Interview with Harrison Wilde
Published 2015-03-13.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in the Midwest and, as my biography shows, influenced me tremendously. I lived in a rural, provincial area that in many ways was way behind the times - slower, easier, safter.
When did you first start writing?
I actually wrote little "books" when I was in grade school. I wrote them out by hand, illustrated them with drawings I did myself, and then bound them with cardboard covers I made from cereal boxes. I used shoe string to bind them together. I still have those books today. They were stories about my daily life.
What's the story behind your latest book?
Riding with No Hands is a biographical novel. It chronicles my 13th year of life and all the struggles any normal boy goes through as he comes of age, along with the terrifying trauma of abuse that fortunately NOT every boy endures.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Changing culture. I've written nearly a dozen books under my real name and decided to put this one out there under a pen name. I liked the simplicity of process of epublishing.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love the challenge of putting my thoughts into words that are meaningful to the reader. After reading "Riding With No Hands," my eldest daughter said, "I love the way you use words." It has been the greatest compliment I've received on this book so far.
What do your fans mean to you?
Knowing people like my work is enough. When readers take the time to write to me, I always answer. I have been a writer for three decades and still answer every email or letter personally.
What are you working on next?
I have thought about a sequel to this book. A common question from readers is, "What happened next?" That is probably what I'll address in the next book.
Who are your favorite authors?
Too many to name, but a few are: Stephen King and James Patterson among contemporary authors. Harper Lee, Poe, and many that I name in my book are also favorites. I read everything from history, biographies, novels, science books, and everything in between.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I love my work, my children, and the chance to make a difference in people's lives. I am a child psychologist and every child that comes through my office doors is a delight to me. I never run out of energy helping children.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Hunting, hiking, reading, soccer, and running are among the activities that fill my days.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes - I was 10. It was a short story about my younger sister.
What is your writing process?
I write new material in the mornings. Usually very early - 5am or so. I edit in the afternoon. I sip wine, sit by the fireplace, and watch movies or read after 7 in the evening. I'm in bed early.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Can't remember that far back. But I do remember early chapter books I read. I loved the vivid detail and eloquent prose of even the most marginal children's author. I wanted to be able to do that.
How do you approach cover design?
I need help. I'm not an artist, but I sometimes get ideas. I always bounce them off my children or someone who is more artistic than I am. I usually hire a designer.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
To Kill A Mockingbird, The Kite Runner, The Razor's Edge, Les Miserables, and It. I love the character development in all of them, the story they tell, and the deeper messages each one holds.
What do you read for pleasure?
Everything. I always have at least 5 books that I'm reading at any one time. Usually more. I read every possible literary style from How-To to Thrillers and history books.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle
Describe your desk
My lap. I travel the world so I write where I am. My desk at home is an old roll-top desk, but I write in front of the fireplace, in airports, in hotels, and about anywhere else I am. I have written chapters for books on 4 continents and in places as exotic as India and as common as a little brick coffee shop in Senoia, GA.
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Books by This Author
Riding With No Hands
by Harrison Wilde
A biographical memoir of a 12 year old boy struggling alone to find his place in life as he learns about life, death, love, and his sexual awakening, all in the context of an abusive father and the haunting specter of sexual abuse. The secret of his abuse permeates his life, friendships, and relationships.