Larry Pontius is the author of Waking Walt, a spellbinding take on one of America’s most enduring urban legends. Could it be true that Walt Disney never died, but is out there somewhere in cryonic suspension waiting to return when a cure for his lung cancer is found? This award-winning thriller is a page turner that will keep you up all night.

Welcome Larry!

1. How did you become an author?

I’ve been a writer my entire adult life. I graduated from college with a master’s degree in advertising and went to work on the creative side of the business, first as a copy writer, then a copy supervisor, and finally a creative director at advertising agencies in Chicago, Detroit and Sydney, Australia. Somewhere along the line I also started writing lyrics for songs that were used in television programming and films. For example, I wrote the lyrics to all of the songs in the first animated feature film produced in Australia, Marco Polo Jr. The lyric writing led to a couple of books of poetry, and when I retired it seemed natural a step to try my hand at something longer.

2. What inspires you?

It’s the story that appeals to me. When I stumble across one it’s really exciting. All the greatest writing in the world isn’t worth the time to read if it doesn’t tell a great story. This thing that I’ve written about Walt Disney is based upon a great story; the legend that he never died but is still out there somewhere in cryonic suspension. Wow.


3. What are you working on now? Future books?

I’m working on what I think is another great story: Future King. Did you know that in the T.H. White novel, The Once and Future King (the book behind the Broadway play Camelot) Merlin tells King Arthur that they will both come back when England needs them most? Wow!


After that, I’m planning on writing a series of mystery/thrillers based upon a college history teacher named Napoleon Kane. The first book, Murder in Blue & Gray, is a great story about a secret from the American Civil War.


4. If you could have lunch with a literary figure
(living or dead) who would it be? And why?

I’d love to have lunch with Mark Twain. Why? Simply because I think he’s one of the greatest writers (and most interesting people) who ever lived. If he wasn’t available, I’d invite Ernest Hemmingway. You know he started out in the advertising business?


5. What advice would you like to offer aspiring writers?

I’d give a nod of the head to what is almost the cliché recommendation: write, write, and write. But I’d also like to offer a quote from a couple of my favorite authors.

Mark Twain said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightening and the lightening bug. And Ernest Hemmingway, drawing on his advertising experience I suspect, always recommended, “When in doubt, leave it out.”

6. What do you like to do besides writing?

I assume you’re not talking about my family. They’re everything to me. Beyond that, I enjoy a great bottle of wine...often. I like most Jack Nicholson movies. I still wear a Mickey Mouse watch. And I love to read a great story.

7. Favorite movie? Vacation spot? Food?

Favorite movie: A toss-up between Casablanca and the first Star Wars picture. Vacation spot: You can choose from Jamaica, Dunk Island off the coast of Queensland, and the Greek Isles. Favorite food? Like most of us, I think that depends on the state of your stomach. I had grilled Salmon with balsamic asparagus last night and tonight I'm having an Irish stew. I was thinking about chili dogs with onions for tomorrow. What do you think?


8. Anything you'd like to tell our readers? Upcoming
contests? Booksignings? Events?

Nothing special.

9. Have you written anything besides books?

Already covered

10. How can people contact you or learn more about
your books and all of your writing activities?

People can find out all about Waking Walt , my other writing, and my future plans on my website www.wakingwalt.com They can contact me personally at lpontius@earthlink.net

Thank you, Larry. You're a very interesting guy. And I'm looking forward to reading Walking Walt!