In A Bookshelf: Author Interview: Steven Manchester (Author of Twelve Months)

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Author Interview: Steven Manchester (Author of Twelve Months)

Interview with Steven Manchester

Tell us about yourself first.

I am the proud father of two sons and two daughters.

When not spending time with my children, writing, teaching, or promoting my works, I speak to troubled children through the Straight Ahead Program and host a Comedy Benefit each year for A Wish Come True, Inc.

Visit: www.StevenManchester.com

Tell us about your new book, Twelve Months

Don DiMarco has a very good life – a family he loves, a comfortable lifestyle, passions and interests that keep him amused. He also thought he had time, but that turned out not to be the case. Faced with news that might have immediately felled most, Don now wonders if he has time enough. Time enough to show his wife the romance he didn’t always lavish on her. Time enough to live out his most ambitious fantasies. Time enough to close the circle on some of his most aching unresolved relationships. Summoning an inner strength he barely realized he possessed, Don sets off to prove that twelve months is time enough to live a life in full. A glorious celebration of each and every moment that we’re given here on Earth, as well as the eternal bonds that we all share, Twelve Months is a stirring testament to the power of the human spirit.

When did you start writing?

I’d just returned home from Operation Desert Storm, and was working as a prison investigator in Massachusetts. Needless to say, there was great negativity in my life at that time. I decided to return to college to finish my degree in Criminal Justice. During one of the classes, the professor talked about police work but nothing else. I finally raised my hand and asked, “The criminal justice system is vast. What about the courts, probation, parole – corrections?” He smiled and told me to see him after class. I thought I’d finally done it! In his office, he explained, “There’s no written material out there on corrections or prisons, except from the slanted perspective of inmates.” He smiled again and dropped the bomb. “If you’re so smart,” he said, “why don’t you write it?” Nine months later, I dropped the first draft of 6-5; A Different Shade of Blue on his desk. From then on, I was hooked. I was a writer.

What inspired you to write this book?

My wife and children. They inspire all of my writing.

Has the Internet helped you in your writing career?

Yes—it’s hard to be successful today without social media.

What are the major challenges that you have faced in your career?

The greatest challenge for me has been time. First and foremost, I am a Dad and my children come first. After that, there are other responsibilities that need my attention. Yet, my passion to write has constantly gnawed at my soul.

To overcome the obstacle of time, I made writing a priority over watching TV and sometimes even sleeping. Once my family is taken care of and the world closes its eyes, I’m up for a few more hours each day – chasing my dreams on paper.

What do you advise new writers to do?

Be true to yourself, always.

Write constantly.

Keep the faith!!!

And NEVER, EVER, EVER quit. Most people in this industry would agree that more than talent or skill or even luck, perseverance is the one trait that will always get the job done.

Knock on every door you can, and keep knocking. I promise that eventually someone will open and the warmth you feel on your face will more than validate every hour spent alone in the darkness.