I think if the Confederacy had not initiated hostilities; Lincoln might have had a hard time in convincing most of the North to go to war. But, as I thought more about it, I favored the idea of a futuristic novel with a lot of historical perspective and some ideas for dealing with current problems.
Philip M. Fishman – 10 July 2019
The Back Flap
Do states have the right of secession? The thirteen colonies managed to secede from Great Britain by winning the Revolutionary War, and then were able to seal the bargain by winning the War of 1812. If the Confederacy had won the Civil War, secession would have been fact, and questions on the right of secession would be moot. Numerous books and scholarly papers have been written on the right of secession, but the most powerful argument resides in our Constitution. There is nothing in the Constitution stating that secession is illegal, and the Tenth Amendment clearly states that “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people.”
In SECESSION- A REPUBLIC REBORN, most of the .action occurs in the year 2042 and the following two years, triggered by the results of the mid-term elections of that previous year. The sentiment, which served as the kindling, had been building for decades and all it needed was historic precedent and then a spark to ignite it.
About the book
What is the book about?
It’s a near future realistic political novel. It might seem an oxymoron to refer to a book as dystopian and utopian; but depending on one’s point of view, it could be one or the other. The main plot, of course, is secession; but there are several important sub-plots, including new approaches to dealing with Islamic terrorism and the drug problem. Other subplots are global warming, immigration, and taxation.
When did you start writing the book?
The idea came to me in late 2015. Up until then, I had written several fictional short stories; but never a novel. I was not sure that I was up to it; so I began a search on FaceBook for a co-author. I interviewed three or four candidates before settling on Don V. King. He was a member of Mensa and impressed me with his knowledge of American history and government. Furthermore, he and I seemed to agree on most things political. Before we signed a contract, he told me that he had a congenital heart problem; and although he was only fifty, he could give me no guarantee that he would be able to finish his part of the project. I responded that I was seventy-six and could likewise make no guarantees. So, we began what Chris Martineau in the foreword graciously termed a magnum opus. Unfortunately, Don passed away in April 2016; but not before he had contributed several excellent chapters. I finished the book in January 2017 and dedicated the book to his young daughter and my grandson.
How long did it take you to write it?
About 12 months.
Where did you get the idea from?
I’ve always been fascinated with the Civil War. Initially, I thought that I would write an alternative history where something happened to General Beuregard, preventing him from firing on Fort Sumter. I think if the Confederacy had not initiated hostilities; Lincoln might have had a hard time in convincing most of the North to go to war. But, as I thought more about it, I favored the idea of a futuristic novel with a lot of historical perspective and some ideas for dealing with current problems.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Setting the stage was probably the most difficult part. I knew generally how I wanted it to play out; but I wasn’t sure how to begin.
What came easily?
Having a brilliant co-author really helped. We would bounce ideas off one another and come up with solutions. After he passed, the book was far enough along that it pretty much flowed and wrote itself.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The main characters, Lon Whitt, Jonas O’Leary, and Florence Zimmerman were composites of some heroes we all know or have read about. Christina St. James was totally Don King’s creation. I have no idea where he got the idea for this heroine. Others, such as Oren Campbell, the incompetent President and puppet of the master villain, Lester Parsons; as well as Nancy Larsen, Secretary of the Interior and Campbell’s lover, were also composites of people most readers would recognize. The one character that seems most like a real world person is Javier Suarez, nick-named El Diablo, the leader of the drug cartel, Ariel.
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 have been an avid reader my whole life; although with advancing age and diminishing eyesight, it’s becoming more difficult. Some of my favorite authors are Ayn Rand, George Orwell, and James Michener. Rand and Orwell helped shape my political views; and Michener my historical perspective.
Do you have a target reader?
The largest reader for this book would be one who enjoys historic and political novels. While my book is not historic; it has a lot of historic background.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
That’s an intriguing question. If I have a process, it must be subconscious. I guess I get a lot of ideas from posts on FaceBook. I’m in a number of groups; and there is always some controversial remark to comment on. When I have a thought, I just start writing. It may be just a sentence or two, or a paragraph. But, occasionally if it’s something I am very interested in, and then I will expound.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I did outline for my rebuttal to Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth; but that was an exception for me. Since that was a scientific rebuttal; I felt that it was necessary.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I generally wait till I’m done; but if there is something that I see is a glaring problem, I will attempt to correct it on the spot.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No. Fortunately, I have a couple of friends that are retired English professors. I also belong to a writer’s club and get feedback from them.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No. You may be surprised to hear that I am normally writing in the same room where my wife is watching TV. (Fortunately, my hearing is impaired).
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I tried the agent route early on; but found it was a waste of time for me.
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 went with CreateSpace for my first book; but since then have gone with Lightning Source.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I’ve had them done professionally.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Pretty much winging it. My career was in sales and marketing. Although not in books; the concepts are the same. Publicity is the key. However, you can get it done without spending a ton of money is the way to go.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
First, ask yourself why you want to become an author. If it’s to make a lot of money; I hate to tell you that maybe you should reconsider your choice of vocation, I started writing eleven years ago after my wife’s stroke. The main reason for my first book was to leave a legacy behind. Certainly not a financial legacy and I have not been disappointed. I continue to write, more as a hobby than for any other reason. I admit I enjoy the royalties; but they are definitely not enough to live on. There are exceptions; but they are rare. On the other hand, if you are a retired Senator or General; or a convicted serial rapist, and you want to make some money by writing a book, my advice is to go for it.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Evansville Indiana
Where do you live now?
Birmingham Alabama
What would you like readers to know about you?
I am a former life-long Republican since November 2016.
What are you working on now?
Preparing to publish and market a German translation of a revised and updated version of my satirical critique of President Trump.
End of Interview:
