Today on The Back Deck Blog, fellow Oak Tree Press author, John M. Wills, is joining us to talk about his new book, "Healer", which was released a few weeks ago. I've already read it and highly recommend it! So let's get to know a little more about John and his latest work!
Tell us a little about yourself and your latest
book.
I’m retired from the FBI. Before that I spent 2 years in the military
and 12 years as a Chicago cop. I’ve been married to the love of my life, Christine,
for 44 years. We’ve been blessed with three children and 4 grandchildren.
My new release is called, HEALER.
It’s the story of 16-year-old Billy Anderson who faces more than his share of
adversity. Heckled in school because of a birth defect, and suffering the loss
of both parents, he nevertheless maintains his strong faith and faces each day
with remarkable courage. Billy’s life takes a dramatic turn one day when while
attending church, an elderly woman dies in his arms. Before she takes her last
breath, she tells him, “Receive the gift of healing.” This remarkable gift
changes not only Billy’s life, but everyone around him.
(With my apologies, I can't seem to upload images to my blog today, so I'm going to post the amazon.com link to "Healer")
http://www.amazon.com/Healer-Novel-John-M-Wills/dp/1610091752/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1412603609&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=healer%2C+john+m.+wills
When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?(With my apologies, I can't seem to upload images to my blog today, so I'm going to post the amazon.com link to "Healer")
http://www.amazon.com/Healer-Novel-John-M-Wills/dp/1610091752/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1412603609&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=healer%2C+john+m.+wills
It was after I retired from the FBI. I began writing articles on
officer training and safety, but yearned to write fiction. While I continue to
write non-fiction, I’ve published more than 150 articles to date, I enjoy
writing novels, short stories, and poetry.
What steps did you take to learn the art of
novel writing?
I’m self taught, trial and error has been my writing instructor. Those
who have followed my career tell me they see the progression. However, 33 years
of writing police reports and affidavits certainly helped my writing
development.
Who are some of your favorite writers and how
did they influence you?
I enjoy reading works by Richard Paul Evans and Dan Walsh. Their
character development and smooth dialogue quickly caught my attention, as well
as their wholesome stories.
What do you do when you're not writing?
I read . . . a lot. I’m a book reviewer for the New York Journal of
Books and a member of the National Book Critics Circle. Reading books by
different authors and genres other than my own makes for a better writer. I’m
not sure other writers grasp that simple truth, but I’ve discovered it’s a marvelous
way of improving one’s own craft.
I’m working on a novel about a troubled marriage. I think it’s a topic
everyone can relate to, inasmuch as there are so many divorces and separations
in our lives.
Nice interview revealing more about John's versatility. Will look forward to that next novel.
ReplyDeleteYou've led an interesting life, John. All these experiences add depth to your books. Nice interview.
ReplyDeleteMade me want to read the book.