount of roles from both film and literary source just come cascading down on you. I gave it some long thought and came up with a tie for me and both from film; "The Abyss" (1989) starring Ed Harris and Mary Mastrantonio and "It Could Happen to You" (1994) starring Nicholas Cage, Rosie Perez and Bridget Fonda.
The couples portrayed in both these stories are undergoing or have undergone some marital stress with one already separated (Harris & Mastrantonio) and the other about to be forcibly joined (Cage and Fonda) as a result of Cage unexpectedly realizing his marriage to Perez is over. Outside forces then set about putting both of these couples on a dangerous and difficult emotional journey that severely tests their mettle and takes them to the pinnacle moment in their lives when they must surrender the outcome and let it all go. And it was during that journey you saw their development together as a couple, witnessing their demonstration of resourcefulness, ultimate love and trust for each other and a gritty determination to see it through to the end.
That story line resonates particularly strong with me as it mirrors much of my own story and why these two are probably my favorites.
The couples portrayed in both these stories are undergoing or have undergone some marital stress with one already separated (Harris & Mastrantonio) and the other about to be forcibly joined (Cage and Fonda) as a result of Cage unexpectedly realizing his marriage to Perez is over. Outside forces then set about putting both of these couples on a dangerous and difficult emotional journey that severely tests their mettle and takes them to the pinnacle moment in their lives when they must surrender the outcome and let it all go. And it was during that journey you saw their development together as a couple, witnessing their demonstration of resourcefulness, ultimate love and trust for each other and a gritty determination to see it through to the end.
That story line resonates particularly strong with me as it mirrors much of my own story and why these two are probably my favorites.
Craig Swartz
I'm an aspiring writer myself so I don't have any advice to give right now.
Craig Swartz
I haven't figured that out yet.
Craig Swartz
I don't know, I'll let you know when I become one full-time.
Craig Swartz
The sequel to "The Prison Planet"
Craig Swartz
My father before he passed away told me find some avenue for my writing. Even though I had never published anything before, he would read my letters to the editors or some of the speeches I had written when I ran for public office.
Craig Swartz
I got the idea for The Prison Planet working second shift at a local factory. I had lost everything when the economy crashed so I was struggling to make ends meet. My wife and I had to re-create ourselves in a hurry all the while dealing with an autistic son whose needs also required addressing. I was also aware that our personal story was being shared by many others across the country so I thought of telling our story in a fictional account. I am also a political junkie and conspiracy theorist so I decided to merge an autobiography with a fictional tale.
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