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Al Boudreau Interview 5/30/2011 6:48:48 PM
Author Al Boudreau discusses his debut novel and the writing life. LTS: If you are a fan of international thrillers, you’ll be interested in meeting today’s featured author, Al Boudreau! A talented writer and great Twitter pal, Al is here to share in his works and his writing life. So let’s get started, Al.
In what corner of the world do you call home and what do you like to do when you’re not writing?
AB: I live on the Maine/New Hampshire border, near the seacoast. When the weather is decent, I love to take long rides on my motorcycle, or simply hang out with friends.
LTS: Has writing stories always been a part of your life and becoming a published author a life long dream?
AB: Actually, I have only been writing for about two years, but have found writing to be sheer joy, and would like to continue to do so as a second career.
LTS: When writing is a joy, it shows in the quality of your story, so this explains why your debut novel, ‘In Memory of Greed’ has been receiving rave reviews! What was the inspiration behind this story and can you tell us a little bit about your protagonist?
AB: I've grown tired of big business and government taking advantage of the middle class. ‘In Memory of Greed’ is a story about what can happen when man's greed goes too far. The protagonist, Murhkin Mocado, is pulled into a scenario by some corrupt individuals, and spends a difficult period of time trying to escape their clutches, while struggling to make things right.
LTS: Without giving away too much, can you reveal what’s in store for the readers when they crack open ‘In Memory of Greed’?
AB: Readers will be taken on a thrill ride across our fine country, as well as Ireland, and Kenya. The protagonist gets swept up in a flurry of lies and deceit, ultimately triggering one of the worst ecological disasters the world has ever known.
LTS: I’m curious about your writing style. Are you one of those disciplined writers who must dedicate a certain time each day to producing so many words, or are you more relaxed and tend to write when it strikes your fancy.
AB: I write early in the morning, starting out around 4:30 am then writing until. 9:00 am. Then it's day job 'til 6 pm, and writing 'til 11. I don't saddle myself with unrealistic word counts. I just write what I can, when I can. That way, it keeps the stress down, and production up.
LTS: Still on the subject of writing styles, are you a plotter or pantser? The readers would like to know if you tend to plot out your story line in great detail or if your writing is more organic with the characters and events unfolding as you write.
AB: I use an outline, which allows me to keep the story on track, while giving me the flexibility to get creative with expanding each scene. I've tried the pantser route. It just doesn't work for me. I find it too easy to stray from the central story line, unless I have an outline as a guide.
LTS: I’m the same way, so I know what you mean. Now, some authors meditate, others need to fuel up on coffee or listen to music. Do you have any rituals, ones that can be shared with the readers, that you must do before you hunker down for a writing session?
AB: All I need is a quiet spot. I can't write with any kind of noise. Give me silence, and I'll get the words down.
LTS: At one time or another, most writers hit the wall and their work stalls because of the dreaded writer’s block. What do you do to get around or over this mental wall to resume writing?
AB: I personally don't believe in writer's block. If the words come slowly on any given day, I'll just shift gears and do research, or editing then return to the writing when I'm a bit more inspired. This way, I'm still accomplishing something important without beating myself up over having a bad day.
LTS: Who is your favourite author and how has he/she inspired you to write or influenced your writing style or choice of genre?
AB: Though his work is completely different than my own, I've always loved the work of Ernest Hemingway. Plus he enjoyed a cocktail from time to time, so we've got that in common. I read his great work, and it inspires me to always dig deeper to find my best work.
LTS: What is the most profound discovery you’ve made in terms of your writing and how it has touched the lives of others?
AB: The best thing that's happened is the introduction of so many fabulous people into my world. My new writer friends, and many new readers, have helped make this journey sheer joy for me. The writing community is so giving, and the willingness to help one another is amazing.
LTS: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on the road to publication?
AB: Edit, edit, edit. If you can give your work the extra polish readers deserve by spending that extra time and effort to go through and fine tune your writing, it will carry you far.
LTS: What are you reading now, and how did this particular book make it onto your to-read list?
AB: I'm currently reading "Crooked Moon" by Lisette Brodey. She entered my radar, via Lisa Stull's blog. Ms. Brodey is a lovely friend, and a wonderful writer.
LTS: What do you foresee in your future over the next five years and do you hope to branch out into other genres? Can your fans expect a sequel to ‘In Memory of Greed’ in the near future?
AB: I'm not certain about branching out into other genres, but in five years I'd like to have at least three books available, and be writing full time. It would simply be a dream come true to chase my passion all day long, every day.
LTS: Thank you so much for taking the time from your busy life to discuss your novel and to share in your writing experiences, Al! See you on Twitter, save a barstool for me at #pubwrite!
For more information about Al Boudreau and his novel, check out:
Website: http://alboudreau.wordpress.com Follow Al on Twitter: .threecifer
Where to buy the book: http://amzn.com/B004L2LJ94
