Author Interview with John Paulits
1. When did you start writing?
My first published story appeared in the LaSalle High School (Philadelphia) literary journal. Time passed and finally some short stories of mine were published in small magazines. I’ve been writing what I would call steadily, though, since around 1975. I have published more than fifty books, most of which are available on Amazon or on my website: johnpaulits.com
2. What was your journey towards becoming an author like?
It wasn’t much of a journey. Of rather it was a journey of a very short distance. It simply appealed to me almost as if it were a necessity and eventually became something that I cannot not do. The day or week or month seems a bit empty if I haven’t gotten some writing done. Children’s books and adult books. Different genres. It’s all very appealing.
3. What can you tell me about your latest book? (Feel free to include an excerpt.)
Just out on September 1—THE GIRL IN THE GRAVEYARD, a spooky story for ages 8 and up.
The blurb reads:
Judy Lang, age nine, is spending the summer vacation at her grandparents’ house in the country. Strange occurrences—toys mysteriously appearing, a strange voice beckoning to her, and finally the unlikely presence of a girl her own age. Judy listens in horror to the tales her new friend, Suzy, tells her about the people she was forced to live with—until that arrangement abruptly changed. Judy chooses to help Suzy deal with her impossible situation and hopes she will be able to help her through her troubles. They come up with a plan. Now, will it work, and will it bring Suzy peace?
Coming out on October 1 is HENNY AND LLOYD’S CASEBOOK, the third volume in the continuing adventures of Henny and Lloyd, Private Eyes.
The blurb reads:
A murder in a flower shop sends Henny and Lloyd on a not-so-merry chase into the family dynamics of a clan who live by their own rules. They take the case and finally reveal the bizarre path that led to the murder in the flower shop. Then they are hired by a nine-year-old girl who offers them her piggy bank before describing her problem. Our heroes take her case, which proves to be anything but childish. As that case comes to a close, an old man totters into the office of Henny and Lloyd and begs them to take on an impossible assignment. They follow the mystery to its end, though, whether to a happy conclusion or otherwise, time will tell.
4. What sort of methods do you use for book promotion?
I’m limited to whatever I can do over the internet—listing books on various Facebook sites, etc.
5. Where do you get your ideas for stories?
The eternal question. Anything can spark an idea. An incident in a movie or story I’ve read. My own or a friend’s experience. Ideas are everywhere. The task is to make them interesting and, one hopes, a little different from what went before.
6. What are you working on right now?
At the moment, I’m deep into the fourth volume of Henny and Lloyd’s adventures.
7. Any advice for other authors?
All you can do is write and hope for the lightning bolt of acceptance to strike.
ABOUT JOHN:
John Paulits is a born and bred Philadelphian who moved to New York City after graduating from LaSalle College. He taught elementary school in Chinatown in Manhattan for over thirty years and wrote steadily for most of that time and beyond. He is married to a former, now retired, bank manager, and has one daughter who works as a psychotherapist.
