Bill Thompson is a
North Carolina native who has been writing about The South and particularly
North Carolina for nearly forty years.
He began writing a column for his local paper then expanded that into
over thirty papers in North and South Carolina.
He wrote a regular column for Our State Magazine for over a decade. Our State (Mann Media) published three of
Bill’s books: Sweet Tea, Fried Chicken and Lazy Dogs, Pearls
Pork Palace,(a collection of
short stories) and Backyards, Bow Ties
and Beauty Queens. He is an active
speaker for numerous events throughout The South. And an excellent one, I might add.
Bill, while we finish up lunch, let's talk some more about your personal writing. I know you love North Carolina as much as I do and I love to showcase the state in my writing too. How has your environment affected your writing?
The old axiom “Write about what you know.” certainly applies
to me. All of my books, columns, plays –
everything I write—is taken from my experiences. I grew up in the rural South so that’s what I
write about.
And you write it in such a delightful and entertaining way.
Why, thank you, Susan.
How many books have you written?
I have written two books of essays/commentaries, one
collection of short stories, and my first novel, Celia Whitfield’s Boy.
Give a short synopsis of your most recently published book.
Celia Whitfield’s Boy is historical fiction centered around
a young man growing up during the lumber industry boom of the early part of the
twentieth century in southeastern North Carolina. He has to deal with personal relations with
two women while confronting racism and politics connected with the governor's election of 1924. Of course, it’s much more complex than that but
you said keep it short.
How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the
book?
The character of Jacob Whitfield is based on my Grandfather
Council. My grandfather and I were very
close and, certainly, at least some of my grandfather’s characteristics were
passed on to me. My personal slogan “Everything in the world is personal” applies to my writing, including this
novel. Jacob and I share a lot of the
same perspective on personal relationships and struggle with the
cynical/realistic approach versus the more idealistic concepts of politics and
the role we can play in that regard.
What challenges did you face while writing this book?
I had to do a lot of research. Since, contrary to some observations, I
wasn’t actually around during the 1920s I interviewed a lot of people who were around as well as looking up historical material to
make sure I was being authentic in my image of the time and place. Jacob is a lawyer in the story and that
necessitated my reliance on my friend and attorney, Marvin Tedder, to make sure
the interpretation of the law during that time and place was authentic. Of course, his caveat that covers all that
is, “The law back then in rural areas like ours was whatever the sheriff and
the judge said it was.”
Do you travel to do research or for inspiration? Can you
share some special places with us?
I didn’t really have to travel much to do the research and
since my inspiration was my grandfather I didn’t have to go away to remember
him.
What advice can you give new writers?
The best advice I
would give to new writers is , “Don’t be in a hurry. Take time to let whatever muse you have speak
to you, then revise and revise and revise.
Don’t try to write like somebody else.
Develop your own style”.
Great advice, Bill!
Where do you store ideas for later use: in your head, in a
notebook, or on a spreadsheet?
Many years ago I used to carry a small tape recorder with me
when I traveled, but now I just try to remember things I see and hear. And sometimes I just make it up.
You can remember things? Wow! I have to write everything down ;-(
I don’t understand internet marketing, so I leave that up to
my publisher. My most effective way of
selling my books is through my speaking engagements around the country. In my talks I talk about my life growing up
in The South and those things that inspired my books.
And you sell lots of books. I've been there. I've sat beside you at signings and I've seen the lines. Your dynamic personality and that deep voice don't hurt either. You're a Southern gentleman and I'm proud to call you a friend.
Why, thank you, Susan.
Can you tell us your future writing goals/projects?
I have a new book coming out in July 2015 that I am really
excited about. It’s called Listen to the South Wind and is the
result of a collaboration with a fantastically talented photographer name Doug
Sasser. He's also a superior court judge.
I like to think that I paint pictures as I write about the people, places and events that are a part of who we are and where we are. As I looked at Doug’s pictures, I wrote down, not a description of the photos, but what I felt as I looked at the images. It was sometimes a story, sometimes a commentary or sometimes a poem. Occasionally, I would remember something I had written before and thought it worth restating.
Most of Doug’s photos are landscapes or still life. I usually write about people. By combining our perspectives, we hope the reader can see beyond our individual views, beyond what we absorbed during our lives, beyond what we write or record with the camera. We want the reader to become a part of all that we have experienced, to absorb that unique sense of time and place that makes us Southerners and makes this land a special part of God’s creation. And our home.
YAYY! I can hardly wait to get a copy!
Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
They can buy them from their local bookstores or from Out
State Magazine, Second Wind Publishing or they can contact me at
billthompson28442@aol.com
Are your books available in print and ebook formats?
Yes.
