Exclusive Interview with
George Cramer
When did you start writing?
2011
What makes writing your passion?
Stories in my mind fight to get out and on paper.
How long have you been writing?
Thirteen years of writing fiction, over fifty writing reports.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Joy, elation.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I choose names based upon the activity of the person, the feeling it gives me.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Books rushed to print with an abundance of grammar and spelling errors.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I'm fighting writer's block now. Fellow writers pressure to see my MS usually helps.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Outside the unwanted writer's block, I keep going because I must get the story on paper. New writers, fight through fear of failure, get it written.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Start writing about your experiences and those of others you witness.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes. I hate reviews with only stars. If the reader didn't care for my work, please tell me what turned you off. I learn from reader reviews.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Joy.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, I have, but I fictionalize the event and location to camouflage the event.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I gave up writing about me. Some of my characters act in ways that I like to think I would also act.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
It's not as important, but it's important enough to give the reader a sense of the book's tone.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I connect with readers whenever possible. I want to know how the book felt for them.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Like a million bucks.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Bernard Cornwell - his work comes alive for me. I see what the characters do and think.
I once traveled across Spain to see a battle scene. I loved how it was a real event.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I could go for being a small version of Hemingway.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes. My first book is laden with hooptedoodle. I would love to edit it all out.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
J.A. Jance
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
Why must you be so hateful?
What would you say to your readers?
I hope you enjoyed the experience. Please do me a great favor and write an honest review, whether you liked it or not.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
My wife and I recently sold our home of forty years an moved to Sun City-Roseville.
We have four kids and seven grandchildren.
What is your day job if you have one?
Writing and blogging.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I don't have free time between writing and helping out with all the kids and grandchildren.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, a great time.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I got laid off from a fantastic job when the company was bought out and liquidated.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Book 2 in the Hector Miguel Navarro police series is with a developmental editor. This is a first for me. I expect the MS to be published next spring.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
We must return to reading, writing (cursive), and arithmetic.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1. Become an accomplished writer.
2. Have a best seller.
3. Enjoy a two-week houseboat vacation on Lake Shasta.
What is your favorite music?
Sixties rock and roll.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I'm claustrophobic.