The Horse with the Golden Mane by Russell A Vassallo

1. Tell us about your book title and your author name.

A: The Horse with the Golden Mane by Russell A Vassallo

2. What inspired the book?

A: I began writing a short story called “Eric” which I intended submitting to a contest. The problem was that it was beyond most word counts for the contests I was considering. I just put it aside and left it to write other, shorter pieces.

One evening, my wife slipped out of bed and went downstairs. I am usually very conscious of her getting up since our auto accident of 1990. Call it the Mother Goose syndrome. I just do not feel comfortable if she is up and I don't reassure myself that she is all right. I don't know whether I dozed off or not but when I started getting up, suddenly she seemed to be right next to me.

It was the seed of an idea of a man who isn't quite sure if he is living with a real woman or one he invented. The title story, The Horse with the Golden Mane,

Began to take form. It was a form full of anger and hatred, not a man in love, but a man desperately jealous of his wife's relationship with her daughter. I wrote the story and left it alone for six or seven months. When I reread it, I realized that I was dealing with myself, a very hateful self, one I didn't like at all.

Before I could change the story I had to change the main character. I had to make him likeable, a man desperately devoted to his wife. So little by little, I added bits and pieces of my own life into the character's life until it fused into a story about a man so much in love he simply could not let go of the woman he loved. I won't tell you whether she was real or invented. The reader will have to buy the book and decided that for himself.

Once I pieced the two stories together, I added two more and it became a full version of The Horse with the Golden Mane.

3. What makes this book special to you?

Like Tears and Tale, The Horse with the Golden Mane s opened a lot of worlds for me, internal worlds. I had anger problems from an abusive childhood; I saw things only from my own perspective; my marriage was in deep trouble; my wife was wearing down from just trying to love me . . . and get me to accept her love. The character in my second book was so despicable, no one could possibly feel sorry for him. But, the man he became, Pierce Bernard, because a romantic, a lover, a devoted husband.

What makes it special to me is that ,like Pierce Bernard, I was able to change my perspective, to become a likeable person, someone who could show his love for his wife and accept her love as well. I still can't put it down when I read it. It fascinates me that I was able to create these characters, give them life, tell their story. And when I finished, I nearly cried because I knew I would miss the man that Grant Bernard had become. So part of Grant Bernard still lives on except his name is Russ Vassallo.

It was also a book wherein I matured as a writer. Instead of writing about a single character, I was able to expand, create other individuals and give them breath and depth.

4. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Like most of my work it has general appeal, but I would say that Horse appeals to the adolescent, the adult male and female. It has a little of everything, inspiration, adventure, mystery, romance. Like the commercial, it's the ubiquitous comestible.

5. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

God gave Michelangelo the talent to see a figure within a block of marble. I think he gives writers a different block of marble. They see people and real life inside the marble and they chip away at it until it takes form and breathes a life of its own. He gave me two gifts: the ability to see a story in things around me; and the ability to work hard to develop that story.

Before one can spark creativity I think they need to have that special talent that makes them want to write. It like a melody that haunts your mind, a note here, another there, then all the notes begin to flow. Suddenly they become mind images, people moving, speaking, living. Look at someone and imagine him or her involved in a situation. Tell their story or make one up about them. If you have your character set well, he will tell his own story. Just as Pierce Bernard, he told hi own story. How he fixed on the notion that if he trained Red Leader, gained the horses trust, showed the kindness and understanding that was in him, that Maya would return to love him again.

6. What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

A: I think the biggest stumbling block is the advice of others already in the writing profession. They come up with a lot of general rules that seem sacrosanct. For example, write every day. I cannot write every day. When I do, I can write several things at one time. I write from inspiration, feeling, emotion and when I have something real to say.

I don't want to be a hack writer and I don't want to write what will necessarily sell to editors, magazines and publishers. My writing is me. It's the most personal thing you can do. So when someone tells me I should write every day, it creates a guilt problem when I don't. Or if they tell me that flashbacks should be avoided. Flashbacks work if one well. There are just too many rules that do not apply to the unique writer.

Write for yourself and someone you value. I write for my wife. If she gives me that pat on the head, every word I write is worthwhile. I'll edit, and rewrite again and again.

I suppose fear of rejection is the biggest stumbling block. I choose to write and market my own work. If something doesn't work, I have no one to contend with but myself. That may not work for everyone. Others may need to find acceptance in earning a living at what they do ,but what good does it do if you sell one article and spend double on psychologist because you can't contend with the other rejections you receive?

7. What do you think motivate people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

A: I think every author needs something. Most call it approval, the need to be recognized. What affects me the most is when my own writing touches me. If it touches me, it will touch others. I think inwardly I need to make every person I meet a friend. A friend will not taunt me because I am short of height. A friend will not comment on my sagging paunch. No, a friend will see much beyond that. He will see the loving, compassionate and sensitive man within. He will see me because the “me” will be my characters.

I write so others will see that man, will know him, will not hurt him by calling him names. They will not goad him into impossible fights or against impossible odds. They will not play on his generosity because he needs to be loved. If they need a kind word or a helping hand, they will know that there is at least one man who will make the offer.

I do not think I was motivated to get into an industry that is so calloused and indifferent. I think that is why I don't submit articles to most magazines or publishers. I prefer selling fewer books but reaching the people whose emotional can truly be touched, people who respond to inspiration, kindness, love. So I did not start writing to be part of an industry. On the contrary, I was motivated to write to become an individuals. Because we self publish, I feel I have achieved that.

8. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote your books?

A: Because my first book, Tears and Tales was an animal-related book, I teamed up with a local animal shelter fund-raiser and donated a portion of the proceeds to their organization. I've also sold a number of books to waiters and waitresses, most of whom want to be authors.

NON-FICTION

1. Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What is your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

A: I either know or have met the characters in my book The Horse with the Golden Mane. Not only that but I am the foster parent of Red Leader so it was only natural that he would be on the front cover and the star of the entire book. Horse also permitted me to be myself and to write what I knew best. Most of the book is really based on non-fictional events, but some fiction was added to dramatize.

2 If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?

A: If I am selling The Horse with the Golden Mane , I use an actual photograph of Red Leader. He's a truly handsome animal and an eight-by-ten photograph of him just seems to catch people's eye. As soon as I give them a moment to view his picture, I tell them that Red Leader is a rescued animal and I reveal some personal facts about him. By then, I have their interest and their attention. I can then tell a just enough about the stories in my book that will intrigue them and I show them the award certificate for Horse.

3. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers?

The best example I can offer to answer this question is a quote from one of my newest stories going into a future book. The story is called “The Unloved.”

We meet at the bottom of the stairs, but her eyes avert from mine.

She will not face me when she is perturbed. She is smoting her

own anger because I am blind and do not see. I can be

perplexing to everyone except my animals. With them, I am different.

I feel their love and I sense their emotions. Conversations flows easily

with them and I do not feel unloved. I am comfortable with my

animals. They expect nothing from me. They hold me to no standard.

With them, I do not have to do better and better each time

I attempt something. I know they love me because their love

is simplistic and demonstrative. They are not the feelingless

mother who raised me on criticism and derision.

I also write about two-legged animals since I grew up in a city where mobsters proliferated. I can recall talking to a mob boss, pleading for the life of a friend who was on the hit list. I guess he liked me or I would still be here. Streetwise: Mafia Memoirs is due out in August (I hope.)

4. If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and the place.

A: Before you begin writing for publication, take a long hard look at how much of yourself you are willing to give to the industry. Are you willing to learn the industry standards? Are you willing to give up part of your personal life to pursue it? Are you willing to sometimes spend more money selling your books than you earn? Will you accept the criticism of a professional editor? How will you react to being scammed by the thousands out there who want the money your dreams are built on? Are you determined to succeed in spite of them? Do you know where to go to find the right answers?

One things keeps me going when everything else seems to be falling apart?

The professionals are the ones who didn't quit. With me, it's a more personal reason. My mother wanted me to become a lawyer and a judge. She didn't think I could write well enough to earn a living at it. Maybe she was right. But I am driven by the thought I have to prove her wrong.

So, select something that drives you . . . and never let it go.

Tears and Tales by Russell Vassallo

1. Tell us about your book title and your author name.

A: My first book is called Tears and Tales: Stories of Human and Animal Rescue and it is authored under the name Russell A Vassallo.

2. What Inspired the book?

A; At the time I conceived writing any book at all, I was undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. The surgery had been successful and they just wanted to make certain all the cancer was eradicated. As I watched other people coming in for their own treatments, I noted that all them seem defeated. They were like energy-less people sim0ply moving though the motions and most of them had simply given up hope.

I was never a person to sit still, so I pulled my little trolley of chemicals around the compound to the various rooms, entertaining them with animal stories or just plain stories of my illustrious and unnoted life. They seemed to respond to the kindness. Perhaps I removed some of the fear. A lot of them encouraged me to write my stories and send them to a publisher. (ha,ha.)

As I considered writing that first book - something I had always wanted to do - I thought about the way my own animals had impacted me. I'd lost two dogs to cancer and a little waif (Git) just showed up one summer evening, half-starved, ragged and pleading for just a little food. I didn't have the heart to send her away.

Not long after, I connected with a book shepherd who asked me to write a story for one of her own books. I submitted “The Horse That Cried” and she accepted it. So there I was in print and with an amiable desire to speak to others and see if people would actually buy a book that I wrote.

3. What makes this book special to you?

Writing Tears and Tales opened a lot of world for me, internal worlds. I had anger problems from an abusive childhood; I saw things only from my own perspective; my marriage was in deep trouble; my wife was wearing down from just trying to love me . . . and get me to accept her love. So when I wrote Tears and Tales, I was emoting all that anger, all the fury, all the self-disappointment. At the same time, I was also learning to let go of the past, to cling to whatever future I had left and to give eternal life to my animal friends for as long as anyone would read my books and articles.

I guess Tears is my baby. I still can't read some of the stories and not cry. But it was my groundbreaker to making a better life for those around me. But my hope for all my books is that they help others, give them hope that there is a way out of depression and anger, a way to a better life. And it gives animal-lovers hope that their little friends are waiting just beyond the pale.

4. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Kids need to read it because they'll love the way animals speak and show emotion. Adults need to read it because it deals with a way out of depression and to a more fulfilling life. This is not just another animal book. Its not just a “me and my dog” book. What I love most about Tears is that it's a book with the meaning of life-- my life - written all over it. It shows me as I really am, a man with sensitivity, compassion, love, and an ability to pull myself up and start over again.

5. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

That is a tough question. I think God gives us all a special gift. For me, He gave me two gifts: the ability to see a story in things around me; and the ability to work hard to develop that story. Sometimes a story is there jelling all the time and all of a sudden the opening line pops out at me and I am off and running.

I think it was Ray Bradbury that once said: “whatever I need to invent a story is right here in this room with me.” I know now what he meant. As I was writing this I looked up at the clock and thought: what if that clock suddenly started running backwards and I found myself going back in time.” So people call it the “what if” rule and that is what I call it.

6. What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

A: I think the biggest stumbling block is the advice of others already in the writing profession. They come up with a lot of general rules that seem sacrosanct. For example, write every day. If I write every day, my stuff stinks. I need to write from inspiration, feeling, emotion. I don't want to be a hack writer and I don't want to write what will necessarily sell to editors, magazines and publishers. My writing is me. It's the most personal thing you can do. So when someone tells me I should write every day, it creates a guilt problem when I don't. Or if they tell me that flashbacks should be avoided. There are just too many rules that do not apply to the unique writer.

Tips, you want tips to help others get past similar problems? Sure.

Write for yourself and someone you value. I write for my wife. If she gives me that pat on the head, every word I wrote is worthwhile. I'll edit, and rewrite again and again. I'll write again. If others reward me with praise, I am flattered and I want to please them again, but essentially, follow the rules that apply to you.

Just think of most great men who succeeded at what they did. Most of them broke all the rules of conventional wisdom and did things exactly as they pleased.

Picasso comes to mind but there are dozens of others. Be yourself. Write for yourself. Do the very best work you can. A hundred years after you're dead someone will recognize your talent and you'll be famous. If you are really lucky, on your death-bed someone will tell you that you just hit the Best Seller's list and some big publisher sent a $50,000 advance for the rights. But even if they don't do any of that, you can always be content that you didn't sell yourself out to what others wanted you to do.

7. What do you think motivate people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

A: Part a) I need the approval of others who read my work and reaffirm my talent for creativity and hard work. Because I am a very insecure person, I needed to learn that praise is often sincere. People who tell me they loved my book and want to purchase the next one reaffirm an inner struggle that demands I be the very best at what I do. I call it the “short man” syndrome. (I'm five-feet-two-inches tall and I've heard all the short jokes).

Part b) What motivated me to get into the writing industry was sheer madness. I had this strange notion my books would sell in the thousands or my competition would be limited. I learned later there were something like 20,000 books a month being published. Did I stop? No. A sane man would have stopped. But I continued. I continue today. I'll probably continue tomorrow as well. It's the madness, you see. It runs in my family. Someone comes up to me on the very day I intend to quit writing my newsletters or more books and they say: “Mr. Vassallo you write with such sensitivity. I love your work.” And the madness surges to the fore, ready to drive me on. I even howl and there doesn't have to be a moon to do it.

8. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote your books?

A: I once sent a copy of Tears to Governor Ernie Fletcher and met his lovely Administrative Secretary. We even got invited to her home for an open house.

We recently attended a gun show in Louisville and actually sold a fair number of books. I accost waiters in restaurants with the fact I am a writer and threaten them with a small tip if they don't purchase.(only kidding). I even left one in the men's section of a spa at the Greenbrier Inn (where all the Presidents go) and actually sold their gift shop my first book. They sold well, but they never purchase my second. At $600 per night I don't know if I can afford to keep selling to them.

There are some things I will not do. I will not go door-to-door. I will not lie to my newsletter public by pretending I am selling more books than I really am. I will not fib about the truth of what is in my stories.

NON-FICTION

1. Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What is your background or in yurt research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

A: My book is not a typical non-fiction book. The stories are true but when one thinks of non-fiction they either think of self-help books or memoirs. These are real life stories about my animals and my personal troubles and emotions. I'm the best person to write the book because I lived it. The next best person to write this book is my wife because she has put up a tremendous struggle to live with me. That kind of non-fiction would make the Best Seller's list.

2 If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?

A: If I am selling Tears, I use a stopper? Do you know anyone who loves animals? Someone who might really enjoy reading a different kind of animal book? I usually take one of my strongest stories, “The Cardinal' because it's a story that offers hope from beyond the grave and who doesn't want to believe there is something after life?

I talk about the animals, show pictures of them, tell amusing stories about what they did recently. I also study the person. Are they a grandmother with grandchildren? I extol the virtue of my eight year old grandson and how he loves to have my stories read to him. (mostly to stay up a half hour later). If a teen-ager, I extol the virtues of all that pro-animal hype that is out there and how the big bad hunter killed Bambi's mother. Apparently someone didn't do their research because back in those days it was illegal to kill a doe, but it made good sentiment for the movie.

3. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers?

The best example I can offer to answer this question is a quote from one of my newest stories going into a future book. The story is called “The Unloved.”

We meet at the bottom of the stairs, but her eyes avert from mine.

She will not face me when she is perturbed. She is smoting her

own anger because I am blind and do not see. I can be

perplexing to everyone except my animals. With them, I am different.

I feel their love and I sense their emotions. Conversations flows easily

with them and I do not feel unloved. I am comfortable with my

animals. They expect nothing from me. They hold me to no standard.

With them, I do not have to do better and better each time

I attempt something. I know they love me because their love

is simplistic and demonstrative. They are not the feelingless

mother who raised me on criticism and derision.

This is the best reason I can give for why the animal topic interests me. Yet, I do not want to be tacked down as an animal writer. I just finished my memoirs of growing up in a neighborhood where mobsters outnumbered churchgoers by three-to- one. And, after twenty-five years as a practicing lawyer, I have sketched out another non-fiction book on divorce cases and their aftermath.

4. If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and the place.

A: Before you begin writing for publication, take a long hard look at how much of yourself you are willing to give to the industry. Are you willing to learn the industry standards? Are you willing to give up part of your personal life to pursue it? Are you willing to sometimes spend more money selling your books than you earn? Will you accept the criticism of a professional editor? How will you react to being scammed by the thousands out there who want the money your dreams are built on? Are you determined to succeed in spite of them? Do you know where to go to find the right answers?

I recall one organization we were using to conduct interviews and have reviews done for a specific price. They ran a contest and asked me to submit a story. Now I always thought that when you win a contest you get something of a reward. Maybe its money; maybe it's a sticker; a certificate. You know, something. Well, I did get something. I got the right to purchase the book my story was published in as a contest winner for twenty-five per cent off retail price.

Then there was the guy who took the winning story right into Hollywood for film and television rights and you were on your way. You simply could not miss. Just being in the contest assured you of notice of some kind. Guess what? He lied. And he lied very effectively for one-hundred and -eighty dollars contest entry fee. I still bang my head on the floor over that one.

Not everyone is a scam artist. I only met Nikki Leigh once, but she is hard-working and you get more than your money's worth from her. Maybe her efforts will never sell a single book (which I doubt because our Amazon sales are up) but even if nothing sells, she's done the honorable thing and that is worth the price of admission . . . anytime.

In Detail With Virginia Vassallo

Tell us the book title and your author name.

VGV: Unsung Patriot: Guy T. Viskniskki, How The Stars and Stripes Began by Virginia G. Vassallo

What inspired the book?

VGV: I grew up hearing stories about my grandfather, Guy T. Viskniskki. He was the founder of The Stars and Stripes, the newspaper of our armed forces. Guy was lost to history in that he was only mentioned in passing yet he was the motivating force behind The Stars and Stripes. His story needed to be told.

What makes this book special to you?

VGV: This book is special for a number of reasons. First of all, it describes how my grandfather got The Stars and Stripes up and running in wartime France, 1918. Not a small accomplishment. Second, the book gives some of my family history so that I know it will be passed down to my grandchildren. Third, it is probably the only book I will ever write. It was a long process and I am not sure I want to go through it again on another subject.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

VGV: I think people must read Unsung Patriot because it will help them to understand the true nature of The Stars and Stripes. Guy fought for the principles that the paper should be “By and for the soldiers”. There were many people who tried to intervene and get the army top brass to oversee the newspaper but Guy was successful in fighting them all. The newspaper today still follows those principles: By and for the soldiers. It is truly their newspaper.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

VGV: People who do not believe in what our armed forces are doing should read this book. That way they will learn that The Stars and Stripes is truly the soldiers' newspaper. And then they can go read the paper - it's available online - and see what the soldiers are actually thinking about their job in the Middle East.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

VGV: Actually, I don't think of myself as really being creative, in the sense that I cannot write fiction or tell good stories. That said, long walks in the woods with my dogs really seem to help. Many times something is kicking around in my head and getting out in the fresh air and walking seems to get things in place. Maybe it's just getting away from the typewriter.

I would suggest anything that makes a person feel refreshed and rejuvenated might help to spark creativity.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

VGV: The biggest stumbling block was making the decision to actually write Guy's story. And the second biggest was actually starting to do it.

I would suggest that anyone who wants to write just sit down and do. Don't worry about whether it's good or not. Just write to please yourself and maybe one other person. I think that makes the project less daunting.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual activity?

VGV: From my experience talking to various authors, it appears that many of them feel that they have a special story to tell. I certainly felt that way. Some authors also seem to need the praise and attention of being a writer. Others have always wanted to write and it just seems like a natural outgrowth of their personalities.

What motivated me? I knew that I was one of two people who could write the story of Guy T. Viskniskki and The Stars and Stripes because there were only two of us who had his memoirs. Since I have a love of history, it just seemed natural that I should gather the information and write Unsung Patriot. I also wanted to make sure that the family stories that are included in the book were passed down to my grandchildren.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

VGV: My first thought is that my husband, Russ, and I went to a two day gun show to sell our books. And surprisingly enough, we did sell quite a few. When we go out to dinner, very often I sell a book or two to our waitress. We just start talking and I start selling. Russ kids me that there is a Wanted Poster up in Lexington, KY, with my name on it: Beware this person will sell you a book.

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

VGV: I am Guy T. Viskniskki's granddaughter. I inherited his 435 page memoirs of his year he spent in France trying to get The Stars and Stripes up and going. I grew up next door to his widow who told me many family stories. Those are the three top reasons why I am the best person to write this book.

I can do justice to how The Stars and Stripes began because I do have much of the research materials present in my home, having inherited all the family papers when my mom died. I was also a history major in college so I learned how to write extensive research papers and still make them interesting. And as an attorney I did a considerable amount of writing.

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than “It's the greatest book ever.” Give me something more specific.

VGV: If you like history, this is a book that will interest you. If you are afraid that reading history is boring and technical, that is not true of Unsung Patriot. If you like genealogy, please read this book as you can learn how to write your own family history. If you want to understand the true concepts behind The Stars and Stripes, this is the book for you.

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

VGV: Since Unsung Patriot is about my grandfather, I think it is pretty obvious why the topic interests me. The book should interest potential readers because it will help them understand what our troops today would be facing if they did not have a newspaper of their own - one they could count on to tell them the truth.

My lack of creativity is a problem when trying to come up with a hook. Help!

The Forgotten Man Who Started The Stars and Stripes. (Russ helped me with that!)

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples of tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

VGV: Yes, there is. Since our troops are scattered about the globe, one of the means of creating unity among the units is The Stars and Stripes, the newspaper of our armed forces. Unsung Patriot tells the story of how the newspaper began. I think people would be interested to learn the details of how the paper almost didn't get started - all the problems entailed in starting a newspaper in a war torn country. I am very proud to be the granddaughter of the founder of the paper and I am extremely proud that his guiding principles are still guiding principles of The Stars and Stripes today, ninety years after my grandfather started the paper.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

VGV: Please visit our websites: www.krazyduck.com and www.unsungpatriot.com. Please feel free to contact us at Russ@krazyduck.com.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website.