Exclusive Interview with
Greg Siofer
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_149,h_149,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_192,h_192,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_149,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_149,h_149,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_192,h_192,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_149,h_149,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_192,h_192,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_149,h_149,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_190,h_190,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_149,h_149,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_190,h_190,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Learning from that mistake is better than rewriting it.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
My preference is to earn my position instead of switching.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
What would you say to your readers?
Chase your dream without losing focus and thank you for taking the time to read my work.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
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.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
I only want to live a life that is happy and worth remembering.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
What is your favorite music?
I don't have any favorites, I enjoy all types.
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)
![BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ea3ec7_0a4d6d8b9efb4490ad671814f1ff42bb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_150,h_150,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/BooksShelf-Interview-Icon.png)
Share a secret with us 🙂
n/a
![Greg Siofer](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/edb418_c49b58f4c564403484b477343073c5e1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_191,h_191,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/me4%20-%20Toni%20Kief.jpg)