Interviews About Creating Story: Volumes One and Two

by William H. Coles

This is a TWO BOOK Box Set containing TWENTY-TWO interviews with award-winning authors by William H. Coles.Volume North Patterson, Peter Ho Davies, Tom Jenks, Lan Samantha Chang, Kirby Wilkins, Josh Neufeld and Sari Wilson, Jonathan Dee, Fred Leebron, Steve Almond, Lee K. Abbott, Robert Olen Butler.Volume Biguenet, Jim Shepard, Lee Martin, David Lynn, Michael Malone, Michael RaySusan Yeagley and Kevin Nealon, Rebecca McClanahan, Charles D’Ambrosio, Rob Spillman and Ron CarlsonInterviews About Creating Story, Volume 1 and Volume 2

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2021

Reviews

[Adriel Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you ask people why they paint, you really get a lot of answers, all varied. And just like a writer as well, answers also come in so many forms. But all of this art is rooted in someone who loves to share it with people and send a message. For me, the desire to share and make others feel emotions is such a powerful talent that is not easy to do, and I really salute all the writers who have done this effortlessly. This book is something that we should all have, it really speaks to us and makes us feel that they are all around us telling us their own stories. This is a one-of-a-kind concept, it is such a fan experience!

[Jonathon Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

William H. Coles never fails his readers.

From the beginning of the book, it had started strong and inspiring. The talk with Richard North Patterson had made us realize that authors started looking up to inspiring authors as well which served as one of their inspirations to be how amazing they are today. I think this does not only apply to writers but to all professions as we look up to people in the same profession. Richard North Patterson had told us that authors Leo Tolstoy and Allen Drury are some of those who influenced him and molded him into something that he wanted to achieve. And rest assured after a lot of passion, he had built his own name to move people. This is just an example of how people can really inspire one another to be their own version of themselves in the future and I am happy I have given this book time to read.

[Cristine Hughens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot express well how much information and advice that this book has offered me. One of the things that I have learned is that the author really spends a lot of time in the brainstorming process more than the writing process itself because there needs to be an outline. Based on my experience, I have noticed that authors really use a variety of techniques when it comes to choosing who narrates the story, and most often, this really affects how the story goes and how exciting it can get. I have learned from one author, Lan Samantha Chang, that this is also a struggle on their part and she also mentioned she had to write in different versions to pinpoint what is the best for her story. This is just one of the many things that I have learned from this book - from the techniques, all the styles, and even to the inspirations.

[Austin Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I think about my life, the lives around me, the contemporary world, and the historical world that predates me --- I think what did it mean, why did it happen that way, what caused these things to take place? That’s what drives me in fiction.”

This is from Peter Ho Davies when William Coles had asked him what a story meant to him. As someone who loves to read fiction, I am purely in awe of how Peter had stated this because in reading these tales, I really have tons of times that I get to ask where they get these ideas and I realized after reading Peter’s statement that just like other things, these all started with questions and curiosities until they share their world to people and bring them to their own kind of tale which I think is magical. This is such an amazing book to read further!

[Elena Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not think I needed this book until I started reading it myself. This book is something we did not expect would impact us greatly. Even though I have no plans on pursuing writing as a career, I have known people who are starting their habit of writing so I have been trying to absorb the things that are highlighted in this book and I have met amazing authors that made the process of writing clearer to me.

Just like most of authors, Josh Neufeld also structures a book to moments that resonate with him the most because it makes him visualize it better. I think this works for all writers because when you write something that you know about, you get to express more and I think that is also why the questions that William Coles had thrown to the authors are significant and relatable because he knows what he is talking about too.

[Carol Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think comedy is one of the toughest genres to write because you can never make a joke that everyone laughs at, I mean that is very hard to do. What makes this book by William Coles different from other books is that he highlights all the differences of the authors by asking them somewhat the same questions but all their differences make them distinct and unique and every detail is their strength. One of the things that I have learned from Susan Yeagley is that when she writes, it is just spontaneous and she listens to herself. And oftentimes, she knows what jokes to write at a specific moment and this has been her habit of making her books. I think there are authors out there who experience the same, and this is rooted in their passion and creativity. This is a book that I will recommend!

[Billy Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is something new to me, this is the first book I have read which contains a compilation of interviews with different authors. Honestly, I did not expect that much when I started reading this book. But as I read further, it had been a great experience and I never regretted any moment I spent reading this book. In the interview with Fred Lebron, reading means requesting readers to leave their own world and enter their own world through their books. There are a lot of worlds a writer may create, some are the same in a different timeline, some are far from the reality of the world we live in, and some are from a different part of the world. So making a reader indulge fully is not an easy task to do and they might continue resisting. But making the character’s world believable and accessible will be a wholesome experience for readers.

[Hailey Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that the authors in this book are really humble and are open about how they look up to other authors when it comes to ideas and techniques in writing. This really describes how the community has been healthy and pulls each other up to progress.

One of my favorite ideas in the interviews is when William Coles had asked Jonathan Dee the essence of a story that he conceptualized and he brought up one of his favorite anecdotes from William Maxwell, stating that when he had an idea for a story/novel, he would sit at his desk and think about it for the morning. And when he could think of the ending, he wouldn't write it because there was nothing in it that was not easily discovered. There is a beauty in humility that makes us learn a lot of things, and this is just one of the many concepts this book has taught us that we should look forward to.

[Kenneth Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has summarized all of the genres compiled because the diversity of the authors makes different impacts and emotions inflicted on the readers. More than the positive side of the story making and writing, I think it is also great that William Coles had made it balanced that the process can be really difficult as a writer. In an interview with Wilson, the author had mentioned that at some times, writers can also get lost in where the story is headed because of the various choices in terms of point of view and also because they feel like they are limited. I can totally get this because when I am reading, I always pause at some moments and think of how it can possibly be if one instance is changed and I am surprised the author goes through this as well. I have learned so much in this book!

[Emily Jagger · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whether or not they know about the world you’re writing about, they know intuitively whether you do or don’t.”

As a reader, I certainly agree with this one by Richard Patterson and I find it funny that authors really understand this because they are also readers themselves from the past and mostly even in the present. Richard Patterson also highlighted the serious influence of books, that is why one should be really careful about what they write because it is their obligation to inform the readers’ rights.

What made this book by William Coles special is that you don’t only bring one story as you close the book but lots of them. And these are all real stories from people who are real and this is just one thing from an author. There are still lots of them that you should definitely look forward to.

[Christina King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I have noticed in the field of literature is that it does not really require you a lot of years in education, because writing itself is a constant learning process that never stops even when you are award-winning. From what I have really noticed from all of the authors, they really root their books in their own stories, stories from their friends or stories from a stranger they have met for the first time, or a life they want to live. It is really more to the in-depth meaning of purpose, that they get to move people and make them feel all the emotions in the book. I am astonished how this book has become so powerful yet so comforting at the same time.

5/5 stars. I highly recommend this book to those people who love writing stories, may it be literary fiction or nonfiction genres.

[Tristan Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people would think that ideas will be understood better if people have the same thinking but I say we can better understand something if this is talked about by different people with different perspectives because we get to hear all the sides. One of the things that makes this book enticing to read is that it discusses a lot of factors found in writing - from the characters to the point of view to the topics to be discussed. And all the authors that are interviewed really have varied takes when talking about these things. This makes us realize that authors do not only limit their skills in writing, but also in conceptualizing and discovering different concepts and techniques to make their own name.

[Ben Simard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly, we all look up to people in our desired field just like how authors really take inspiration from authors as well. But as William Coles had highlighted in an interview with Peter Davies, some beginning writers set themselves up through copying. Sometimes, they copy successful writers but over time, you get to develop your own style in writing which will help you make a name in the industry. There are so many writers out there who have a resemblance to one another. But later on, we, readers, can really tell if they are on their track to building up their own style and I sometimes get really excited about the authors whose progress I’ve witnessed in each of their books. A wonderful book!

[Tray Girard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating work! One thing that makes a story interesting to read aside from being creative is accuracy and being organic. This is really an important element especially if the genre is based on realism, and its role is to inform and educate people. Books influence readers greatly, they really impact readers significantly and so, writers should know that this is their responsibility. I am happy that all of the writers understand that, and they make stories as meaningful and inspiring, to educate people not just on facts but also learning about life in general. The choice of words from the authors was able to keep the thrill of the book with every single page, kudos to everyone on this team!

[Simon Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Steve Almond said, stories do not just entertain people, it does a lot more than that. I think more than the thought that we are meeting a lot of authors in this book is the individual message that each of them imparted to us. There are a lot of different readers as to different writers. Some want to be entertained and for me, just like Steve Almond, I want to be involved in a necessary way -- emotionally and psychologically in the book. It makes me feel a lot of emotions, and is realistic in a way. This is a book that everyone wants to read but can't pinpoint why. This book has a spot-on organization of questions, very inspiring authors, all of it located in one book and I could not ask for more.

[Corner Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I am asked what makes a fantastic book fantastic, I could have a lot of answers to offer but what is great with these authors is that they were and are also readers in such a way that they know how a reader thinks and what they want. They were asked what important elements they would look forward to in a book and Michael Ray had told William that it is all about purpose, and a facility to achieve this purpose. I certainly agree. When I'm reading, I really ask what is the purpose of the book and why it is really written. And oftentimes, there is really a deeper story to where it is rooted from. This helps us connect and interact more with people’s stories by just means of reading them. This is a great book, I did not regret reading this.

[Dianna Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating comparison of views of different authors to questions that we really find intriguing and interesting to read more. William Coles has always been obsessed with details, even the smallest ones. And because the book is based on the true experiences of authors, Coles had been asking the right questions to give us the right answers to our long curiosity. One of the things that have gotten my attention too is that this is perfect for young ones who are searching for their passion in life for we are also introduced to the different realities that writers have been living, and this applies to the other professions as well. We all learn and we all progress, and the sole thing of searching for our passion is to find ourselves and our purpose, and we’ll start there.

[Alexa Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am happy that I picked this book because it has been a really fun and truthful journey. It is one that I am looking forward to reading again, to teach us the value of self-understanding and compassion for other people. I love all the people who were interviewed, it's just empowering. And all their little stories with tips gave me hope. I was smiling throughout the book, and there were moments that I needed to pause to write the impactful lines in my notes and absorb the message. Overall, it is an impactful read and to be able to venture into this adventure with those authors is an experience that I will always live by. A progressive book, just really compelling and leaves you in awe instantly every time you read this.

[Vincent Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not an explorer when it comes to reading – that, I can admit. I only read a few genres and favorite authors that I think fit my taste because I only have a little time to read some books because of my compacted schedule which I think is reasonable. However, reading this book has really introduced me to authors that are equally inspiring and amazing in their own ways. After reading this, I am now regretting why I haven’t explored going out of my comfort zone when it comes to genres because there is still such a wide world of books that I haven’t stepped on. A lot of inspiring messages from really wonderful authors that I loved so much which I’m sure you will as well. Truly an exceptional book!

[Zachary Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I think stories are offered as thought experiments. This is not the way to live but a way to live.”

This is one of my favorite lines from Peter Ho Davies that really impacted me greatly. Some readers had thought that life in books should be an ideal way of living our lives and that it should be the way how lives should be lived but that is not the way it goes. Stories in books are only one way to live, and every story differs from one person to another but is still equally unique and special. I love that in this book, we feel like we are asking the authors questions that we’ve been longing to be answered for a long time and all of their answers are really genuine and something that I am sure is not fiction at all.

[Griffin Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that is worthy of praise and attention. William Coles had never disappointed us in giving us a new journey to venture into. He had given us a new book wherein he compiled different interviews from writers who have won many hearts from different fans and readers. I always loved how William had been so detailed and meticulous when it came to writing his stories, especially short ones. And in this book, he had managed to put out details by giving significant and relevant questions. I definitely love all the answers, they were so real and genuine to hear that I am pushed to explore their books right away from reading one interview from another. Such a marvelous concept that everyone should know about!

[Matthew Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I really pay attention to characters like how each one is different and how each character impacts the overall story of the book. I think great characters really elevate a book because it is more relatable and it speaks louder to us readers. Novelist Johnathan Dee had discussed in his interview that there is a thing called character flaw wherein the character will be drawn to such an extreme that the problem is not the credibility and that the character can develop only in one direction. I haven’t really pointed out this point but as a reader, I can pinpoint this point. This is what made this book powerful because there are conversations like this instance that we never knew we needed.

[Elizabeth Harlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the idea of this book really excites me, and having to finally start reading the book made me smile. I am someone who loves writing, I love expressing myself and inspiring others, and telling stories that are imaginative which I find really creative. This book is really precious to me and more than the smile and excitement because I get to meet different authors, I am smiling because I know I will learn something new that will help me become better not just in terms of writing but as an individual. This is truly comforting, and I am really glad that I have started reading this book. I will surely recommend this book to others, especially those who are aspiring writers out there!

[Nicole Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everybody has to start somewhere and just like other passions, the field of writing has so many places to start with. But the common goal of inspiring people is by telling stories of life. This book is a series of interviews by William Coles with different award-winning authors imparting their own kinds of writing stories. One of the things that stayed in my mind while reading is when Richard Patterson had shared that in order to write stories of realism, the writer should be able to believe in their own world and the characters to act the story as realistic and relatable as it can get. I think this can be seen in books that are strong and have the purest intentions and this is a factor that is looked forward to in being a fantastic book.

[Dylan Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a dream for the readers, being able to hear answers from authors that we look up to for a long time. For me, this is more than the thought of many authors collaborating and contributing to one great book, it is really more about what the readers and aspiring writers can get from reading all of their advice and answers. In an interview with Peter Ho, William Coles had pointed out that in a story, there is a movement and there is a change in both the characters and the readers. This is a good point to be highlighted from their conversation and I certainly agree with this one, given that there are really many inspiring and moving points in books that influence readers even to the point where they change something about themselves.

[Willie Bennet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that most of the authors, whether they are interviewed here or not, they share the desire to also learn and at the same time impart knowledge and experience to the readers. What makes this purpose beautiful is that their stories or masterpieces are designed for both themselves and the readers to learn.

What I have really learned in this book by William Coles is that authors do not stop knowing and learning things just because they have accomplished something big in their writing. This just fuels them to widen their knowledge more so that they can use the same platform in delivering more inspiring and meaningful works to readers which is something that makes the world of books spectacular.

[Bobby Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes stories wonderful to read is that all of them are unpredictable, they come in various timelines with different characters and certainly different plots that just surprise readers who give it a shot. In this book, we talk to the authors themselves and I find that exciting because we get to know their innermost thoughts on how their works impact the readers, how powerful they can be, and just the whole process of coming up with a book that resonates and relates with readers in different ways. The concept of this book is fantastic, and it is truly a one-of-a-kind experience hearing from different perspectives of different authors. All of them are unique in their own ways, and I am happy that each of them found their own purpose in writing.

[Ivy Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many people who can write, like a lot of people. But being a writer does not only require that skill, it follows a lot of lists to have and this book has made me realize that. There is more to writing, it is a form of communication. Making a stranger’s story makes readers feel that they have known it for a long time, and it makes readers feel like they are those characters. That skill requires a lot more than writing technically, it is imagination and creativity that make it the full package. Anyone can be a good writer, but not all have the imagination and persistence to communicate with readers from different personalities and perspectives. A great experience with a book from William Coles. Kudos to the whole team behind this!

[Gabriel Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are people here who are unfamiliar to me and it has been the first time that I heard about them. However, their way of words has been with me since I have finished reading the book just like the words of Kirby Wilkins. For him, the literature in the past was influenced by culture and traditions, featuring different myth heroes and beliefs. But to the modern world, it is based on who is the most genuine.

For him, “It’s hard to get far enough into me, into what I know about the world and what I feel about the world…”

This book by William Coles had made me ponder that the writers themselves also seek individual growth, and incorporate who they are in what they are writing about and that creates a special connection to readers.

[Remi Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-organized compilation from William Coles that lets us meet exciting beginning stories of twenty-two award-winning authors. Reading this book, I always had my smile because I am really amazed at how authors really incorporate their experiences into the stories they are writing and I have learned from the interviews that inspiration really comes in various forms and it just goes with the flow. I always crave more after reading the interviews and this is something that makes me excited until the end. This book is such a sincere and magical experience that any reader like me would dream to read. This is a highly recommended book for fellow readers and for those who are interested in writing! Big thanks to William Coles for this book!