Interview Conducted by Writers N Authors
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Stephen Rice, the author of the powerful and moving novel Blues Jam. The book delves deep into themes of addiction, family relationships, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of the blues music scene. Stephen shares his journey from a career in programming to becoming an author, and how his diverse life experiences have shaped his storytelling.
Writers N Authors: You mentioned that your interest in writing preceded your career in programming. What initially drew you to writing, and how did that passion resurface after years of writing code?
Stephen Rice: My passion for writing followed my passion for reading. Growing up, my parents were avid readers, and my aunt was a librarian, which naturally cultivated a love for stories within me. As a child, I would create worlds and stories, but I lacked the confidence to pursue writing professionally.
Years later, as a software developer, I found myself designing systems in a way that felt akin to crafting a story—each program had its own theme and plot. This experience subtly rekindled my interest in writing. Eventually, I began to write short stories as a way to reconnect with my love for words. Over time, I left my full-time job to fully commit to my writing journey. Although there were challenges along the way, I found immense joy in crafting my first novel, Blues Jam, and the positive feedback I received from beta readers encouraged me to keep going. Buy Now on Amazon
Writers N Authors: Moving from Northern New York to Saint Paul, MN, must have been a significant transition. How did these places influence your worldview and, ultimately, your writing?
Stephen Rice: The places I’ve lived and the experiences I’ve had have greatly influenced my worldview and my writing. Growing up in Northern New York, a rural area vastly different from New York City, I was surrounded by natural beauty and simplicity. My parents, both educators, instilled in me a curiosity about the world beyond our small town. Moving to Saint Paul, MN, for college was a conscious decision to find my own identity, separate from my identical twin brother.
The contrast between the rural life of Northern New York and the urban setting of Saint Paul broadened my perspective. I began to appreciate the stories of “regular people” and sought to bring these fictionalized versions of places and people to life in my writing. My novel reflects this blend of experiences, capturing the essence of small-town life while exploring deeper, universal themes.
Writers N Authors: You’ve worked in a variety of fields before settling into computer programming. How have these diverse experiences shaped the themes and characters in Blues Jam?
Stephen Rice: My diverse experiences have certainly shaped many aspects of Blues Jam. For example, I resurrected a company I once worked for, Kare Kabs, in the novel, where Sarah’s father, Art, works. The idea of transporting elderly and handicapped people to their appointments became a symbolic part of Art’s journey as a father and a caretaker.
Additionally, my coaching days played a significant role in shaping Sarah’s basketball journey in the book. The rhythm of basketball and its connection to music, especially the blues, helps drive the story forward. Having been around drug usage, I also wanted to portray addiction in a realistic way, showing how it can be hidden even from those closest to the addict. Buy Now on Amazon
Writers N Authors: You’ve compared the process of writing stories to designing software. Can you elaborate on how your programming background influences your storytelling approach?
Stephen Rice: Just as I would visualize a software system before writing any code, I imagine how my story will unfold before putting pen to paper. This mental “design and testing” process allows me to anticipate how readers might react and what emotions they might experience while reading.
In programming, precision is key, but in storytelling, there is room for interpretation. While software needs to be exact, writing can be purposefully vague to evoke different emotions in different readers. This contrast between the two disciplines has helped me create stories that are both structured and open to interpretation. Buy Now on Amazon
Writers N Authors: Starting a software company and then transitioning back to consulting is an entrepreneurial journey. How did these experiences of building and managing a business impact your creative process as an author?
Stephen Rice: Building and managing a software company with my wife was a creative challenge that required us to make the best use of our time and resources. This experience taught me the importance of planning, adaptability, and perseverance—skills that have been invaluable in my writing journey.
Just as I had to manage a team to deliver complex systems, I had to manage the characters and plotlines in Blues Jam. Balancing these elements while keeping the story cohesive was a creative process that drew heavily on my entrepreneurial experiences.
Writers N Authors: Blues Jam delves into complex issues like addiction, family relationships, and personal growth. Were there any personal experiences or observations that influenced these themes in the novel?
Stephen Rice: Absolutely. My personal experiences and observations greatly influenced the themes in Blues Jam. I’ve seen addiction take hold of people’s lives, often hidden from those closest to them. The struggles of family and friends to support their loved ones through such challenges are a central theme in the book. I’ve also experienced personal growth, often without realizing it at the time, and this journey is something I wanted to explore through my characters.
Writers N Authors: Sarah, the protagonist, has a deep connection to music, particularly the blues. How did your personal connection to music inspire Sarah’s character, and why did you choose the blues genre specifically?
Stephen Rice: My love for blues music has been a significant part of my life, especially during a time when I was trying to find my place in the world. Blues music spoke to me in a way that no other genre did, conveying the struggles and joys of life.
The tragic story of Sarah Papenheim, a young blues drummer from Minneapolis who was senselessly murdered, deeply affected me. Although I never knew her personally, her story inspired me to honor her and young blues musicians through my novel. Blues Jam is a tribute to the power of music and the connections it fosters.
Writers N Authors: The novel features a broad range of characters, each going through their own struggles. How did you balance these multiple perspectives while maintaining a cohesive narrative?
Stephen Rice: I wanted each character in Blues Jam to reflect real people, each with their own unique struggles and stories. By mapping out their backstories and understanding their individual perspectives, I was able to weave their journeys into a cohesive narrative. Each character serves a purpose in the story, contributing to the overall theme of resilience and growth.
Writers N Authors: How did the feedback from your beta readers shape Blues Jam? Were there any significant changes made based on their input?
Stephen Rice: Feedback from beta readers was crucial in refining Blues Jam. While the main storyline remained largely intact, their insights helped me make important adjustments that enhanced the overall narrative. I value constructive criticism as it helps me improve the story and better connect with my readers.
Writers N Authors: Art and Sarah’s father-daughter relationship is central to the story. How did you develop this dynamic, and what do you hope readers will take away from their journey together?
Stephen Rice: The father-daughter relationship between Art and Sarah is deeply rooted in their shared loss and the challenges of single parenting. Art’s journey as a father is shaped by the memory of his late wife, and Sarah’s connection to her father grows as they navigate life together. I hope readers will see the importance of family support and the strength that comes from facing life’s challenges together.
Writers N Authors: As someone who has worked with both words and code, what advice would you give to others who are balancing a technical career with a creative passion like writing?
Stephen Rice: My advice is to plan your time carefully and dedicate specific periods to your creative pursuits. It’s also important to actively practice writing, rather than just dreaming about it. If writing brings you joy, continue to nurture it, and don’t be discouraged if your path takes unexpected turns.
Writers N Authors: After writing short stories, how was the transition to writing a full-length novel? What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?
Stephen Rice: Transitioning from short stories to a full-length novel required more extensive planning and character development. One of the biggest challenges was getting “stuck” on certain scenes that didn’t come together as I envisioned. When this happened, I would take a break and allow the ideas to simmer before returning to the story. This approach helped me stay focused and ultimately complete the novel.
Writers N Authors: What role does feedback play in your writing process, and how do you handle constructive criticism when it comes to your creative work?
Stephen Rice: Feedback is essential to my writing process, just as it is in programming. Constructive criticism helps me see my work from different perspectives and improve it. I’ve learned to appreciate feedback as an opportunity for growth, both as a writer and as a storyteller.
Writers N Authors: With Blues Jam now released, how do you feel about the final product? Are there any elements of the story that hold special significance to you personally?
Stephen Rice: I’m very proud of the final version of Blues Jam and couldn’t have achieved it without the support of many people, especially my wife, Trish. The story holds personal significance to me in many ways, particularly in its exploration of life’s uncertainties and the importance of cherishing family and friends. Buy Now on Amazon
Writers N Authors: Do you see yourself continuing to write more novels or do you have plans to explore different genres or storytelling mediums in the future?
Stephen Rice: Yes, I plan to continue writing novels. I already have several in the planning stages, including one that takes place shortly after the events of Blues Jam. While some characters from Blues Jam will reappear, the new novel will focus on different characters. I’m also interested in writing more short stories and even exploring screenwriting in the future.
Stephen Rice’s journey from programming to writing is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of following one’s passions. Blues Jam is a heartfelt exploration of life’s struggles and the redemptive power of music, offering readers a deeply personal and engaging story. We look forward to seeing what Stephen creates next. Buy Now on Amazon
