Exclusive Interview with
Greg Siofer
When did you start writing?
I began writing during my college years, just jotting down random thoughts from my mind. I collected notes during my recovery from a cyst operation and used them to write the book Getting Out.
What makes writing your passion?
What I love most about writing is the ability to affect the reader. It's a good feeling to know that someone enjoyed my work enough to give a compliment.
How long have you been writing?
Learning is a constant aspect of my writing journey since I'm still new to it. My ability to craft writing makes stories enjoyable for readers. Personally, I dislike dull books and vowed never to write them.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Describing the feeling of holding my first book is a challenging task. I knew that my book, Getting Out, had the ability to impact someone's life greatly. It was written from my heart so the person does not go through without the knowledge I shared, and the reader can make an informative decision.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
The names of all the characters are inspired by people who have influenced my life. It's a way to express gratitude.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Writing styles vary based on the type of book, but the one thing I refuse to do is create a story outline.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
When my writing is at a standstill. A break for a few days usually results in an idea popping into my head while doing something else.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
As stated in my first book, never give up. Swearing in the face of hopeless times makes you stronger every day. What the final result is, you already know.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Little did I know, taking notes from my high school English teacher would provide me with useful information I'd spend years searching for.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Just as not everyone likes the music you listen to, not everyone will appreciate your work. Even negative reviews have something to offer, so take it as a compliment.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Getting a compliment always feels great because everyone likes to be praised. Their compliment is utilized to enhance the story in the following round.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
My real-life experiences inspired me to write my first book, Getting Out.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
It's a difficult question to compare yourself. The character Nairb from my book, The Question, would be my pick. His behavior reminds me of my own reactions.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The book's cover should provide a glimpse of what it's about without revealing too much.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
Connecting with my readers is something I don't have a problem with. There's a possibility of receiving compliments and discovering a new idea.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's alright with me, but it depends on the frequency. It all comes down to the location, making it a difficult question to answer.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I don't have an author that I favor. Since everyone has something unique to offer, I don't limit myself to just one.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Like many children, I dreamed of waking up with superpowers. The influence comes from comic book reading.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Learning from that mistake is better than rewriting it.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
My preference is to earn my position instead of switching.
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.
It's okay with me because it shows that someone has a high opinion of you.
What would you say to your readers?
Chase your dream without losing focus and thank you for taking the time to read my work.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I have a daughter from my previous marriage. I won't go into the details, but you can find some of it in my book Getting Out. After selling my place, I moved back in with my parents.
What is your day job if you have one?
This is a straightforward answer. You don't need a job, just write whenever you feel the urge.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Writing constantly is not possible, right? There's something about fixing computers that really helps to clear my mind.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Trying to explain happiness is hard. I experienced no tough times and people were more connected than they are currently. I had what one might consider a good childhood.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Although I was in college, it wasn't until a few years after my surgery that I began to take writing more seriously.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
There are no books that I have written that have not been published. I have some suggestions on what to write about in point form.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I find it pointless to teach things that won't be used. Real-life examples are the most effective means of illustrating what's needed.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
I only want to live a life that is happy and worth remembering.
What is your favorite music?
I don't have any favorites, I enjoy all types.
Share a secret with us 🙂
n/a