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 Interview

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Q. Your latest novel is called, "The Love of My Life." It is an interesting title?

A. Yes it is, I think probably because most everyone can relate to it in some way. I got the idea because it was very appropriate for the book, most everyone has a "love of their life," so I wanted a title that really communicated that to the reader.

A. Well, let's see, it's a great story. It's a story about teenage sweethearts and how their suddenly separated in the midst of their relationship and I would say, love affair. I first got the idea to write the book in 1985, but couldn't sit down to do it (no confidence to write), I got the idea again about three more times throughout the years and also thought that it would make for a good movie. After finally becoming a writer in 1996 I finally decided to sit down and do it. Basically, it tells about the troubles and traumas of the characters relationship as teenagers, the love that they share for each other, and where it would ultimately take them later in life. It has every thing, love, romance, sex, lust, and even betrayal. That's all I am going to say for now, you'll have to buy the book. (laughs)

A. Yes, it's true, mainly because I went through it, you know, I experienced it and therefore it was easy for me just to recall those feelings and recreate them in print.

A. I was simply able to recall my own teenage years and just use those feelings and emotions I was going through at the time. I think they're very real and most teens go through this.

A. I was first introduced to writing by my tenth grade high school English teacher. That particular year she made the class keep a journal, which we were supposed to write in every week. I wasn't real good about it but did the best I could to keep up. Anyway, one incredible beach getaway weekend with my girlfriend and other friends led me to write about it in the journal and she graded it positive with a note saying, "It really must be true love." And I remember, that she was the first adult to not only validate my writing, or willingness to even write! But to validate my feelings. After that, I made an effort to write more and share my ideas with her more. Years later, I was running a real estate investment club in Florida and realized that the members of the club needed a training manual, so I sat down to write one. It was the first time I had ever sat down to write something like that. I'm such a perfectionist that when I finished it, I felt I had a really good product so I started marketing it on a national level. After writing the course, I just spun off from there, it gave me the confidence to write others and then eventually books.

A. It sort of just comes to me. I do an outline of the book first, creating the initial characters and then as the story unravels itself, the other characters just come to mind. Their personality usually does as well, although sometimes I stop and ask myself, "Okay, what kind of personality does this person have?" Etc. And then go about creating it.

A. Wow, what can I say it feels great, but a bit surreal, you know. Yeah, I met someone one day and she made the comment, "Heck, I couldn't do one book in five years much less three!" I thought it was cute. It feels great although I don't think I'll be able to do it again. It's great to be able to write about different subjects though.

A. Wow! I don't know that I have a special flair as of yet in the fiction world? I'm too new! (laughs). But if I'd have to answer the question I would have to say that I have a talent for communicating feelings rather than atmosphere. I have a way of motivating people with my writing to some degree or another. My talent has changed mainly because I've gone from writing technical works to writing fiction which is much more imaginative. I've also noticed that in my fiction work, as I write more and more I feel as though I'm becoming a better writer.

A. Good question. I have always been this true hopeless romantic and when I made the decision to crossover, the first topic that came to my mind was a love story. It's sad, but I feel more and more people don't believe in true love anymore, so I wanted to write about that and bring that back into peoples lives. Sometimes I talk to single friends, both male and female and they tell me that they no longer believe that they'll find their true love. And that pains me, because it is out there for them, for all of us.

Q. What made you want to pursue an acting career and how did it lead to writing?

A. Well, I remember always feeling that artistic need. I think I first decided I wanted to act when I was nine, it wasn't until age nineteen that I was pursuing it, then later NY & LA. I've always loved the arts, always, the theater, art, dancing, acting, all of it! I always knew that was where I belonged in life and I have spent a better part of my life pursuing it in some fashion or another. I think I naturally crossed over into fiction. I remember when I first started I got up and was soooo excited! Because I had finally found something to release this creative energy inside me that was working to come out all these years!

A. Yes, I am, though I've crossed over into screenwriting as well.

Q. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your spare time?

A. Write. (laughs). No but seriously that's the truth! I am such a recluse. I also like to play golf, read, study martial arts, travel, volunteer and help out in humanitarian endeavors, visit family, spend time with my niece and other friends.

A. I can honestly say that the martial arts has done a lot for me in building character and self esteem. Also, instilling respect, discipline, philosophy, honor, ethics, morals and even the willingness to help others. It has really been one of the best things I've ever done. One of the reasons I wanted to start writing martial arts books was not only to promote my system (Tai-Ch'uan-Tao), but to start instilling the teaching of philosophy into other schools. It's unfortunate that some of the schools around the country have stopped teaching it and have resorted to just teaching the physical aspects of the art and that's of course only half of what its about. So it would be nice to bring that back through my writing.

A. Wow! Tough question, because there are so many. To name a few, I'd have to say, Ernest Hemingway, Walt Whitman, of course Michael Crichton, John Grisham, L. Ron Hubbard, Mark Twain, Stephen King, Candice Bushnell, Barbara Cronin Harrington, Carol Higgins Clark. In nonfiction; Tyler G. Hicks, Winn Schwartau, Ron La Grand, Ted Thomas, Carleton Sheets and Tom Hopkins. I could go on, but really it's not so much the writer as it is an affinity for all artists, whatever their field.

A. That it doesn't matter if you're good or not, the important thing is to do it, do what you love. I really believe that. It is so important to do what we love in our lives, to pursue "our purpose in life," because I think that is one of the things that truly makes us happy. It doesn't matter if you think you're a bad writer, actor, singer whatever! It doesn't matter what others think. The important thing is to do it anyway, do what you love. You'll get better and better and eventually people will see you and appreciate that you're doing it. Also, I would have to say to force yourself to do it! Get up every week and confront it and make yourself do it, and don't give up. There's a place in this world for your talent, for everyone's.

A. Oh my gosh, too many to mention! (laughs). I have soooo many ideas for projects! I of course have plans to continue with more contemporary fiction. And also intend on writing more screenplay's.

Copyright by: Rod L. Griffin | The Official Website