Sunday, June 13, 2010

STEVE BEDERMAN

Author Interview

STEVE BEDERMAN



 

  1. When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer? Actually, I had never planned to be a writer. When I was in my 20s, I wrote music, songs and was an entertainer. After that, I went into business and although I wrote songs from time to time; that was it. I always loved Thrillers/Mystery but fell in love with Corporate type Thrillers. There was a wonderful writer, Stephen Frey that I read all in his Corporate Thriller series. He still writes but seems to have stopped with the Business aspect. I am a business executive and I loved relating to the protagonist. So, after many searched for great Corporate Thrillers and not finding many, I decided out of frustration that if I couldn't read one then I'd write one. As of today, I have written 2 in the series and am starting a third. I'm in love with writing and feel as if I have gained a whole new network of friends (characters in my book). I can't wait to see what they are going to do next!
  2. When did you write your first book and how old were you? July 17, 2009
  3. How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite? I have now written The CEO and just finished the second in the series 'Executive Execution'. I am now on to the third as we speak.
  4. What is your work schedule like when you're writing? I typically write early in the morning when I wake and race through a chapter. Then I let it rest until evening and read and edit, read and edit. On weekends I do write a few extra chapters too.
  5. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? My quirkiness comes from my belief that my characters are real people. They are my friends and some, my enemies. When I write then it is like I am spending quality time with them. When I am not writing, I miss them.
  6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? I am 57 years old and have been a CEO in Global technology companies for many years. My ideas come directly from the places I've been and though the battles are fiction, they mimic some of the ruthlessness and intensity and passion that I have faced in my career.
  7. What do you like to do when you're not writing? I love being a CEO. I love mentoring young entrepreneurs. I love to read. I play guitar and some piano. I run marathons, hike and ski. I just stay engaged in life. Though, most important to me is what I can do to give back to others.
  8. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? I was shocked at how easy it flowed out of me. Especially surprising were the conversations. When I write with quotes. I feel as if I am right in the meeting or moment and literally visualize the discussions taking place.
  9. What do you think makes a good story? Depths of characters, intensity, urgency, passion, subplots that speed up as the book moves on and combine into mini climaxes. Readers of Thrillers need it to be believable and not audacious but they still need to be amazed. Lastly, ending a chapter and leaving the reader impatient for that particular subplot to soon come back to them is important.

Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? Unfortunately, the only suggestion I have is to keep it simple. Don't become overwrought with perfection. Visualize the moment and write what you see.