1. Some scenes in the The Brute involve violence toward animals. Aren’t you worried about drawing criticism from animal-rights groups?
Maybe because I was raised on a farm where we dehorned cattle and castrated hogs, I’m not squeamish about some of this stuff. If you were attacked by a mad Rottweiler, wouldn’t you defend yourself? If those who depended upon you were hungry, wouldn’t you butcher a chicken?
2. Some scenes in The Brute are graphically gross. Aren’t you afraid parents, teachers, and librarians might be offended?
My target readers are adolescent males, many of whom are reluctant readers. Anybody who has been around boys knows that they are often fascinated by things that turn off adults.
3. Parts of the book are quite violent. Aren’t you concerned that you may be encouraging kids to commit violence?
I believe that imaginary violence can be a healthy means for dealing with one’s fears, and a harmless safety valve for natural aggression. When I was a kid, we used to shoot up lots of imaginary soldiers, cowboys, and Indians. So far, none of my childhood playmates have become homicidal maniacs. There’s nothing in the book I would have felt uncomfortable letting my teenage sons read. If parents are concerned about this, they might want to read the book before offering it to their teens.
4. Why a Boy Scout campout?
New writers are often encouraged to write about what they know. When I started writing The Brute, I was Scoutmaster of my sons’ troop. A disastrous campout seemed like a good beginning to a story.
5. How did you decide to use "visualization" in the novel?
The Brute is about a boy with a violent temper. Years ago when I had a longer commute, I listened to self-improvement tapes. One of my favorites was by Brian Tracey, a leader in using visualization to improve performance.
6. What spurred you to write a young-adult novel?
I enjoyed reading as a youngster, literally reading by flashlight under my covers at night. When I noticed that my sons weren’t reading as much, I checked the young-adult sections of the bookstores. Most of the novels seemed to be targeted to girls, and most of rest lacked the zip needed to grab and hold the attention of today’s youth. I decided to give it a try myself.
7. How did you start?
My wife had enrolled in a correspondence course for children’s literature when our kids were toddlers. We spent hours discussing her lessons, and I picked up a basic feel for what was required. When I decided to try writing, I enrolled in the same course, and that got me rolling.
8. Why aren’t there more novels targeted toward boys?
It’s economics. Boys have a reputation for being reluctant readers, so many publishers are naturally reluctant to risk capital on boy-oriented books. I’m fortunate to have a publisher and an editor willing to take chances.
9. Isn’t age 53 a little late in life to start writing children’s books?
I envy authors who began writing in their twenties or even in their teens. They have a lifetime of writing opportunities ahead of them. On the other hand, older writers bring experience and maturity to their writing. I guess it just depends upon when the bug bites you.
10. Why would the chairman of the board of a local bank want to write young-adult novels?
I’m concerned that many youngsters never develop a love for reading. Unfortunately, many of the books I enjoyed as a kid are just too cumbersome for today’s young readers. Somebody has to write novels that excite and entertain teens. Time will tell if I have a knack for it.
