I have a very interesting interview with Kip Meyerhoff, author of "The Big Vinnie Chronicles: A Rollo Michaels Novel." He is very interesting as provides a unique insight to his writing style. Meet the author and then take a look at his book.
Note: Because Kip is sight-impaired, this interview is in large print.
Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew
up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the
personal you.
I grew up in New York and was told early on I was solely responsible for
being an only child. I rebelled against
my parents plans for my future, turning down scholarships to join the army and
escape New York. After the military, my wife and I settled in Los Angeles to
raise our children. A career in law enforcement lasted longer than my marriage.
After both, I entered the private sector as an investigator and security
consultant. Ten years later, I sold my interests in the business to explore the
heartland and became a restaurateur. I was born on the banks of the Hudson River and now reside on the banks
of the Ohio River. Full circle? Maybe not.
What inspired you to author your book?
I write what I know. I know my characters. My father made me a people watcher and insisted I meet all in his world as he toiled on the dark side. I continued paying attention and easily draw on my life experiences and interpersonal relationships. As with all my books, I’ve “been there, done that!” Personal experience and tax-deductible research can never be overrated.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
I knew a number of Big Vinnies who pulled the right strings to get others
to do their bidding. Old school Noir.
Who has been the most significant influence on you
personally and as a writer?
Personally, my father, who I really got to know after his death, through
conversations with others. As a writer, my significant other for over 35 years,
Linda.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome
to get this book written?
Loss of sight. I got out of the kitchen while I still had ten fingers. I
lost the first 39,000 words, according to Microsoft hotshots, because of
pressing a wrong key. Third, the insanity that was 2020.
Tell your readers about your book.
The Big Vinnie Chronicles is the second book
in the Rollo Michaels series. Again, Los Angeles PI Rollo Michaels runs afoul
of Federal Law Enforcement while visiting Mafia Don, Vincenzo Costello, a close
friend of his deceased father. Big Vinnie uses that relationship to entice
Rollo into doing favors that cause Rollo more than just physical pain. Subplots
involving a serial killer’s escape to LA and the breakout of New York gang
warfare will keep the reader engaged to the end.
Who is your target audience, and why?
Genre hoppers. Detective stories, crime drama, romance.
If you were going to give one reason for anyone looking at
your book to read, why should they buy it?
Entertainment. You pay $16 to be entertained by a two-hour movie. I read
a book a week on my Kindle reader. I can no longer read print books due to
sight loss. I think it adds up to less than a dollar an hour for some engaging
entertainment.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
Diversity in my choices of the people, places and things in my life.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in
your genre?
Dialogue. I listen to speech patterns; I think word choice and patterns are
unique to the character and are influenced by the situation.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I don’t get it. If I’ve written myself, or a character, into a corner,
rewriting overcomes it. I don’t use an outline, I put my characters into the
soup and see what they do. If it don’t taste right, I add more ingredients. If
that doesn’t fix it, I throw the pot out.
What one piece of advice do you have for new authors.
Listen to your editors even if it hurts. Self-editing is not the way your
writing improves.
Tell your readers anything else you want to share.
Most writers I know value reader feedback.
The Big Vinnie Chronicles: A Rollo Michaels Novel Paperback – October 5, 2020
Product Details
- Item Weight: 1.15 pounds
- Paperback: 356 pages
- ISBN-10: 1532083688
- ISBN-13: 978-1532083686
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.79 x 9 inches
- Publisher: iUniverse (October 5, 2020)
- Language: English
Top reviews from the United States
I am looking forward to another book to be published by this author. Kip Meyerhoff is a storyteller you will not be disappointed in.
