Interview with
William Fix / Bill Fix
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Since my father passed, I have had a burning desire to write what he taught me at our favorite fishing spot, The Dead-End Road. I wrote several first chapters but was never satisfied. I read a book by Chandler Bolt, "Published," that inspired me to finish the book. The thing that inspired me in the book was the quote, "Finished is better than perfect."
How long does it take you to write a book?
I rented a home at the Villages in Florida in August. I wrote twelve hours each day and finished my first draft book in one month.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I could remember and create much more content than I thought I would. Writing my book "Butterscotch," I would think of dozens of people, situations, and teachable moments that I included in the book.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Many people said they read through the book in a couple of days and then reread it and found many gems of wisdom throughout the book. Some people were able to relate to the situations in the book. Others identified things in their life that they wanted to change. I received numerous thank-you notes, cards, and phone calls letting me know how they enjoy reading my books.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Writing energizes me. I can write all night without realizing it is 3 a.m. and I have not been to bed yet.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Interruptions are my Kryptonite. When I write, I concentrate and get into a rhythm. I don't particularly appreciate anything breaking that rhythm.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I try to be original, but I know not everyone will like my writing in doing that.
What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
Authors that use words more extensive than my vocabulary and write using metaphors I do not understand. These more profound books are more enjoyable to me now that I have studied a few. Now I am intrigued by them.
At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?
I believe everyone is a writer once they learn to write. Every person writes at a different level.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
Writer's block comes in the form of distraction more than anything. The distraction causes me to drift in my concentration.
Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?
I write nonfiction and know my characters.
What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
I am not a fiction writer.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
New and developing Christ-followers.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
Not much.
Tell us more about your book/s?
I have written a children's series that would appeal to the 4-7 year age range. The series is called the Adventures of Billy Fix.
One of my personal favorites is a guide to help people who conduct funerals, Memorials to Remember. The Dead-End Road Devotional and The Butterscotch Story shared a lot about my years in the ministry.
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