1. Tell us a little about yourself
Fiction and NOn-Fiction author Paul Lima is 66 years old and has been writing since he was fourteen and penned some bad poetry then moved on to short stories. Rebel in the Back Seat is a book on my short stories. Having been a commercial writer my adult life I have written 20+ non-fiction books (online at paullima.com/books). Recently, I wrote two novels, Chronic: A Sick Novel, and Geri: A Post-pandemic LGBTQ+ Novel. Yes, it’s a Seinfeld spoof.
2. Why Do you write?
I am compelled to write,
like some people are compelled to jog. I call it my mental workout. With some of my non-fiction, I saw a need in the market for books about various aspects of writing. With my fiction, I had an idea like an itch that had to be scratched. Unless I scratched it, by writing about it, I could think of nothing else.
3. What genre do you write and Why did you pick this genre?
My fiction is what might be called literary.
I have Multiple Sclerosis
My book is about four people with various ailments who live together and it’s about their life. I am not LGBTQ but have a child and sibling who is. Writing from an LGBTQ perspective allowed me to look at the world from a different perspective.
4. Tell us about your book
Chronic is humorous.
It’s also mildly dramatic and a bit tragic. I guess it’s kind of like life.
While it has an ensemble cast, the main character is named Paul, as I am, and has MS, as I do. The four characters are square pegs in the round hole of a healthy society, but they motivate each other to fit, and they do through persistence.
Any healthy person should read this book for a change in perspective.
Geri is a comedy, with dramatic moments.
The main character is non-binary and a stand-up comedian. They have three good friends and get into all sorts of mischief. Told you it was a Seinfeld spoof.
5. How much time do you dedicate to your author career?
When I worked as a freelance writer and trainer, I’d write my non-fiction book during downtime and evenings and weekends.
Now that I’m retired, I write when moved to do so.
I Wrote Geri and Chronic over the last two years, and am working on Family Tree, a historical and generational drama.
6. How long on average does it take you to write your books?
It takes no more than 60 days to write a solid first draft of my non-fiction books.
One of my books, a darn good seller, is called “How to Write a Non-fiction book in 60 Days.”
My fiction takes longer, but the process is similar. I don’t start writing until I have a detailed chapter by chapter outline. My fiction meanders more from the outline though. My non-fiction stays true to the outline.
7. What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?
The best money I’ve ever spent would have to be on my computer! I’ve taught myself how to self-publish my books. That took time, not money. Self-publishing also takes time, not a lot, rather than money.
8. What is the most difficult part of being an author?
Since retirement, I’d have to say motivation to write has become somewhat difficult. I think that has more to do with age and my MS.
I still have the desire. Early on, learning how to format a book for self-publishing took a lot of work. It has paid off. I also create my own covers. Some are pretty good if I am allowed to say so. Some, though, suck. Cover revision is on my to-do list!
9. What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?
Write. And read. Read in the area you want to write about.
Learn from others who have written in that area or genre. That, and when you are all done–writing and editing–get feedback from those who represent your target audience. And bring in an editor/proofreader to go over your final draft. Editing and writing are different processes.
10. What is your favorite book?
Too many to mention!
Seriously. I am a voracious reader… Way back, though, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold really moved me. Loved that book.
Follow Paul:
Fiction and non-fiction. You can read about his books online at paullima.com/books
Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulLimaBookPage?ref=nf
Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-lima-803397194/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaulWriterLima
Instagram: paulmslima