The Interview - John D Poniske
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What’s your favorite book that you’ve written, and why?
Of my five published books, SNAKEBIT:Prelude to War is my favorite. It introduces my two border state families and sets the tone for my reader's wild and wide ranging journey through the Civil War and Reconstruction.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
I advise new authors to not ever expect their words to come out golden the first time. Instead, expect to massage, shape and remold your words many, many times. It is this reshaping that gives your work life. Never be satisfied.
Which book of yours was the most difficult to write, and why?
The first nine books in my series deal with the Civil War, as such there are often some pretty grim scenes to reflect on. However, the last nine books deal with the reactionary forces that reshaped the South after the war. Many scenes during Reconstruction go beyond grim to the grotesque. Each of these books proved dreadfully difficult to write.
What’s a fun fact about you that most readers wouldn’t know?
I have always held a fascination with history. Before I began writing in earnest, I researched and developed historical based table top games. I have to my credit 30+ published designs, most of them based on American conflicts. Among them my favorites are Lincoln's War, Plains Indian War, and Hearts and Minds.
How do you deal with self-doubt as a writer?
I an long past believing I can't write well. I have learned that frequent re-editing and re-writing shapes and gives life to my words. I don't believe in writer's block. I do believe that when I cannot come up with a word or phrase I redirect my energy elsewhere because I know that I don't need to worry about it - my brain continues to work on the problem even when I'm not concentrating on it.
Which of your characters do you relate to the most?
Of all my many characters I relate most to Valentine Garrett. He is a giant of a man, fully capable in any situation, possessing a strong, unwavering, personal compass. Valentine begins the series - deceased, but he remains in the minds of his family members as a guiding influence and occaisonally makes his ghostly presence known to them.
How do you celebrate small writing milestones?
I celebrate my writing milestones with Kentucky's preeminent beverage: Bourbon.