Gary Neal Revel Interview Published on: 16, Jun 2023
What are some memories from your childhood that stand out most to you? Where did you grow up?
When I was about 10 years old my mother shot and killed a man in the bar/saloon she owned in Niceville, Florida (in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida). The man killed was a friend who was protecting her from an assault by another person. When my mother saw the assault coming she reached under the bar and took out the pistol, planning to shoot the assaulters hand that was holding a weapon to strike her with. The gun misfired twice, she panicked and kept pulling the trigger until it fired and by then her friend had grabbed the assaulter's arm and the bullet hit him in the temple. He fell and died. When I came into the bar, shortly after, I saw our friend lying on the floor in a pool of blood. My mother was arrested, later she the case of murder was dismissed because it was self-defense and accidental death. A couple of years later I received Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior and that has made the difference in my life ever since.
Was being a highly acclaimed author always your childhood dream? Or did you have any other plans too?I never imagined myself as an author until I was in my 50s. It was only then I realized I had to start writing, if for no other reason, than to set the record straight on much of my work that was being misunderstood.
How can every student be taught to become a lifelong learner?Teaching others to always be ready to learn is one of the most important of endeavors. Knowing that we are vulnerable human beings that need knowledge to overcome obstacles in life is a key. Part of that is having humility to realize we do need help from others, regardless of how smart or able we think we are. In teaching others these things we must also remember that by helping others we help ourselves. Seeing others in the light of one who tries to walk in another's shoes is the best way to teach. Understanding where they are in life and helping them to understand every day is a new chance to learn more and find ways to have a better life is a tool for the teaching of being a lifelong learner.
What are some books that are a must read for all avid readers?At 12 years of age I started with the Bible. A few years later I read Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and adventure stories. I then started reading science fiction, then more complex literary works like For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Why is it so hard to write a novel, and especially hard to sit down and write your first novel? How did you keep yourself motivated?Seeing a need to help others understand certain things was my key.
What one tip changed your writing forever?Others need to read stories I can tell.
Do you experienced being tired by writing? Any advice?No. Just stay busy, helping others, and you will find the inspiration to write.
Why is the creative process given more importance rather than the finished work?Not sure about that.
What is the summary of your skills?Hmmm... I'll have to think about that.
What inspired you to write the book, Hillary and the Ogres?It is another adventure of Hillary the Little Ladybug. I really don't remember the exact inspiration for that.
How did you come up with the title of your book, Lochy the Loch Ness Monster?It was a team effort. There were 3 of us that came up with that, after some discussion.
When you're writing with first-person POV and telling the story in the past tense, what is your preferred way of formatting the narrator's direct, present-tense thoughts (e.g., italics, no italics, etc.)?I try not to use italics.
What advice would you give someone who wants to be a creative writer?Keep busy with life and draw from your interactions with others.
What other authors are you, friends, with, and how do they help you become a better writer?William Dandurand, Richard Faith, Donna Francart, and many more. Writing as a team helps all of us do better.
What originally attracted you to our website? If you were to review the website what score would you give it out of 5?I wasn't attracted by the website. I got an offer to join All Author.
