Today, we are honored to feature John Brown in our interview. His remarkable career as a traffic reporter and weathercaster in Philadelphia has earned him the prestigious Variety Club Lifetime Achievement Award and a multitude of accolades. In the literary realm, he has been recognized with an EVVY award nomination, named a finalist for Book of the Year in 2015, and received a 5-star Readers’ Favorite Award. In addition to his impressive achievements, John has enjoyed a successful 44-year radio career. Currently, he resides in the serene Poconos of the Pennsylvania mountains with his wife, Donna, and their four beloved companions: a German Shepherd named Skye, and three feline friends named Hammish, Wallace, and Argyll. During this interview, our goal is to delve into John’s life and explore the insights behind his book, Why Not?
Favorite quote from your book?
Don’t be afraid to fail, in failing there is learning.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies and be a fighter jet pilot for the Marines.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
It was 2013 and I just retired at 62.
How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason for writing each book?
I never intended to be an author. Matter of fact my twelfth grade English teacher would be very surprised that I penned an award winning book. When I decided to write a book I just sat down in front of the computer and started typing.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t know if it’s a quirk but people say I’m a good story teller .
Do you like to create books for adults, youth and/or children? Why?
My book is best suited for the 12 and up crowd. My hope is it will get non-disabled readers to understand what it’s like being disabled and how hurtful it is when you make fun of those that are. Remember you’re just an accident away from being disabled.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Since this is my first it’s my favorite.
How long does it take you to write a book?
It took me about eight months to write my book and another four to publish.
How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)?
For me the mundane part was the editing of each chapter it just drove me nuts. I would write about two hours each time sat at the computer. There would be times where I would go a couple of weeks without writing at all.
What does your family think of your writing?
They were all surprised when I told them I’m writing a book about growing up disabled. They were behind me 100%.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I collect duck carvings and decoys. My wife Donna and I travel to Scotland a lot it’s the home of my ancestors. As the family historian I can trace my fathers line back to my 21st Great grandfather Sir John Brown of Surrey, England. My father’s family has been here since the late 1600’s. I’m a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
What do you think makes a good story?
The ability to keep the reader from putting down the book. That means good plot and interesting characters.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating/writing your books?
I was surprised how easy it was to write the book and how hard the marketing was since I self published.
What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye. Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird. Anything by Arthur C. Clarke.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Yes I do. Many tell me my book should be made mandatory reading in schools. That it should be made a movie. They also tell me about their family members that’re disabled and how my book helps them.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I got the idea for writing my book shortly after I retired. My wife made me CEO of HoneyDo, Inc. That’s when we both decided it would be a good idea to write a book about being disabled by someone who could tell you how hard it is from first hand experience.
Do you have any suggestions to help one become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Pick a topic you have a passion for. If you love the topic the easier it will be to write about. Research is very important make sure you can back anything you write about.
Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events?
Yes I do, it’s the fun part of writing a book.
Tell us about your most recent book.
Why Not? Conquering the Road Less Traveled is about growing up disabled in a non-disabled world. Dealing with the name calling, people saying you can’t do that because you’re handicapped. Still going on to have a 44 year award winning career in radio in Philadelphia and Chicago.
What’s more important: characters or plot?
The plot for me, it’s what keeps you turning the page.
How do books get published?
You can self publish, expect to pay all upfront costs or get an agent to shop around your manuscript expect to pay an agent fee.
Do you write every single day?
Nope, I can go a couple of weeks without writing at all.
Ballpoint, uniball or fountain pen?
Has to be fountain pen. Going to Catholic school back in the day that’s all we used.
Any writing rituals?
Nope, I just sit down at the counter and start writing.
What’s the worst job you’ve had?
In the summer of 1969 I got a job working in an arms factory making tail fins for bombs used in Vietnam. My job was to take the tail fin off the paint line and stack it on a wooden pallet. The person who hired me was a bit concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do the job. I did not miss one day of work that summer. This job gave me the money to attend broadcasting school in Hollywood, California.
Tell us some more about your book.
It takes you from birth to retirement. Growing up with cerebral palsy and dealing with other kids always calling you names. Not being afraid to try new things and failing. Finding something you love to do and making it a lifetime career.
Are you planning to adapt any of your stories to the screen?
Not at this time, although I’ve heard my book would make a good movie.
How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
It’s all about marketing especially if you self publish. Good marketing will establish and maintain your career.
Any last thoughts for our readers?
Pick a subject you really love, research topic and enjoy.
