The writing just flowed and I felt very lucky for that. The Devil of Writer’s Block has yet to visit me.
Vernon Glenn – 25 May 2019
The Back Flap
In Winston-Salem, a tobacco and mill town in central North Carolina, people like to relax as the weekend comes nigh, and depending on whether they sit above or below the salt, they’ll do so in different ways.
Both the well-to-do and the less-thans are wizened practitioners of the art of steam blowing, all in the name of fun and respite. And in doing so, violence and deceit and sadness mingle with money and alcohol to create a dangerous, crackling third rail of despair. And the story is never exactly as it seems to be.
This is a work of fiction built upon two true events that happened within hours of each other. All the players are entwined, a basket of snakes and innocents that are penned into embracing one another. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
As E. B. White famously and drily noted, “It’s never just one thing…”
About the book
What is the book about?
Friday Calls is a thriller about race, rich, poor, crime, deceit and good and bad acts. It explores the relationship between old country club society and the rougher parts of town. The story is set in the small southern city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, also my hometown.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing it roughly 2 years ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
About a year and a half. My writing periods were very erratic, based on when inspiration would come to me. Each time I sat down to write, I would set an egg timer for 60 to 90 minutes.
Where did you get the idea from?
Friday Calls has three intertwined primary storylines. Each one was built from true events that I’ve experienced from both my career in law, and also from family events that simply rode with me throughout the course of my life.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
In candor, no. Setting up the plot was a very focused and concentrated effort but never a struggle.
What came easily?
The plot came together nicely. The writing just flowed and I felt very lucky for that. The Devil of Writer’s Block has yet to visit me.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
A few are fictitious, the great majority are ‘real world’.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I’ve always been told that I’m gifted storyteller. Many folks have said that Friday Calls reminds them a lot of Pat Conroy or John Grisham though I have to admit, I haven’t read enough of those two fine writers. I read copious amounts of military history and autobiography (75%) and all sorts of fiction (the other 25%). I come from a family of ‘talkers’ and storytellers. I think that has a lot to do with the way stories flow out of me.
Do you have a target reader?
In truth, no. I think and hope that anyone who likes to read and enjoys a good thriller with little ponderousness or pedantic will enjoy Friday Calls.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
While writing Friday Calls, I was very sporadic in terms of consistency. I would write one day, then sometimes take 3 or 4 days off, then get the interims back to it. Sometimes, I’d write 3-4 days in a row. The gaps/interims are useful as it lets me think about where I was and where I am going. I was always ready to pick up the trail again. Now I am writing the sequel to Friday Calls and am trying to get 275-325 pages done within 6 months. My writing process seems to be everchanging.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I do outline and usually use just a few sentences or ‘key/code’ words to set me off and moving. I never have a complete outline but 5-6 chapters first and then again and so forth. I have all sorts of everchanging flow charts, notes and reminders.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
A little bit of both.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I do have an editor and she is great. We collaborate very well together.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Yes! Everything jazz and R&B are especially welcome.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, I didn’t, though I have a wonderful Publicist.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I decided to self-publish as a) I just wanted to get it done and pressed myself to accomplish that A to Z completion and b) there were some folks who were very close to me and because of age, illness or affections, I wanted to get Friday Calls in their hands sooner rather than later.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I found the cover photo which has been roundly praised. With my editor’s help, I enlisted the services of a cover formatter who did a great job for me.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Friday Calls was so well-received early on, my editor said you need a publicist and helped me get in touch with one. It has been an excellent experience and we have a very comprehensive marketing master plan. So far, so good!
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Sit down and write. Make it happen.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I went to a boarding school in New England, a place called Choate as well, then the University of North Carolina, then law school at Wake Forest. All very broadening experiences.
Where do you live now?
In Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, just across the river from Charleston, South Carolina.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I have a multitude of interests: love to read, love my Tar Heels, travel a lot, have tried many cases, enjoy shooting clays though I’m no good at it, have many fine friends, love good conversation, want to make my mind work and work some more. I read the local papers, New York Times and Wall Street Journal every morning. I have been characterized recently as one of the “Old Lions’ of the Charleston Bar which makes me laugh. I have been a sports handicapper for 3+ decades. My full bio can be found at www.clorelaw.com.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to Friday Calls which will be entitled You Have Your Way. I also just finished a Children’s Book titled You Never Know Who Your Angels Are with the brilliant help of my artist-collaborator, Cheryl Ann Lipstreau.
End of Interview:
For more from Vernon visit his website and like his Facebook page.
Get your copy of Friday Calls from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
