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Author Visit
Author Questions and Responses
Start to finish - how long did it take you to write the book?
Once I committed to writing it, the first draft took about 6-7 months. The initial editing took about 3 months. After that, the first major rewrite took about another 2 months, then the final edit, copyedit, proofing through the publishing process took about 2-3 months.
How much time was spent on research?
Most of the research was done during the writing. I knew basically where I wanted to go with the story. When I came to a point that I needed additional data, I'd look into it during the process. I did not separate the writing and the research.
What was your impetus for the plot of the book?
Initially (prior to 9/11), I wanted to call attention to the possibility of biological terrorism. Afterwards, with the Patriot Act and Gitmo abuses, I began to explore philosophically the sacrifices we as a society make when we weigh security against civil liberties. The book (hopefully) highlights that when we are threatened in a credible way, we MUST make decisions. Sometimes these decisions are nearly impossible choices, like Sophie's Choice.
What made you decide to write a book?
I enjoy writing. I always have. I also enjoy engaging people, to get them to consider things in ways that they may not have done before.
Describe your process & method used for the writing and development of the book.
These are really two different things, but certainly related. In terms of writing, I prefer a rough mental outline of what the plot and theme are. I then apply what one other author calls "rear glue" and get into the chair and just keep writing. As with most things in life, procrastination lies in the mental intent to do something. But, the larger the project, the bigger the pile of rocks, the more difficult it is to simply start hauling rocks. The large pile only gets moved when you actually pick up rocks and move them...one at a time.
Development happens, remarkably, while writing. Once the situation is created and the characters are put in, they guide the development. It was a big surprise to me how that happens. I've heard other authors say such things. It is true.
The Dilemma definitely has a moral dimension to it.
How do you come to terms with the moral dilemma[s] faced by the characters in the book?
Tough one. I don't know that I ever really "come to terms" with the dilemma. I think it is one of those issues in life that there aren't any simple, glib answers.In this way, my book is NOT a mystery -- where the end is a cathartic resolution of "whodunnit" and why they "dun it." In such difficult situations, I think that different people can come to entirely different solutions, but still remain internally philosophically consistent with their own moral compass. Dr. S/Bradley did, the President did, and Joe did, but they all were in different camps, even in opposition.
Like the War in Iraq, I'm sure Bush feels like he is morally making the correct choice, given his own internal compass. In opposition, Obama too feels like he is making a correct choice. This is an all too common position. Here in the Bible Belt, we hold a sense of moral absolutism as a philosophy, guided by Biblical principles. Too many times, in my opinion, people's confidence in this type of absolutism gives them a hubris which makes them susceptible to rushing into an incredibly complex situation and assume that it will be as simple as black and white.
Did you purposely want to have a gray area to those aspects of the book?
Absolutely.
Who are your favorite authors and how have they influenced you?
Tough question. I love to read. But, I read maybe 2/3 non-fiction and 1/3 fiction. My bookshelf is laughably weird. I am writing these words sitting in my library, typing on my iMac. To my right are my books. A quick look shows: Textbooks on physics, calculus, economics, statistics, molecular biology, XML, and JavaScript. Next to them are books by Dershowitz (Sexual McCarthyism - a book given to me about Clinton's problems), The Bell Curve (a wonderfully controversial and complex book about intelligence and social policy), Theory of Games and Economic Behavior (by von Neumann, the smartest guy at Princeton, Einstein was number 2), In Cold Blood (Capote), Guns, Germs and Steel (by Jared Diamond). This is just a quick glance.
Regarding Fiction, my reading is equally schizophrenic. I read pop fiction (like Grisham) and some literary fiction. My favorite books are thrillers, especially ones that have additional complexity either in situation/plot or in theme. I love to read a book and go like gangbusters through the story on it's own and be entertained, like an Indiana Jones movie. After it's done, then look back on it and see the theme and be equally entertained by the questions it poses.
A couple of biggies for me. Lord of the Flies by William Golding. What a haunting story. Still gives me chill bumps. A simple read through gives you the story itself and can be enjoyed for that by itself. However, don't stop there. It is incredibly complex in theme and begs to be discussed and argued. The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux. An odd collection of characters and told from the point of view of a 13 year old. A good read for story, but again a wonderfully complex theme that begs to be argued. Also was made into a pretty good movie with Harrison Ford. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, a novella by Stephen King. We've all seen the movie, few have read the novella. If you think it's a story about prison, then you missed it. Read it again....
Are you a fan of Grisham?
Very much so. People are critical at times of his writing. He is a wonderful writer, for what he is writing. He is not writing literary fiction, so don't expect that going into it. Although, A Painted House is close. What he does best, in my opinion, is to put conflict in every scene. This keeps people reading.
Was it hard to get published? What were the steps you used to get published?
Another tough one. Yes it was hard to get published and no it wasn't.
About three years ago, I went to a writer's conference in Massachusetts and met lots of writers and agents. I heard about every horror story possible and learned how arbitrary "the process" is. I emphasize "the process." Writers everywhere complain that they cannot get an agent or publisher to look at their story. Even seasoned and successful writers were frustrated by the loss of control once their work is bought.
You've heard about "outside the box thinking." I am the textbook example of that, always have been. I simply chose not to participate in "the process."
I asked myself what I would need "the process" for. I actually came up with nothing. The traditional publishing workflow is fairly straightforward from manuscript to finished book. Certain steps, like professional editing and proofreading, cannot be skipped. So, I hired it all out myself. I formed my own publishing company and hired editors and proofers as needed. This way, I am able to keep control of my work. Distribution has been a challenge, but not impossible, and it is easier now.
I am a realist, which anyone who knows me really well will tell you that (some would say I am a pessimist). I do not have illusions of grandeur in thinking that no matter who published my writing, that I will become a John Grisham or Michael Crichton. There were over 200,000 books published last year, less than 10% covered their costs. Not good odds. My goal is just to be in that 10% and keep writing. If someone influential picks up my writing and runs with it, then great. If not, then at worst, I have entertained a couple of thousand readers with a story. I measure success in smaller terms.
Do you have plans for your next book?
I am writing it now. The provisional title is "The Copper Pack." It is not copper as you think. It is a story about a father and son, who have a very poor relationship. The father is dying and the son is called to be at his bedside. Along the way, the son discovers the truth about his father's background and finds out shocking truth about his own background, most things he did not know himself. Yes, there is a conspiracy and the son will have to fight for his life. But, he will discover that his father is not the SOB that he thought he was. The reader will also get more of a medical mystery in the story. What is killing the father? And why?
Who would play the main characters in a film version of the book?
I have gotten this question so many times. For some reason, many people see The Dilemma as a movie.
Okay, I have never actually answered this question... until now. After some thinking...
Joe Mason -- Ryan Gosling
Jules Green -- Gwyneth Paltrow
Billie Wood -- Tommie Lee Jones
Dr. Bradley -- Ed Harris
Mercury -- Eduardo Noriega
The President -- Glenn Close
Thanks for all of your time and keep reading...and writing...
RTS
Students visiting with author Rowland Stewart.
Dr. Stewart signing a copy of his book.
Author Visit
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