The Dock
WOTL: Our first interview is with a fantastic murder mystery writer, Mike J. Manno! I've read Mike's books and they're 'keep you on the edge of your seat' great. Welcome Mike!
MM: Thank you. Glad to be here.
WOTL: Let's get started. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
MM: I think I’ve always known that I wanted to be a writer. My mother told me that from my earliest grades in school, I always enjoyed the writing assignments the teachers gave us. I remember as a kid I tried to start my own family newspaper; of course I only needed one copy and obviously it wasn’t a money-maker; but the bug had bit. So naturally I worked on my high school newspaper and then majored in journalism at Creighton. I worked for several years as a newspaper reporter and editor and I’ve found that the discipline that taught me, particularly the ability to write clearly under presser, has served me well especially now as a lawyer and teacher.
WOTL: What is your schedule like when you’re writing?
MM: My schedule is probably as odd as it can be. I still have a small law practice and take court appointments for guardianship cases. I also teach law and government at Upper Iowa University, and am a deacon assigned to St. Augustin Catholic Church in Des Moines. I’m finding that trying to find the time to write while wearing so many hats is a daunting task; it’s not impossible but it does slow down my creative writing. Ideally I’d like to write for myself every day, but if I can put together a two or three hour block of time one day a week I feel fortunate. I do write in connection with my other activities, for example, I write a monthly column for the Catholic Mirror, but I’m finding even with that I tend to work right up to the deadline for copy submission.
WOTL: What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
MM: One of the first things I learned in journalism school was to compose at the keyboard. It almost seems second nature to me now to sit down and start producing copy, whether a legal pleading or newspaper column, right at the computer keyboard. I have a tendency to think in the old news writing terms of inverted pyramid, so producing quick copy is relatively easy. My problem is that I can’t really write anything with a pad and pencil any more. I need that keyboard to keep up with my thoughts. A pen or pencil is fine for taking notes or making corrections, but – for me – not much else.
WOTL: Where are you from?
MM: Although I grew up in Des Moines, I was born in Richmond, Virginia. My parents were both from Philadelphia – thus I’m a big Phillies fan – and they only lived in Richmond for a year. My dad got a job in Des Moines shortly after I was born and I became an Iowan at about three months. For some reason I’ve never really strayed too far from home; the Army did that for a little bit, but it took me only as far as Oklahoma.
WOTL: Tell us your latest news?
MM: Well, after a false start or two, I’m getting my first book, Murder Most Holy, out in e-book format. I’m hoping that it will be available by the end of May.
WOTL: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
MM: Yes, the hardest part of writing is when you think you are finished. Writing is easy, but it is followed by revisions, editing, further revisions, more editing, then when you finally get your manuscript ready to sell you have to interest an agent or editor in it and that can take as long as it took to write the book. Once an editor has the book, guess what? More editing and revisions. Finally, once the book is in print you have to go out and sell it! That means weekends at book fairs, libraries, book stores and conferences. If all you had to do was write, this job would be easy.
WOTL: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
MM: Sure. I am about two-thirds through my third Parker Noble murder mystery; Murder Most Holy was the first and End of the Line was the second. I’ve kind of put that on the back burner for a while and am currently working on a non-mystery fiction about a little girl who sees a vision in a church yard. I was hoping to have the first draft done by the end of 2011, but now I’m hoping to have it finished by the end of summer.
WOTL: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
MM: Outside of a few minor editing things, no.
WOTL: What are your current projects?
MM: There are two: finish the story about the little girl, then finish the third Parker Noble mystery.
WOTL: Do you have any advice for other writers?
MM: Yes. First, don’t quit you day job! Unless lightening strikes, you’re not going to get rich very fast in this business. Second, join a writers group that will expect you to produce something to share on a frequent (weekly) basis. Even though I have time difficulties in my life, I find that when I regularly attend a writers group I will at least turn out 2,000 words a week. There is something about not wanting to let the group down that will force you to find time to write. Then, don’t re-write immediately. I’ve seen writers go to a group, read Chapter One, get critiqued then bring back a revised Chapter One the following week, only to get critiqued again and then bring a third version of Chapter One back. Of course the problem with this is you’ll never finish. Write, make your notes on your manuscript and move forward. There will be a time to re-write, but not at the beginning. Finally, go to writer’s conferences, especially the ones in your genre. They are a good way to network and pick up tips from more established writers, and you can often catch an agent or editor at the bar. I sold my first book at such a conference.
WOTL: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
MM: Yes. THANK YOU, I hope you enjoyed the journey between the covers.
WOTL: Thank you, Mike, I know I certainly enjoyed the journey! Be sure to pick up copies of Mike's books and stay tuned for his upcoming releases. It was a pleasure, Mike. Come back and see us again, soon.
MM: Thanks to both of you for having me.
WOTL: Our pleasure. Stay tuned next month for another interesting interview.
