Exclusive Interview with
Steve Zettler
When did you start writing?
The first meaningful writing I did was when I was in Vietnam with the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, due a hasty departure, all of that was lost.
What makes writing your passion?
I do like to dig into the underbelly of humanity. I like to expose the humor and absurdity that lurks beneath the macho world so often in modern thriller and mysterie novels.
How long have you been writing?
My first thriller was published in 1996.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Super excitement. I had had a successful career as an actor in New York and Los Angeles, but reciting word written by other writers began to seem empty, and I opted to move on. There's great joy that comes with holding your published book in your hand; a true feeling of accomplishment.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I like to create character with a strong, and often difficult, past. As an actor, it's one of the first things you delve into – what's not in the script. Where was this person born? How diid he grow up? Where did he grow up? These are things that may never show up in a novel, but they effect every decision the character makes.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I'm sure every writer has the same answer to this – promotion. Personal appearances are great fun, but making the arrangements, dealing with public relations, approving advertising, etc. are a real slog. Clearly, you want the book to be successful, but I'm sure every artist finds the business end a real drag.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Just keep on pushing. I find that if you have a strong outline before you sit down to write, writer's block remains on the back burner. That and a deadline!
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I'll never be able to come up with anything better than this Dorothy Parker quote – "If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do for them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they're happy."
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Don't let the naysayers get you down. You are enough.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do read reviews. I like to know how my writing lands. Naturally, you can't change a word once a novel is published, but I like to know my sentiments are getting across. Generally, the only negative feedback I get are from people quibbling with my research. Much of what I write comes from personal experience, and every now and then I find someone who had experienced a similar situation differently. And I get that.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Well, my latest, "Tick... Tick... Tick..." just received an "Editor's Pick" review from Publishers Weekly/BookSense which was s first for me, which was super exciting.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Absolutely. I do this all the time. Every character I write is based on someone I have known. And my novel, "Careless Love," is 80% autobiographical – a fairly grizzly recounting of my time in Vietnam and shock of returning to an unwelcoming United States.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
All of my protagonist have a strong sense of right and wrong, truth and honesty. However, they do get trapped at times and often need to bend the rules.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The cover is what gets the reader to pick up the book, but there better be something on the inside or you do yourself more harm than good.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I'm always thrilled to do book event and meet readers. If they contact me through my website I always respond.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
That happened more when I was an actor, though as a writer when it does happen, it's always nice to know you've entertained someone.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
No doubt about it – Donald Westlake. He was a brilliant storyteller with a fabulous sense of humor. And humor is tough in novels. A surprising number of readers aren't fond of it. But in reality, some classic writers, like Dickens, have some laugh-out- loud moments.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I'm perfectly happy where I am. I'm comfortable wallowing in a creative state.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Sometimes when I'm doing a reading, I think, "Ouch, I wish I could rewrite that." But I can't, so I don't lose any sleep over it.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Again I'm perfectly happy where I am. Years ago, when we were all young actors, I did a play with Denzel Washington and Samuel L. Jackson. Great friends, wonderful people, but I can't imagine not being able to walk down the street without attracting a crowd.
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 haven't run into that. I guess I'm just lucky.
What would you say to your readers?
Enjoy! Feel free to laugh; feel free to cry.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Philadelphia. It's the biggest small town in America. It sometimes gets a bad rap, but people here are passionate about our city. When I walk our dog it sometime takes an hour; I run into so many people to talk with. I'm married and have three children that I'm exceptionally proud of. They've done well for themselves.
What is your day job if you have one?
For a long time I was a tour guide on a double-decker bus in Philly. It was as much for fun as anything. I met so many diverse people with fascinating stories.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I don't have a hobby. Philadelphia is such a walkable city, and that's what I do with my free time – walk the city. The architecture is stunning, the people are fabulous, and the food is in a world of its own.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I have a memoir coming out next year – "Leave the Kid Alone." It will be with my same publisher, Vine Leaves Press. It's told from my eight-year-old point of view. A bit like Felinni's "Eight-and-a-Half." I grew up above my father's bar – a rather raucous place. It's a year away from its publishing date, but I'll let readers decide if it was a happy childhood or not.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
It really was my time in Vietnam. Nearly all of my protagonists are former Marines with an oddball sense of humor. They look wisely upon the absurdity fragility of life.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I just finished a noir 1950's mystery set in Philadelphia. That's the only thing I've written that's unpublished, but it hasn't gone out to editors yet. I'm confident it will find a home.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Kids really need to learn to read at a young age. They need to find the joy in reading.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
I'll refrain from my political wishes, because this isn't the place. I wish for eternal happiness for my children. I wish that my wife outlives me. And I suppose I could use a few more bucks.
What is your favorite music?
The Rolling Stones.
Share a secret with us 🙂
Well, then it wouldn't be a secret, would it?