What is your name, where were you born and
where do you live now?
Larry Peterson, born and raised in the Bronx, NY and I have lived in
Pinellas Park, FL for the last 31 years.
When did you first consider yourself as a
"writer"?
I think when this new book launched I began to feel I was a writer.
There is still a certain ambiguity in my feelings about this
What is the name of your latest book, and if
you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?
The title of the book is "The Priest and The
Peaches". Five, newly orphaned kids, find an inner strength
to stay together because they have the love of family within
them. (You asked for 20 words and that is exactly 20)
Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?
The publisher is Tribute Books from Archbald, PA.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book
part of a series?
I have started work on the sequel to "The P & The P".
This may definitely develop into a series. We'll see.
What made you decide to write that genre of
book?
I tried to write it at the YA level because I wanted to give the
younger folks a sense of how even young people can use the power of family love
and caring for others to help conquer any obstacle.
How long have you been writing?, and who or
what inspired you to write?
I probably started writing in grade school. Just
"scribbling". There was no inspiration. I just liked doing it. I had
to graduate to official senior citizen status before I actually became what one
might call a writer. It was a long road traveled.
Do you have a certain routine you have for
writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
No actual routine. No music either. I do most of my work in the
morning. I have turned a bedroom into my paper strewn office and that is my
funky, little writing world. Just lovin' it.
Do you have anybody read your books and give
you reviews before you officially release them?ie. Your partner, children,
friends, reviewers you know?
My wife happens to be an outstanding proof-reader. She also has
a great insight into grammar. I drive her crazy with some of my NYC street
dialogue. She is the only one who sees the book before I dare send it off.
I tried critique groups etc in the past but that, for me, was absolutely
frustrating. There was never a constant that you could seize upon.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
Yes--I read every review and try to respond to every one, even if
negative
What was the toughest/best review you have ever
had?
The toughest review I ever had actually was two days ago. This was
not even a review, it was more or less an excoriation trashing the grammar, the
dialogue, and the whole concept especially the character of the priest.
There was an actual anger going on which I did not fully understand. Funny
thing was, a few hours later I received a beautiful note from someone thanking
me for writing the book. In fact, the reviews have been, for the most
part, outstanding and very humbling. That's just the way it goes.
Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their
review if it was not all positive about your book/books?
No--I would never ask anyone to change their review or opinion. You
can't please everyone. Just look at the political vitriol taking place. If they
don't love you they hate you---no gray areas.
Do you choose a title first, or write the book
then choose the title?
Actually, the title did change several times so, to answer, no, it
probably comes later.
How do you market/promote your books?
Right now we are doing this 3 month on-line book tour. Plus,
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn. Marketing is not my strong suit and I am trying to
learn different ways to promote. It is very hard and very competitive.
Have you ever suffered from a "writer's
block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?
You get past writer's block by writing your way out of it. Even if
you are only putting gibberish on the paper sooner or late a cohesive thought
will find its way out.
Have you ever based characters on people you
know or based events on things that have happened to you?
Sure---I believe that all fiction ultimately comes from who the
writer is and what he/she has experienced in life. Life experience is the seed
and from there who knows what the writer will grow.
Are there any hidden messages or morals
contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The
moral of this story is..")
The message in "The Priest and The Peaches" is
simple--L-Y-N (love your neighbor) The message in my children's book,
"Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes" is basically the same because
it teaches kids how we are all different and that is an OK thing.
Is there a certain Author that influenced you
in writing?
I may be influenced by Hemingway. Why? He keeps thing simple.
What are you currently reading? Are you
enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)
I am reading a YA book called "The Village By The Sea" by
Paula Fox. If you want to read books with great description and less
dialogue, check her out.
Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace
printed books?
No, I don't think so. I think people will always want a hard copy
to hold. I expect that down the road technology will be available to make
your e-book into a hard copy for minimal cost and people might respond to that.
I'm not sure.
What piece of advice would you give to a new
writer?
You have to keep at it, be thick skinned, and never quit no matter
what.
Where can we contact Larry?
Facebook is http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx
Twitter is http://twitter.com/slipperywillie
Publisher is www.tribute-books.com
***
Any more information/comments you wish to supply?
Larry Peterson's blog:
http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com
Larry Peterson's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx
Larry Peterson's Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/slipperywillie
Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com
Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176
Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks
The Priest and the Peaches Book Summary
Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s
Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.
They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.
They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Larry Peterson's Bio:
Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former
Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down
with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began
doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in
1984.
His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.
He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other.
eBook
ISBN: 978-0-9837418-4-8
ISBN: 978-1-4658-6327-0
Pages: 285
Release: January 1, 2012
His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.
He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other.
eBook
ISBN: 978-0-9837418-4-8
ISBN: 978-1-4658-6327-0
Pages: 285
Release: January 1, 2012
Kindle buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P0EYI8/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006P0EYI8
Nook buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fthe-priest-and-the-peaches-larry-peterson%252F1108051518%253Fean%253D2940013858190%2526itm%253D1%2526usri%253Dthe%252Bpriest%252Band%252Bthe%252Bpeaches
iBookstore buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Fbook%252Fthe-priest-and-the-peaches%252Fid491711271%253Fmt%253D11%2526uo%253D4%2526partnerId%253D30
Smashwords buy link
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/116166?ref=tributebooks
PDF buy link
https://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1538819
Sandra, thanks for featuring Larry today on your blog. His wonderful personality really came out in your interview with him. He's a positive guy who writes uplifting stories. Thanks for supporting his latest YA novel.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandra---Thanks so much for the book promotion and for having me featured on your site today. I sincerely appreciate it. Best wishes always,
ReplyDeleteLarry Peterson