Interview with Bill Schmalfeldt
Published 2014-04-16.
When did you first start writing?
Well, I really sucked at penmanship in grade school. I got consistent "D's". Even my non-cursive was always deemed to be less than adequate. Thank goodness for the typewriter. And then the word processor. And now, the ever-lovin' iMac.
Oh... you mean "writing" writing, right?
Well, I've been a professional wordsmith since about 1977 and I published my first novel in 2004.
What's the story behind your latest book?
It's a true story about how a gang of right wing thugs took exception to a middle-aged guy with Parkinson's disease looking into their fundraising scams, so they learned that they could make his symptoms worse and hasten his imminent total disability and/or death by increasing his stress levels.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Because have you tried to get an agent or a publisher lately?
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Well, you did manage to pump out a few copies of "No Doorway Wide Enough," for which I'm grateful. Maybe this new one will do better?
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The finished product. As my Parkinson's disease progresses, I find myself less and less motivated and can only spend short amounts of time at the keyboard before my arms get to tired to
What do your fans mean to you?
Well, I'm more of a central air man... Oh, BOOK fans. Hell, anyone willing to shell out a buck or five to read something I wrote is OK in my book. So to speak.
What are you working on next?
I think this is likely my final book. #17.
Who are your favorite authors?
Stephen King, Elmore Leonard and Me.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Being awake.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Trying to think about things to write about.
Describe your desk
Flat. With a computer and printer on it. And a foam pad underneath for either one of my dogs that wants to keep me company.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
