Spotlight Interview with Author Kurt Winans

Q1: Thanks for participating in our Authors.com Spotlight Interview series Kurt! Please introduce yourself and your book to help our readers get to know you.
A: My name is Kurt Winans, and the two books I have written thus far are “Sun & Water Cocktail” and “Left Side of the Road”. They are lighthearted humorous international adventures designed to entice the reader into an adventure of their own.

 Q2: Please explain how you came to be a writer, what inspired you to write your book(s) and how long it took. 
A: I had been keeping journals of travel adventures for years and I finally decided to swallow the fear and write some books.  With work, and other facets of daily life, each book took several months to complete.

 Q3: What did you enjoy most about creating this book? 
A. It provided an opportunity to escape the daily grind by transporting myself back to places and events with happy memories.

 Q4: What facets of your life, both personal and professional, are woven into your book, if any?  
A. These adventures give the reader a chance to view the evolution of both the writing style and personal growth with regard to relationships. They show the humorous side to life and an ability to fit in with local cultures.

 Q5. How did you get published?                                                                                                 

A.  My wife and I decided to eliminate the middle man, and created our own publishing company.

Q6: Did you have any surprises or hiccups along the way during the book writing and/or publishing process?
A. Of course! Most things in life rarely go completely according to plan, but adaptation to the present circumstances is all part of the fun.

Q7: What one thing did you wish you'd known before you started this project? 
A. More about the complexity of the marketing machine.

Q8: You're a fly on the wall when readers are discussing your book.   What would you hope to hear them say about it?
A. This is a relaxing, humorous, and informative read. It has made me want to visit some of the places mentioned in the book.

 Q9: Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know or would surprise them. 
A. That my body is solid steel surrounded by beer!

Q10: What single piece of advice would you give new authors?
A. When you think the editing process is complete, have someone else go over it again.

Q11: Share a short summary of a typical day in your life with us please. 
A. The real trick, or adventure, in life is to not have a typical day. I try to always find new things and places to experience while holding onto core beliefs. I enjoy attending sporting events, playing some golf when I have the time, and hiking in the mountains for a humbling perspective on life.

 Q12:  Describe where you do most of your writing. What would I see if I was sitting beside you?
A. Most of my writing is done in my head while on long walks or hikes, before crafting those thoughts into short journal notes. Sitting beside me you might see a distant man, as I tend to always have something spinning about in my head. Then again you might see an attentive friend hanging on your every word while we discuss life over our favorite beverage.

 Q13: What's your motto or favorite quote you like to live by?                                              

A.   “Life is not a dress rehearsal”.

Q14: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us in closing such as your website, an imminent book launch or what you're working on presently? 
A. I would like to thank you all for your time and interest. I look forward to communicating with some of you in the future. I invite you to peruse my website at coastersquill.com that discusses both books in more detail. Feedback is always important for all of us, so let me know what you think. I have plans to release a third book in May or June of 2012 with a different approach to the presentation and writing style.

Authors.com profile: http://www.authors.com/profile/KurtWinans

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