GLENN AND I MET THE OTHER DAY IN THE CORNER BOOTH OF A CYBER RETRO DINER FOR A LITTLE CHAT. WON’T YOU JOIN US?
Welcome, Glenn. When people find out we’re writers, someone will inevitably say ‘I’ve always wanted to write a book’ or, ‘I’d like to write a book someday,’ and you’re probably no exception. What is/would be your response?
It’s a big job to tackle. You might try writing a short story first, say 1000 to 1500 words. I began my writing career that way and it gave me insight as to how massive writing a book can be. It also opened the door to learning the craft of creative writing which is different from other types of writing. And ultimately, short stories provided writing credits when they were published in several magazines.
Good advice. I’m always curious about other writer’s habits, quirks, and the like: background music, or complete silence? Do you snack when you write? Share some of yours.
I usually start a story idea visualizing a scene in my head, often a dramatic moment and then try to imagine how the character would react. From there I often sketch the scene out further in my head, and if it feels right, I write it down. Then I just let it percolate in my brain for days—weeks—months. If it still feels like it could be a story, I then plot it out and draw up a character sketch not necessarily in that order.
Ah, a plotter then. I tried that once. Didn’t work for me. Anyway, tell us five random things about you.
- I often get some great ideas and insights as a ride my stationary bike.
- I love fall colors and also a sunny beach—pretty much mutually exclusive
- Hiding out in the seminary library near my wife’s work is also a great place for inspiration.
- I have six children and six grandchildren and they are all amazing.
- I’ve hit both the California and the Florida beaches. I’m not going to say which is better.
If you could spend the day with one contemporary (living) person–NOT family–who would it be, and, of course, why?
I think writer Andrew Klavan, he’s been a great writing model for me—inspiring, and he’s got a great sense of humor.
What sparks your creativity when feeling drained?
It may sound trite, but prayer and Bible always recharge my engine. But also a good night’s sleep and a good workout.
Not trite at all. Spending time in prayer and the Bible is imperative. As to the workout…not so much. 
Describe your favorite writing space.
Any quiet comfortable place. No phone and no to do lists.
Coffee or tea?
I love great coffee, strong, and dark roast but with cream and sugar. Our Keurig makes a fast fix, but if I’m desperate, a shot of espresso and hot chocolate in a cup of skim milk. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are of course the best writing fuel food.
Fun question: If you’d been born into the animal kingdom instead of the human race, what animal would you be, and why?
As a kid, I sometimes fantasized that I was a talking mountain lion that went around doing good—sort of an animal superhero. Maybe influenced by Jack London’s dog characters “Buck” and “White Fang.”
Now, let’s get to the book we’re featuring today.
- · Title: Run, (Intense Book 1)
- · Publisher: Taegais Publishing
- · Release Date: Oct 13, 2015
- · Genre: Action Adventure
- · Stand alone or series: Intense series
Purchase links:
What’s the book about and how did you come to write it?
Run is the story of a thirteen-year-old boy from a Christian home trying to find his way. Wanting to hang with the cool crowd caused Tyler to make some bad choices that mushroomed into a huge mess. A family relocation gave him the opportunity to start over, but he’s not a fast learner . . . Everything seems stacked against him, including a nasty run-in with some very bad men. But Tyler still wants to do things his way. Slowly he begins to trust in God again, and things begin to change. And it’s a good thing, because he’ll need God to make it through what lies ahead in this intense action thriller.
Abandoned houses in the woods have always fascinated me. Such mystery! My imagination just runs wild, especially when I remember those times I was brave enough to poke around in the ruins. This was the germ for the story.
Give us the back cover blurb:
At thirteen, a boy can run from lots of things, but he can’t always hide . . .
Awkward newbie, Tyler Higgins, has to navigate the middle school friendship jungle. But how can he focus on friends when a mysterious plumber casing the neighborhood threatens his life?
While chasing the cool kids through the woods, he tumbles into a ruined house where a shadowy creeper emerges from the basement. Tyler escapes, but for how long? The gigantic ninja-like goon sniffs him out and threatens to carve him up—along with his family.
Tyler finally connects with a rich kid, but a showdown brews. The plumber has a secret and lots of stolen cash—and Tyler’s friend is locked in on the plumber’s hideout. Now Tyler must risk his life or lose his new friend—permanently.
Where can folks find you on the Internet?
About the Giveaway:
Goodreads is hosting a giveaway of 25 print copies of Run. USA only, here is the link to enter: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/158556
Glenn has a question for my blog guests:
Do you have any suggestions on how parents can encourage kids to read good Christian fiction? Please share in the comments section below.
About Glenn Haggerty:
Glenn is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), a graduate of Vision Loss Resources and Bethel Seminary, father of six and grandfather of six. He likes tandem biking and kayaking, and lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two youngest college age children. Glenn is also an award winning author who combines his love for teaching God’s word with his passion for writing exciting fiction. Run is his first novel. --Glenn Robert Haggerty Jr
