Author J. Frederick Weiss grew up in the vicinity of Lake Erie. This was a rural area with tight-knit, small town communities where people bonded via sports! He was raised by his blue-collar parents, and spent plenty of time fishing and working nearby the lake growing up. Hometown Home Run is Weiss’ first book, and it is a dedication to his memories and his youth. The book follows Murdock Nolan, living in small town America, and his experiences with family, sports and life. We’re pleased to have some of the author J. Frederick Weiss’ time to answer some of our questions, ranging from book-related to queries on a personal level.
Favorite quote from your book?
“Each girl gave Murdock a hug and kiss on the cheek, saying ‘He’s so cute”. . . ‘what a hunk. . . ‘ and ‘he’s studly,’ which turned Murdock’s face ten different shades of red.”
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to own a company.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was 66 years old.
How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reasons for writing each book?
I had a great story to tell. Hometown Home Run is based on a true story.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I like to interject humor when writing as much as I can.
Do you like to create books for adults, youth and/or children? Why?
I like to tell stories for youth and adults regarding my work, sports, and my experiences.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Hometown Home Run is my first book.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I worked on Hometown Home Run for a year.
How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)?
I write on paper and have it transcribed on the computer.
What does your family think of your writing?
They loved this book. They told me that they wanted to live in Stone Harbor.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to do Carpentry and woodworking.
What do you think makes a good story?
Books of fiction from real life stories, to me, makes the best stories–“art imitating life.”
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating/writing your books?
Writing a book takes mounds of patience.
What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
I like to read the works of Ernest Hemingway and Herman Melville.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Since writing this book, my readers have told me of particular sentences, quotes, or paragraphs that are meaningful to them in a personal way.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My ideas for writing come from life experiences.
Do you have any suggestions to help one become a better writer? If so, what are they?
My suggestion is to let your words flow and enjoy what you write. After you have expressed what you want to say then you can edit, edit, edit!
Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events?
Since this is my first book, not yet.
What’s more important: characters or plot?
Characters AND plot are both are important!
How do books get published?
I self-published this book through MindStir Media.
Do you write every single day?
No, I do not write everyday as writing is not my full-time vocation. . . yet! Hopefully, one day it will be.
Ballpoint, uniball or fountain pen?
I like to write with a Uniball, if handy; otherwise a ballpoint pen.
Any writing rituals?
I always start slowly; push myself; then rest before beginning again.
What’s the worst job you’ve had?
Cleaning a basement after a sewer break for a client.
Tell us some more about your book.
Hometown Home Run is about life, love, family, friends, sports, team competition, and a special young man striving to succeed for his small town way of life.
Are you planning to adapt any of your stories to the screen?
If asked, I would love to do this.
How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
Better “clean a few basements” as you go along while you are writing.
Any last thoughts for our readers?
In this book, I hope you find encouragement, hope in the future, and a friend named Murdock Nolan.
