Exclusive Interview with
Robert J Saniscalchi
When did you start writing?
I started writing after 9/11, it was November of that year and my brother finally opened up about his tour in Vietnam on the long rides to our hunting cabin. I would go home and take notes, over time I had a story and it needed to be told.
What makes writing your passion?
I get my motivation, which feeds my passion, from the feedback and reviews of my stories. The passion also comes as the thoughts come and the words flow.
How long have you been writing?
It is around twenty years, went by fast, time moves on.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I was very happy to see the first edition of Bullets and Bandages in print. I had a publisher that was in it for the money and me buying my own books. I was happy to get free from them and have been self-publishing ever since.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
My choice of characters is purely from my Imagination and what I wanted them to be like.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Writing is a gift, and if you have it there is no quick path to success. Even if you have glowing reviews the big publishers ignore, or want a lot of money up front. It is a catch 22, you are a very good writer, but who will take the risk.? You see it everyday, everyone is writing books. You can be popular but not a good writer and with the help of extensive editing become a bestseller.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I go away from the work, no pressure on me and when I feel it again, I get back on it.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
The reviews on my work keep me going for more and I enjoy the art of creating a story. For new authors, I would say patience and more patience is key.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Take your time, do the research and be patient.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do read my book reviews and they are important to me. I'm lucky that I have only had to handle a few bad reviews. One recently was from a nit picker who thinks a book of fiction should have exacting details about things in the story.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I am humbled at times, very proud of my work and thankful for the reviewers insight into my writing.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes I do, I take things from life, from events current and in our history.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I think Rob and I are alike in some ways although I did not base him on me alone.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
I think the cover is important but the story and the happy reader is what it's all about for me.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I do a little of both, a book signing is nice or I give out free copies to friends and neighbors.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I am proud of what I have accomplished and it makes me happy that it is appreciated.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I would say one of them is Frank Herbert. His works of art, they way he writes for the Dune series of books is outstanding.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I would like to have one of my five books made into a movie. I see the movies on TV and some of them just don't have a relatable and entertaining story to them.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I actually did new editions with three of my books. I have a very good editor and cover guy and the new editions came out better than ever.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
How about going back in time to the days of Arthur Conan Doyle. Writing my stories about Sherlock and friends in the England of old would be something for sure.
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.
I think they should be banished from the sites they go on.
What would you say to your readers?
I would like to say thanks for their feedback and that it makes me happy when they enjoy my books. An avid reader myself, I believe reading is a wonderful thing for the mind and the body.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I am married with two grown children. I'm from New Jersey and have taken a home down in Sunny Florida to enjoy a semi- retirement lifestyle.
What is your day job if you have one?
I do part time electrical work and then I'm in the process of restoring the home I live in. I also like to work on my car and play a descent game of golf now and then.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I like to ride my bike, go for a swim and play pool. I like to read during the day or before bed. After dinner I usually do my writing, the evening works for me.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, my mother was very good to me, I was always doing something with my friends, my brothers and sisters or my imagination.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I believe it was the horror of 9/11 and the feeling of anger, the feeling of pride and patriotism. I wanted to write something about the good in America.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
No, I do not have unpublished books.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I believe the basics should be up front, Math, English and History. Our children need to know the truth about our past, American history is just that plain and simple.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Health, Good Luck, Winning Mega Lottery Ticket!
What is your favorite music?
I like classic rock, dance music, something with a beat.
Share a secret with us 🙂
My qoute, It's never too late to learn something new