Interview of Michael Weitz

Welcome to Julies Book Review! Michael Weitz is visiting JBR today!

 Musa is giving away some great things, check out the rafflecopter to the right!


 
We are all very glad you came here to JBR.

Can you tell us a little about your self?


This is always a stumper of a question. Since I’ve lived with myself all my life, it’s hard to decide what might be interesting to others. I’m from a small town in Eastern Washington (the state) and have lived in the Pacific Northwest all my life, except for 4 years in Arizona where it was nice and toasty. I don’t remember ever not reading so I must have learned at an early age (thanks Mom & Dad!), The game of chess has been a part of me since I was about 8 years old - which explains much about my books (lots of chess). My wife and I have amassed a small library of books that keeps getting larger no matter how often we say we need to stop buying books. Hmm, lots of interests with not enough time, that’s me.

What genres do you write?
 As a reader I love all genres but my followers want to know what to expect from your books. Action, adventure, romance, sex, magic??


I write mysteries, but they also have elements of action, humor, and dare I say it, a little romance (and when I say “a little” I mean miniscule).

Who is your favorite character(s) from your books?


The main character, Ray Gordon, is my favorite because he has a lot going on with his life. He’s a former cop who “retired” at a very young age and now teaches chess. He loves his dog maybe a bit too much and has a clever wit. But the more I write, two other characters are beginning to stand out. Carla Caplicki has been Ray’s friend since childhood and she has her own set of rules, if you know what I mean. Another friend of Ray’s is Tommy Ryder. Tommy doesn’t make an appearance until the second book in the series, but he’s been fun to write.

What is your newest release? Can you tell us a little about it? 


Right now, Even Dead Men Play Chess is available. My second book featuring Ray Gordon, The Grandmaster’s King, is in the editing queue at Musa Publishing so I’m not sure when it will be released, (I think later this summer) but I’m looking forward to it!

What about future projects?

I’m working on the third Ray Gordon mystery, but it remains untitled at the moment.

Any hints?


If I mention “werewolves” I don’t think I’ll be giving much away. This third novel will take Ray far away from his comfort zone.

Can you give aspiring authors any advice?


I think Dr. Seuss said it best, “Read, read, read!” Seriously, I think anyone who is interested in writing should devour all of the books they can; particularly in the genre they’re interested in writing. It gives them an idea of what’s being published, trends in style and plot lines; it bolsters vocabulary and might lead to inspiration. And of course, write! Everyday! Don’t let your story stagnate. Write it down and don’t be afraid when your characters lead your story to someplace you didn’t plan. Sometimes that’s when the best stuff happens.

How about some "fun" personal stuff!

I shoot a good game of pool and throw pretty straight darts, I enjoy astronomy at night and bicycling during the day, disc golf when it’s warm and not too windy. My wife and I rescued a 9-year-old black lab/shepherd mix from the pound last year. 
He’s a lot of fun and makes us take a lot of walks to the park and around the neighborhood.



What book have they read that touched you deeply? and why? (yours or someone elses)


Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I read it when it first came out, before anyone was talking about it. It was an eye opener to another culture, a different system of beliefs, but wasn’t written in a way that made me feel guilty about my own way of life the way much of the media or movies tend to often do. I haven’t seen the movie and I’m not sure I will. The story really works your imagination and my guess is what I saw in Martel’s prose is quite different than what the director saw.

Favorite past time activity?


Another tough question because there is a lot I like to do. If the weather is nice I like to go for a long bike ride with my wife. If it’s stay home weather, I have a ton of books to read, chess games to play or perhaps a remodeling project around the house.

A favorite book or author you can recommend (not your own)? and WHY?

If on a winter’s night a traveler… by Italo Calvino. Fantastic book! This is one of the few novels I kept from my college lit courses. It is so different from anything I’ve read. It makes me wonder, makes me think and breaks a few publishing rules along the way. I read it every few years and recommend it to everyone. 


Favorite place to travel to?


Anywhere in Europe. I love the history and how so many things are just different enough than the things we have here in the US.

What kind of music do you listen too?


I love classic rock, though these days that’s defined differently depending on your age! I also enjoy a variety of jazz and classical.

And finally where can we find your books? (please include any links you want including buy links)

You may buy Even Dead Men Play Chess directly from Musa Publishing here: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=352 or from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Even-Dead-Play-Chess-ebook/dp/B008X9408I/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1 but buying directly from the publisher is best because then you’re supporting an independent business and this one just happens to be run by some pretty great people! 


Well I know I learned a lot and have added you to our TBR list. I hope you all have had fun as well as well. Thank you again Michael for coming and talking with me here on JBR. I hope you had fun and I hope to see you again.

Thank you so much for letting me take part. This has been a great experience!


Good Luck and wishing you lots of success!

Julie Ramsey 
ADM JBR