Five Questions With Sidney Wood
Editor Note: Hamish is taking a week off so, we are running one of his famous Five Questions Columns.
Hamish came up with this idea because he was accumulating too much material for his Famous News Sushi column and asked if he could do these mini-interviews. Why would we say no?
Thank you Hamish for being such a trooper for us. We really appreciate all fo your hard work.
Let us know what you think of these interviews in the comments below.
TGG: Hello Sir, thanks for stopping by – could you introduce yourself to our readers?
SW: Hello! Call me Sid. I’d rather listen to any of you tell me about yourself than try to come up with interesting things to say about me, but here we are so I’ll just say this: I’m a writer because I love stories and a good challenge. The two go together nicely!
TGG: Sounds like my type of person. Could you tell us about your latest book, “Joshua Bug”?
SW: Yes! I had so much fun writing this book! Being in law enforcement I am sometimes exposed to terrible things. It goes with the territory. The idea for Joshua Bug came to me one day after two kids committed terrible crimes, in one case a young boy murdered his own mother. I took it as far as I could, exploring domestic violence, abuse, bullying, and all of the mixed up stuff kids get into; all the while tying it to a story I think readers will love. It’s tough stuff but there’s a fantastic reward at the end!
TGG: You’ve written eight books – you’re quite an industrious writer! Could you let us know your techniques for overcoming writer’s block?
SW: I don’t really know what that is. I do have periods of lowered productivity, but I have never stared at a blank page helplessly. I take that back. In school I had a couple episodes like that, but it had to do with finding a topic, not writing a story.
If I’m not sure what to write, I just write whatever comes into my head and that unlocks any stiff gears. Also, if I feel myself getting bogged down in one story I’ll explore another. I enjoy writing two at a time because if I am not in the mood for one, I’ll usually be eager to work on the other. I suggest separating writing locations and even computers if you try that.
TGG: I’d love to know about what it’s like to live in Alaska and work for the Military. Also, How does that influence your work?
SW: I love Alaska, and I’m grateful for my time in the military. Both shaped my life and led to experiences I draw on in every story I write. My current WIP is a great example of that. It’s the sequel to Devil Dog, a US Marine turned Hell Hound fantasy thriller wrought with vigilante justice and accurate military portrayals.
One of my favorite things about Alaska is how much there is to see without the need for passes or tickets. I see wildlife nearly everyday, and the scenery… I mean, come on.
TGG: How can we best support your work? (Follow you on social media, buy your work, get in touch with you for book club promotion etc)
SW: All of the above! 🙂 I am very interested in linking up with book clubs and getting some real talk and feedback. Heck, I’ll drop in and take hits in person if possible.
Buy “Joshua Bug” here:
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Twitter: @SidWood76
http://www.sidneyawood.com/
TGG: Thanks for stopping by!
SW: Thanks for the opportunity.
