An Interview
with John Richard Lindermuth, author of “Schlussel’s Woman”
Betsie: To start this off, why don't you give an idea of what the book is about?
John: “Schlussel’s
Woman” is a historical suspense novel set early in the 19th century in Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal
region and detailing the rise and fall of one of those ambitiously ruthless men who flocked to the region in pursuit of “black
gold.”
Betsie: Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life?
John: I grew up in the Pennsylvania
coal region and have now gone full circle and returned there in retirement after a career as a newspaper writer/editor. Reading
was early an important part of my life and, I believe, led me to writing.
Betsie:
Who were your earliest influences and why?
John:
My paternal grandfather was a story teller and, if genes have anything to do with it, launched me on the same path. My father
had a good library when I was growing up and I indulged early on Jack London, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Conan Doyle and then on
to Dumas, Stevenson, Poe, Irving, the Brontes, De Maupassant and on and on and on.
Betsie: What would a typical day be like for a writer?
John: When I
was still a working newsman, I tried to get an hour or two of my own work every day. I continue to write most every day but
dispute the common belief that there’s more time after you retire.
Betsie:
How long have you been writing and in what capacities?
John: I remember writing some stories before high school but that’s where it really
got started. The draft (Vietnam era) interrupted college but the Army sent me to a military version of J-school and I worked
on a variety of Army papers ending as editor of a division newspaper in Korea. Paraphrasing Melville I might say the Army
was my Harvard and Korea my Yale. After the Army, I worked first as a reporter on a small weekly, then on to several dailies
covering every conceivable beat and editing slot (except sports) and finally to the small daily where I retired in 2000.
Betsie: Which is more difficult to write - Fiction or nonfiction and why?
John: Each has its challenge
but I don’t necessarily find one more difficult than the other.
Betsie: Has there ever been a time when you wanted to throw in the towel and give up? And if
so, how did you defeat those instincts?
John: Doesn’t everyone? Every rejection has the capacity to compel you in that direction. Either
you persevere or you quit.
Betsie: What is the hardest part about being a writer?
John: Finding
time and energy to deal with all the ideas that crop up. Every one knows it’s a lonely task but if we weren’t
so compulsive about it we wouldn’t go on, would we.
Betsie: Do you have any
hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?
John: Other than writing, I draw and paint, enjoy the outdoors, walking, reading of course,
and spending time with my four grandsons and other family.
Betsie: Articles and media alike make it sound as though the only way to rise to the top is
to sacrifice. What do you find to be good sacrifices?
John: Having done it in the past and paid, I would not now sacrifice time and commitment to my loved
ones. I willingly sacrifice much that is considered important to others such as material objects and trivial pursuits.
Betsie: What question
do you get asked more than any other?
John: Where do you get your ideas? I think most writers hear that one a lot. Most of
us don’t really know; but we’re glad, aren’t we?
Betsie: What’s
the coolest thing a reader has said to you?
John: You surprised me. I didn’t think the story would end that way.
Betsie: What has been your feedback from readers? What do they say to you about
their interpretations of your book?
John: Fortunately, mostly positive
at this point. I must have learned a few things by trial and error. And, most readers seem to be getting the theme.
Betsie: Do you think that as a writer you are more prone to watching what goes
on around you and observing behaviors than most people are?
John: Early on a friend accused
me of being more of an observer than a participant. I’ve since learned to do both but I think I do see more in the actions
of others and pick up on motivations.
Betsie: Who are some
of the authors you consider to be "don't miss"?
John: Some of my “classic” favorites continue to be Poe, the Brontes, Melville,
Stevenson, Steinbeck, Katherine Ann Porter and numerous others. In the more modern era, I rank highly Nabokov, John Gardner,
John Fowles, Peter Matthiessen, Jim Harrison, Evan Connell and John Irving. Lately I’ve enjoyed Edward P. Jones, Martin
Clark and Sue Monk Kidd.
Betsie: If one were looking to start his/her own career as a writer, what would you suggest
his/her first step to be?
John: Read everything you can until it starts to spill over. Imitation is not only the sincerest form
of flattery; it leads eventually to self-expression. And, don’t be afraid to experiment.
Betsie: What kind of movies do you enjoy?
John: Mystery/suspense, good
Westerns, some comedies.
Betsie: What is your
favorite city to visit, but one that you wouldn’t want to live in?
John: New York, of course. If you’re talking about one I would live in –
Baltimore.
Betsie: What’s the strangest question you’ve ever been asked in an
interview?
John: I’m still waiting
to hear it. Seriously, most of mine have been with rather nice people.
Betsie: What’s
the best part of being a writer?
John: Never being bored. I can’t understand people who say they’re bored.
There’s always a challenge, something new to learn.
Betsie: What's next?
John: I’ve completed another
novel, “St. Hubert’s Stag,” which will be available soon. And working on another more contemporary mystery
and just started research today on another historical work.
We hope you enjoyed learning of this intriguing author, I know we did! Betsie's
Literary Place can't wait to see Mr. Lindermuth's next work, and we wish him much success with
all future works!
