Interview with Steven Manchester, author of ‘Twelve Months’

 Steven Manchester is the author ofPressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy andJacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared onNBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of Steven’s short stories were selected “101 Best” for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or his four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing.

To learn more about Steven, visit his website at: www.stevenmanchester.com

The Interview

What is your favorite quality about yourself?

I have two. The first is compassion, and equally important is my determination. I’ll do whatever it takes to get things done—but people always come first.

What is your least favorite quality about yourself?

Procrastination—but I’ll work on that tomorrow.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

I’m proud of many things: I served my country in Operation Desert Storm; I’ve helped make dozens of wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses; my greatest accomplishment has been raising my children to be good people.

How has your upbringing influenced your writing?

I was fortunate enough to have parents who encouraged dreams. Mine was to be a writer.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I’ve always admired people who could string enough words together to make someone laugh or cry. I’ve been an avid reader since I can remember.

When and why did you begin writing?

I served in the first Gulf War and promised myself that if I made it home alive, I would pursue my dream of becoming a published author. In 1991, I returned home and began writing several months after.

How long have you been writing?

Since 1991.

When did you first know you could be a writer?

It took me 9 months to complete a rough draft of my first book. Only after I completed it did I realize I could actually do it.

What inspires you to write and why?

My children—for several reasons: To share what is in my heart with them and to prove to them that dreams can come true if you work long and hard at it.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Fiction-now, though I have written non-fiction and poetry.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I needed people to know the truth about my war experiences and what the true cost was. In the end, it became my catharsis and helped to heal my soul.

Who or what influenced your writing once you began?

A professor names Barry Mckee, and the need to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Who or what influenced your writing over the years?

My children, my wife, Paula, my many supportive friends—and a list of writers that is too long to list.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general?

Time—there’s never enough of it.

Do you intend to make writing a career?

Absolutely.

Have you developed a specific writing style?

Yes—it’s taken years, but I’ve become an emotional writer that aims for the reader’s heart.

What is your greatest strength as a writer?

Being able to move the reader to feel—whether it be to laughter or tears.