Steven W. Simon Interview Published on: 05, Jan 2023
Where were you born? What do you love most about your hometown?
I was born and raised in Southfield, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The people there are genuine, hardworking, honest, and friendly.
What type of books did you read during childhood? Has your taste changed since you started pursuing a writing career?In middle school I read a lot of fantasy series, often with “dragon” somewhere in the title. In high school I got into Beat writers, dystopian novels such as “Brave New World,” and for no good reason Bukowski. My favorite book continues to be “Of Mice and Men.”
I’ve never pursued a writing career, I just write.
Do you remember who introduced you to the world of books?I remember my father reading us The Hobbit, The Wind in the Willows, and Lewis Carrol.
Where do you find most of your inspiration? Or when do you feel most inspired to write?The seeds of inspiration come from everyday observations and they develop when I let my mind wander. I always want to write, but sometimes the words aren’t there – and that’s okay.
How did you get the idea for your book, Red as Apple?“Red as Apple” was based on a short film I wrote called “Mr. Butler’s Legacy.” Unfortunately, I have no recollection of how I got the idea.
When you write a poem do you write the title first or the content first?Content first. I put the opening lines that are in my mind to paper and it flows from there.
Your book "I Think I'm Jewish" is your most recent publication. What should readers expect from this book and how is it different from the stuff you've written before?“I Think I’m Jewish” is the most reflective book I’ve written – on religion, on family, on expectations. It is based partly on experiences I had working at a Starbucks where I was the only non-Christian. I became a focal point of some of my co-workers either through honest curiosity or disdain, and this spread to several customers who were also pursuing degrees at one of the three surrounding Christian colleges. I’ve always had my doubts about Judaism, or more precisely, religion in general – but nothing solidifies your identity quicker than when people angrily decry it while waving a bible in your face as you’re making them a Grande White Chocolate Mocha.
How do you think concepts such as Kindle, and e-books have changed the present or future of reading?So, in other words, how has technology changed human behavior when it comes to consuming the written word? I think that’s an interesting question because there is a tactile nature to the traditional book that is lost when reading on an e-reader or computer screen. This is different than streaming television, films, or music as the source changes but not the consumption. I think that we have more emotional attachment to books than other media as we are the processors of the images in our mind – a chapter for you is always different than a chapter for me. That connection has kept the printed book relevant whereas CDs and DVDs have fallen out of favor. Convenience and price are values for e-books. However, libraries temper the value of electronic accessibility that would otherwise be a selling point for e-readers. I’m rambling and nothing I’ve said is backed by any research…
Do you have a specific routine for writing that you follow? Or do you prefer to write whenever and wherever?I have two children in grade school and a full-time job, so a writing routine is elusive. However, once I’m ready to write, I sacrifice sleep until the book is done.
Does writing ever get dull sometimes? If so, how do you pick yourself up and find your inspiration again?Creative writing never gets dull. It’s when the idea is elusive that I am frustrated. In those moments I must be patient and remind myself that this cannot be rushed.
In a parallel universe, if you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life? Do you think you could enjoy doing anything else as much as you do writing?My first go at answering this question involved the flaws of human desire and the infinite nothing that awaits us when we die. Way too depressing. With that said, I’d be a rock and roll star or a bootlegger in 1920s Detroit.
I enjoy Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling way more than writing.
What is the first and foremost reason that you write? What message do you hope to spread with your books?To drive the demons deep down where they cannot get me, and I hope that others find themselves not so alone with those thoughts and discover solace in that fact. I mean… it’s fun!
Is pizza in Chicago really good? How about New York’s pizza? Have you tried them?Here, unlike the other questions, diplomacy is required. Also, I’m not a native Chicagoan. Chicago deep dish pizza is really good, but it’s usually the choice of tourists, As my wife likes to remind me, true Chicago-style pizza is tavern-style thin crust cut into squares (but please don’t ask me why they cut a round pizza into squares). I’m a fan of New York style, but my favorite is Detroit style, which has a thick, crispy crust but is not as filling as deep dish. Jet’s and Buddy’s are true Detroit-style pizzas.
What is the main thing you want readers to take away from your book?I want them to find themselves somewhere in my books.
How did you first come across the AllAuthor website? What do you like or dislike about the site?I cannot recall, but it must have been good marketing! I like that AllAuthor is genuine about supporting authors of all types and provides excellent resources for promoting one’s work.
Where can people buy your books?All my books are available on my website: stevenisawriter.com and you can get a free chapbook while you’re there. I’m working on making autographed paperbacks available, so sign up for my newsletter to get updates. If you must, my books can be purchased on Amazon.
