Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a part-time writer who primarily writes short stories. Fourth of July is my first published book and is a little longer than what I usually write. Although Fourth of July is my first stand-alone book, I’ve had several stories published in print and online journals. Almost all of them are available to read at my website, www.lewisbeilman.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As stated above, the title of my novella is Fourth of July. It was actually inspired by the political discourse from the 2012 US presidential election. Unfortunately, the book seems even more relevant today than then.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I try to write five days a week for 45 minutes to an hour before I go to work. The emphasis in the previous sentence is on the word ‘try.’ Often life gets in the way of the best plans.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
No one overly unusual. I enjoy William Shakespeare, Kurt Vonnegut, J.M. Coetzee, and Milan Kundera. For short stories, The Complete Works of John Cheever, Raymond Carver’s Cathedral, and Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Interpreter of Maladies influenced me.
What are you working on now?
More short stories. Fourth of July is actually part of my as yet unpublished collection, The Changing Tide. I’m trying to get that published as well as writing new stuff.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own website now, www.lewisbeilman.com. I also promote my book and stories on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. It’s simple advice, but the best advice. Like most things, the more you do them, the better you’ll get.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, write, write.
What are you reading now?
Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom by Thomas E. Ricks.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping Fourth of July is successful and will lead to the publication of my collection, The Changing Tide.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut.
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