What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound?
Steve, Jeff, and Rick, the three brothers central to the book, are a tight, cohesive cadre. They grew up in rural America sharing many humorous escapades, adventures, and cultural traditions often taken for granted in today’s faster, digital-driven world. Steve took a nostalgic chance to share his brotherly relationship in an effort to help slow the pace of digital technology.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Salmon Swimming Upstream and Homebound, what would they be?
For the more humorous mistake-driven segments of the story, the theme to the Beverly Hills TV show is the obvious choice, but more serious segments are definitely by Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle.”
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Nonfiction and memoir.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Being a left-brainer, there’s no doubt that it has to be a science fiction book, but that would be a lie, and my wife knows it. It would be some sort of techy textbook because she says I’m addicted to learning, particularly about music, and not learning the fun stuff about music. So, I’d probably pick out some obscure historical book on jazz arranging.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Now, for this one, my favorite was the chapter about learning about the birds and the bees.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My quirky writing habit is that I’m addicted to my left brain. That is, I tend to stay rather methodical. Often, to my demise, according to my wife. I love science and have a difficult time expressing the creative right half of my personality. Now my wife says I’m a rather quiet sort, but others, once I get going, people can’t shut me up, especially if it is about something I love.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Oh, that is easy, slow down and smell the roses.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
If you have brothers or siblings, cherish them, enjoy them, don’t forget them, spend time with them, and for Christ’s sake, pick up the phone when they call you.
Sign up for our email and we’ll send you the best new books in your favorite genres weekly.
