Interview with
John V. Madormo
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was twelve, I tried writing a book. After the first chapter, I quit. It was just too much work. I didn't attempt to write another book for 40 years.
How long does it take you to write a book?
When I first began writing, it took me about a year to write a book. Now I'm able to crank one out in about four months.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
The need for research. And I'm not just talking about non-fiction books. You must thoroughly research works of fiction as well. If you don't, a savvy reader may challenge you. Research...research...research!
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
All the time. Mostly they say how much they enjoyed a particular book. Some ask if the books are based on incidents that took place in my personal life. Others will talk of people in their lives who resemble characters in the books.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It usually energizes me. When I finish a productive writing session, I feel recharged.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Interruptions. I always put on headphones when I write. I don't want to hear anything else...except classical music.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
Originality is so important. I try to think up premises that no one has ever considered before.
What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
Aldous Huxley. I struggled to read Brave New World. I never wanted to read another Aldous Huxley novel again. Then I gave in and read Chrome Yellow, and loved it.
At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?
When your work has been published by a legitimate publisher.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
When it happens, I always force myself to write even if I'm only able to crank out a paragraph in an hour's time. Fortunately it doesn't happen often.
Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?
I wouldn't say therapeutic, but I have written characters based on people in my past. I take their idiosyncrasies and exaggerate them. They make for some pretty interesting characters.
What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
The plot always comes first. You must have a story to fit your characters into.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
A 14-16 year old young person.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
I write fiction...and I do constant research.
Tell us more about your book/s?
Go to my Amazon Author page and you'll learn more about my writing.
https://www.amazon.com/John-V-Madormo/e/B007R9W21M?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1646718450&sr=1-1