Rooted in Townsend, Massachusetts, William May’s journey threads through three decades of unwavering commitment to the United States Naval Air Force, culminating in his distinguished retirement as the Chief of Police in Townsend. From 1973 to 2002, he steered the township’s safety, commanding for 21 illustrious years as its Chief. Presently nestled in southern New Hampshire alongside his wife, Jeanne, he’s authored three notable books: Billy Boy, American Boomer, and Once Upon a Crisis. Today, we sit down with William to uncover the path that led him to writing, exploring his illustrious career and delving into his most recent literary creation.
Favorite quote from your book?
“We” Roscoe” she’d say, “maybe October came early this year, but the damn trash is still under the kitchen sink. If you don’t get it out of there today you won’t have to worry about when October arrives, or any other month for that matter, because you won’t be around to see it, and it won’t be because you went blind either!”
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to fly. Achieved this goal at a young age and flew as an aircraft navigator for the US Navy. After military service I worked crossed trained in law enforcement and emergency medicine, retiring after 30 tears of service.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book in 2010 at the age of 68.
How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?
Never intended to become an author. One night I finished a book I was reading and when I set it down my wife asked if I enjoyed it. I told her I felt I could do better. She said, “Well, go do it.” I went to my computer and started to write that very day (6 years ago).
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I type all my work using just two fingers; both index fingers.
Do you like to create books for adults, youth and/or children? Why?
I create books for adults only because my work is nonfiction directed toward a mature audience.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Three. My most recent, American Boomer is my favorite as it was written to make people laugh. My second book, Once Upon A Crisis does just the opposite.
How long does it take you to write a book?
About 1,000 hours, which seems long, this represents a few hours a morning over 9 months or so.
How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)?
I write four to six hours in the morning; after noon my brain just goes downhill, I type all my work on my computer. Then I spend a couple days creating a draft and then write the book. I have found however that writing is a continuous exercise of rewriting, going over material again and again, trying to get the best phrasing and/or wording possible.
What does your family think of your writing?
They enjoy what I do because I enjoy doing it. Writing is a hobby for me.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like jamming with friends. Playing fiddle, accordion, and dobro. I also work on my property cutting brush and firewood.
What do you think makes a good story?
For me, the story has to be real. I’m a nonfiction writer and a non fiction reader.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating/writing your books?
My ability to create a vivid scene with the use of words. There were times when I would read what I had written the day before and think, “I wrote that!”
What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
Nonfiction authors. Most recent was Dead Wake by Erik Larson.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Often, via social media. Once Upon A Crisis has some great reviews on Amazon.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
All my stuff is from real life experiences.
Do you have any suggestions to help one become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Writing is very much like learning to play musical instrument. You have to practice it every day until you get it right.
Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events?
Yes, mostly at book signings. These are fun events where new friendships are formed.
Tell us about your most recent book.
American Boomer was written for only one purpose; to make people laugh. The story is about coming go age in the fifties, told through the mind of an old man looking back in time while looking at the present. My intent was to have the reader actually burst into laughter while reading.
What’s more important: characters or plot?
Plot, or purpose, has to be more important as they are more difficult to come by. Characters are a dime a dozen.
How do books get published?
Three ways really.
- A publisher will buy the right to your work and publish it.
- An author will publish their work through a self publishing company for a fee.
- Self publish via Amazon as an ebook only.
Do you write every single day?
No – just during the winter months when it’s cold and I can enjoy the comfort of my home.
Ballpoint, uniball or fountain pen?
Keyboard.
Any writing rituals?
A cup of coffee on my desk and slippers on my feet,
What’s the worst job you’ve had?
Pumping gas.
Tell us some more about your books.
I write as a hobby with the intend of fulfilling a purpose. Once Upon A Crisis was written to help those who work in a stressful arena and better cope with loss. American Boomer was written simply to add humor to the reader’s life.
Are you planning to adapt any of your stories to the screen?
American Boomer would make a funny movie but I do not intend to write a movie template. Hopefully someone with proper connections will read it and feel there is movie potential.
How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
I would suggest it is very difficult to establish a career in writing. Go into any book store and look at the thousands of books on the shelves. Only a few will sell well. I simply write for fun, not as a career,
Any last thoughts for our readers?
I enjoyed writing my books and I know anyone who reads them will enjoy then as well.
Find the Author
Once Upon a Crisis
Once Upon a Crisis is an informative true story about a police officer cross-trained in law enforcement and emergency medicine that takes many unexpected twists and turns over a thirty-year career. An up-close account of surviving loss that takes a good look at post-traumatic stress from the inside out. A must read for emergency service workers, those close to them, anyone considering a career in the emergency response field, or anyone trying to overcome personal loss.
William May grew up in Townsend, Massachusetts, served in the United States Naval Air Force, and retired as Chief of Police in Townsend after a thirty-year career, serving from 1973 through 2002, his last 21 years as Chief of Police. He lives with his wife Jeanne in southern New Hampshire.
