Q&A with author Elizabeth Rosner

Elizabeth Rosner's work includes two novels, Blue Nude and The Speed of Light, and a poetry collection, Gravity. She spent many years teaching creative writing and composition, and frequently leads writing workshops. She lives in Berkeley, California.

Q: How did you come up with the characters of Danzig and Merav in Blue Nude, and what do you see as the role of art in the story?

A: Inspiration for my second novel, Blue Nude, emerged from a blending of two very different yet ultimately related life experiences. 

First, I was curious about exploring my memories of working as an artist's model (during my undergraduate years at Stanford). 

And second, I was profoundly impacted by my participation in a series of workshops called Acts of Reconciliation. Led by a drama therapist named Armand Volkas, this project brought together Jewish descendants of Holocaust survivors (like myself) and German descendants of Nazis, in order to confront our "shared legacy" from the Second World War. 

Eventually I realized that creativity was an essential ingredient in transforming my own inherited grief and trauma. The complicated and hopeful relationship between the characters of Danzig and Merav --- while not meant to represent entire categories of people, whether Germans or Israelis --- reflects my belief in the healing power of art. 

I can say a lot more about how that particular truth is revealed in the book, but I hope readers will discover the process for themselves!

Q: On your website, it states,"Ms. Rosner's writing reflects her efforts to come to terms with the impact of her parents' experiences [as Holocaust survivors] on her own life, the indelible imprints of their history on her language, her identity, and her imagination." What are some ways in which this subject has affected your work?

A: My first novel, The Speed of Light, took me 10 years to write. I tell people that the book is "emotionally autobiographical," by which I mean that the events and characters and storyline aren't entirely fact-based but do reflect my own inner experiences and insights. 

All three of the featured characters in The Speed of Light are intensely affected by tragedy in their family; each one finds a distinct way of coping with those effects. Two of the protagonists are a brother and sister who grew up with a Holocaust survivor father, and the third main character is a refugee from government-sponsored massacres in Central America. 

As the epigraph to that book says, "Hasidic teaching says there are three ways to mourn:  through tears, through silence, and by turning sorrow into song." 

My poetry collection Gravity is very much focused on post-Holocaust material as well. I call it the "autobiographical companion" to my novels. 

The poems contain ghost stories, incomplete conversations, unanswerable questions, unforgettable images, and resonant echoes. While all of these qualities can be said to relate to the Holocaust, I also believe that most families have their own secrets and sorrows.

Each time I write about being a daughter of Holocaust survivors, I think that I'm finally "finished" with the subject. Yet somehow, more layers keep revealing themselves.

Q: Do you have a favorite among the characters you've created?

A: In truth, I am inordinately fond of all of my characters.  But I have a special affection for the character of Sola, from The Speed of Light. She is a kind of role model for me, in the way she has learned how to live in the present, while holding the past very gently in her open hands.

Q: Do you prefer one form of writing to another?

A: Each form has its own challenges and rewards. I love the density and brevity of poetry, and I love the elongation and evolution of long fiction. Essays force me to figure out exactly what point I want to make, and why. 

It seems to me that all forms of writing can provide a chance to get to know myself and the world in an intimate and illuminated way.
 

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I'm revising (for the hundredth time) my newest novel, Electric City. It will be published in October 2014.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: In addition to writing books and articles and poems, I also lead writing workshops in all sorts of beautiful locations. Weeklong retreats in Montana and on Martha's Vineyard, for example. Next year, I'll be on faculty at a writers conference in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and another one in Mendocino, CA. 

Also, I truly love meeting with book groups, whether in person or via Skype!

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Dec. 11

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Dec. 11, 1911: Author Naguib Mahfouz born.

Q&A with author Jack Owens

Jack Owens is the author of the new novel Watchman: JFK's Last Ride, a novel about the assassination of President Kennedy. Owens, who spent 30 years in the FBI, also has written a memoir, Don't Shoot, We're Republicans. He lives in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Q: How did you combine the real and the fictional in your new novel, and what balance do you think worked best for the story?

A: After studying the assassination for 50 years, 30 of those years as an FBI agent, I knew the evidence and the official findings inside out, the Warren Commission’s conclusion that there was no conspiracy and that Oswald acted alone.

However, there were enough shadows in the government’s version to fashion a plausible yarn about what could have happened that day in Dallas, that indeed there could have been more than one shooter.

I concentrated on the single bullet theory that buttresses the official report, the Magic Bullet proposition that one bullet fired from behind went through two bodies, causing seven wounds in President Kennedy and in Texas Governor John Connally.  If that single bullet did not go through two bodies, then there was more than one shooter and we have a conspiracy.

The key for me in writing this novel was plausibility. How a conspiracy could have been carried out, sticking close to the official findings, then layering them with fictional characters and events to turn the Warren Commission upside down. Many conspiracy theories are simply preposterous and have little or no credibility.

In my novel, the successful plot by the CIA and elements of the American military to kill JFK is quite plausible, and involves three assassins, the classic triangularly fire ambush. Oswald fired from the Depository while a second assassin fired from behind the picket fence on the Grassy Knoll, both firing with such utility and efficiency that the third assassin did not have to fire at all.

I take the reader backstage in the FBI, in the CIA, and in Soviet military intelligence, using my knowledge as an FBI insider with three decades in the spy business. My long experience makes this novel quite real.

Q: What impact did John F. Kennedy's assassination 50 years ago have on you?

A: JFK inspired me to enter public service and make it my career. His murder changed the history of America and of the world for the worse. I still have not comes to terms with how the assassination could have happened in front of hundreds of witnesses and Kennedy’s protectors.

As an author and admirer of Jack Kennedy, I had to write about Dallas, stamp my version of events into a novel. It had to be a novel because I could not bring any new evidence to the forefront because there isn’t any new evidence. Which is not to say that the shroud of conspiracy will never be lifted. Meanwhile, we wait. Three people can keep a secret if two of them are dead. We wait.

Q: Why has the idea of a conspiracy been so persistent? 

A: Conspiracy theories about Dallas persist because it’s inconceivable that an insignificant nobody like Oswald, a tortured soul with a history of failure at everything, could kill the most powerful and charismatic leader in the world without help. 

The assassination, followed by Vietnam and then Watergate, left the American people dazed and questioning, challenging everything they were told by their government. Who can blame them?

Q: How did your experience in the FBI help you in the writing of this book, and what other types of research did you do?

A: I spent three decades inside the FBI doing the Bureau’s business. During the Cold War, I worked spy cases against hostile foreign intelligence services, operating undercover for four years in opposition to the likes of the KGB and their puppet East Europe services.

As such, I gained first hand experience in Bureau tradecraft and the ways of the CIA, American military intelligence, and the Soviets, all layered gist for a novel about killing a president in Dallas. The twist in my novel involves what the Soviets knew about the assassination before it happened.

From experience and from agents who knew him well, I detail the mannerisms of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, how he operated and how he talked, enough to fill up pages with rich dialogue and scenes of what the FBI leadership knew and did not know before and after the assassination. One FBI street agent, Carl Stone, learns about the conspiracy and acts.

My research beyond my FBI experience involves 50 years of reading conspiracy books, stalking every word and exhibit in the Warren Commission volumes, and years of conversations with a Secret Service agent who was riding in the Dallas motorcade behind JFK. I published an article about his experiences in Dallas and his years protecting presidents from Ike through Nixon.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I am currently writing the third in a series of novels that take place in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and the hind parts of Alabama, about an ugly, club-footed career criminal, Pock, a serial killer who loves flowers and Jesus and very little else. 

In the second novel, he meets a beautiful 15-year-old girl, the most extraordinary female athlete in Alabama, and becomes infatuated with her, eventually saving her life. The first novel about Pock, called the Pock Series, will be published by Keith Publications in 2014. 

Q: Anything else we should know?

A:  You should know that law enforcement at every level is saturated with humor and folly. FBI agents laugh a lot, cut up, and play practical jokes on each other while presenting a starched and serious company face to the world. 

Quick as a daisy and as everlasting, cops wag a finger at us, asserting that the most overrated thing is the world is the FBI, followed by the second most overrated, the FBI.      

 --Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with author J. Grigsby Crawford

J. Grigsby Crawford is the author of The Gringo: A Memoir, which recounts his experiences in the Peace Corps in Ecuador. He has written for The Huffington Post and The Washington Independent Review of Books, among other publications, and he lives in Washington, D.C.

Q: Why did you decide to write this book, and what do you hope readers gain from it?

A: A few reasons. On one hand, I was a writer in my early 20s, obsessed with creative nonfiction or new journalism, and I probably would've ended up writing something long form about whatever turns my life took over that time.

It just so happens that I joined the Peace Corps—I joined for the normal reasons someone does (as explained in the first couple chapters), but of course in the back of my mind was that this might be an experience that could develop into something worth writing about.

If you've read the book you know that events took a turn for
the scary, dark and bizarre quite quickly once I arrived in Ecuador.
So it wasn't too far in that I decided I had to write about it.

And at that point, I knew I wanted to tell an honest, gritty, funny
and true story about the experience and not the typical lovey dovey, and often condescending, writing we see in Peace Corps or an-American-living-in-a-developing-country literature.

I wanted to lift the veil on the Peace Corps' (oddly) sterling reputation, despite reality. And I wanted it to be accessible to readers who don't previously know or care about the Peace Corps, which I think it's done.

I hope readers are entertained.

Q: How did your feelings about the Peace Corps change since the time you decided to apply, and what do you think of it now?

A: When I applied, I certainly wasn't naive to the fact that there were valid and powerful arguments against the Peace Corps. And through my application process, I wasn't surprised—nor should any reader be—that it was a slow and inefficient bureaucracy. Most of that just made for funny anecdotes.

But when I got in the country—first doing training and then getting
placed in a site as the result of a stroke of breathtaking ineptitude
in program management—those bureaucratic inefficiencies became sadder.

So there were frustrations, but, as they say, actions speak louder
than words: I did, after all, complete my service and had some project success to show for it.

The interesting part is that since the publication of my book, my
mindset has shifted to be even more critical of the Peace Corps than when I was in it or when I was writing the book.

Q: Why did you choose "The Gringo" as your book's title?

A: Just as I wanted my sentences to be short and powerful, and my
chapters to be short and sharp, I wanted the title to be a quick
punch. So I resisted the urge to give one of those titles where the
subtitle goes on forever ("The Gringo: One young man's journey etc. etc. etc.…"). I guess that answers things stylistically. 

Conceptually, the word "gringo" represents so much. Spoken there, it can be either an insult or an endearing term, depending on how it's spoken. More importantly, no matter how it's spoken, it conveys a sense of "otherness" or alienation or outsider status, which plays well into the main themes of the book, which are connection/disconnection and attraction/distraction.

And, of course, the sentence along the lines of "Why don't we kidnap the gringo?" is a critical point in the story.

(Also interesting is that the word, supposedly, comes from a bastardization of two English words. I could go on and on. It's a good word.)

Q: Was it difficult to relive some of the more negative experiences you write about?

A: Not at all. It was a soothing experience. Almost cathartic to get it out—things I couldn't even take the time or mental energy to tell
friends and family as they were occurring.

It's tempting to say that what's more of a drag is to keep talking
about the experiences over and over now that the book is out, but
that'd be silly—it's well worth the enjoyment of having published my first book and knowing that lots of people are buying it, entertained by it, talking about it (good or bad) and asking (or interviewing!) me about it.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: The great American novel. Just kidding. If I can say something trite like writing is 90 percent thinking and planning and 10 percent actually writing, then I'm thoroughly entrenched in that 90 percent phase. (Ha!)

Really, I'm constantly planning and putting together ideas for what
could be a next work of nonfiction (or thinly veiled fiction). But I'm also enjoying rest from the mental and emotional exhaustion of getting this book out—which was a good thing in all aspects, just a lot of work.

Q: Anything else we should know? 

A: There are negative aspects to my adventure there that surely make it into the book. But readers who fear it's all negative, or a negative read, can take comfort in Part III of The Gringo, titled "The Electric Love." There was a lot of beauty in there and in that experience, too; it's all in there.

Other than that, let me wish a feliz navidad to all your readers.

--Interview with Deborah Kalb 

Dec. 10

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Dec. 10, 1830: Poet Emily Dickinson born.

Q&A with author Jodi Lyons

Jodi Lyons is the author of the new book The Smart Person's Guide to Eldercare. An eldercare consultant, she has been a member of the Leadership Council of Aging Organizations. She is based in the Washington, D.C., area.

Q: You write, "The eldercare system in the United States has become such a tangled spider web that it's virtually impossible to navigate." How have you attempted to guide people through the system?

A: I am an eldercare consultant.  That means that I talk with families (via phone, in-person, or via email), conduct a needs assessment, and help families find care providers throughout the country who meet those needs.

I also help them to make sure that they receive benefits that they need, that they have an attorney to put legal documents in place, that they have access to good medical care, and that they have good financial advisors so that they can afford the care that they need. 

I’m in the process of developing a web-based software and system so that I can reach more people – SeniorSherpa.  Think of me as the guide who carries the equipment up Mt. Everest and makes sure that everyone is safe on the journey.

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most difficult problems facing the elderly and their family members and caregivers?

A: Finances are a huge concern as are family dynamics.  People are outliving their resources – not always due to poor planning – it’s often simply that no one planned to live to 100 years old and it’s expensive to do so. 

Also, in the “old” days, Grandma and Grandpa would move in with one of their kids, and the family would provide the care.  That’s often not safe or practical now. 

We’re part of the “club sandwich” generation with grandparents in their late 90s or older, parents who are in their late 70s or 80s, “kids” who are in their 60s, and grandkids who are in their 40s who are raising small children.

Finally, medical advances mean that people are living longer with complicated medical conditions that need to be carefully managed. That often requires an expertise that many families (and even doctors) don’t have.

The result? Multiple hospitalizations, stints in rehab, and the need for someone to actively and regularly “quarterback” the person’s medical care.

Q: You advise people to "know your options." How can someone best determine the options for themselves or someone they are caring for?

A: Becoming an educated consumer is vital. Gathering information from RELIABLE resources is key. There are medical professionals, legal professionals, care managers, Medicare’s website, and other places that can provide real, unbiased information.

This is a case of “buyer beware,” however.  It’s important to know whether or not your referral/information source is getting paid by the providers to which you are being referred. Consumers can research on Medicare’s website, on their state’s long term care/eldercare website, or hire a professional. 

People should not be afraid to ask questions or to walk away if they aren’t comfortable. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Q: Do you foresee any changes for the eldercare system?

A: I think that there is a movement towards well-designed, senior-friendly retirement communities that will provide shared home health care services, assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and eating), and in-home primary medical care.

By living in higher-density housing like apartments, condos, or retirement communities, the provision of care becomes more cost-efficient and effective.

Q: Are you writing another book?

A: Now that’s a loaded question! I’m exploring that possibility now – on the specialized care needs of people with Alzheimer’s/dementia and their families.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: It’s important to have honest conversations with family members and make a plan before the crisis hits. While the conversations are difficult, it’s easier now than it is when the family member is in the hospital, etc. Our “job” is to clearly understand the person’s wishes and to do what we can to fulfill them. 

One place to start the conversation is the Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form also known as the Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST). See www.polst.org for more information.

--Interview with Deborah Kalb

Q&A with author Claudia S. Haltom

Claudia S. Haltom is the author of the new book The Single Parent Referee Workbook. An attorney and judge for more than 30 years, she sat on the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court bench for 17 years. She is the CEO of A Step Ahead Foundation, Inc., based in Memphis, which offers long-acting reversible contraception to area women.

Q: How did your work as a judicial referee cause you to write this book?

A: My career as a lawyer and particularly my years as a judicial referee gave me the inspiration to write this book. So many real cases led to bits and pieces of the stories in the book.  But, the mistakes people made both in court and in their lives gave me the ideas for each and every chapter. 

Q: You write, "This is NOT a Revenge for Dummies book." What approach should parents be taking, and how do you feel your book can help them?

A: My favorite quote from an unknown source is, "The best revenge is living well." So many people want to get even or get revenge for the way they have been treated. They think that hurting the other person will help.  

However, I want them to know that getting revenge is more damaging and more harmful to him or herself on so many levels. Trying to be the best person and have a successful life is what will lead to positive outcomes. Living a life full of anger and resentment is like drinking poison and believing someone else will get sick. 

Q: What is the best way to try to resolve communication problems among family members?

A: I believe that email is the greatest invention in the world for communicating carefully, thoughtfully, slowly and accurately.

Thus, I recommend that when families are having serious communication problems, they should write draft emails, let it sit or run it by some uninvolved third party. Then, you can document what you said and how you said it.

You can try to add humor carefully, and you can include pictures. Sending pleasant pictures of children/grandchildren/events is a good way to stay connected without talking too much. Sending a text or email picture every few days can be a pleasant, non-engaging way of staying connected. Most communication problems have to run their course, provided the parties do not continue fueling the arguments.

Q: You advocate "faking it" when it comes to attitude. How does that help?

A: In front of the kids, it is important for parents to act like grown ups.  That means no ugly scenes, no snide sarcasm and no

mean-spirited comments.  When that is NOT what you feel, then that is faking it. It might not be as fulfilling as a good cussing out

can be, but it is pure class and it shows your child how to act.  

When you are not in front of the kids, there should be no "attitude" because there should be no verbal engagement. Avoidance is the best approach. Try to avoid being around the other parent.  

Q: What are you working on now?

A: I am working on animal custody and legal issues.  It is going to be funny and real.  Lots of couples who split up want to fight over the dog.

Q: Anything else we should know?  

A: It is a real setback when someone going through domestic drama or a separation/divorce gets pregnant. Unintended pregnancy under these circumstances causes more unhappiness and negative outcome than most people can fathom. This doesn't even begin to address the way an unwanted child is treated and responds.  

Thus, all women should be informed of the success and safety of 

long-acting, reversible contraception. A woman who is not in a solid, positive relationship should be very, very careful about getting pregnant.  

 --Interview with Deborah Kalb