The Interview - Stephen B Panus
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How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.
Once I finished writing it, I realized that perhaps the book could help others, beyond just Jake's little brother, Liam. Inspired by the notion of helping others confront their own loss, struggle or hardship, I sent emails to an array of publishers and literary agents. Much to my surprise, I received interest from a handful among the many rejection replies. I choose to move forward with Koehler Books based upon the fact that I received a personal and heartfelt reply from the president, John Koehler, and soon thereafter, connected in person, realizing then that they not only understood but wanted to help me share my story.
When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?
It honestly depends. Is the new idea a full idea or just a fragment of one? How far am I into the other project? What is the universe telling me?
Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?
I gravitate toward keeping notes spontaneously and organically and allowing myself to be open to whenever and wherever I am struck by them. I have forsaken the concept, or rather illusion, of control and instead try to connect to the universe in a way that opens a dialogue between thoughts and ideas and words.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Bearing the Unbearable by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore
Many Lives, Many Master by Dr. Brian Weiss
Where God Lives by Dr. Melvin Morse
Redface Buddha by Eduardo Duran Ph.D
On Life After Death by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Overcoming Life's Disappointments by Rabbi Harold Kushner
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing [genre].
Writing provides me with a healthy and thought-provoking experience to be creative and transparent, as well as being of service to others. The solitary exercise of transforming abstract thoughts into coherent strings of words and becoming sentences and paragraphs is a peaceful process.
What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?
Having the time, serenity and space to simply sit with and be with the process of writing uninterrupted.
Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in [jobs/education] in your writing?
In a way, yes. As a recovering attorney, I certainly wrote plenty of briefs. That analytical writing was not nearly as enjoyable as creative writing but the practice of formulating a position or thought into words did provide for learning the importance of structure.
Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
a moving memoir deftly exploring grief and hope equally
Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?
That we're all connected and here to lift up and love another. To be kind to each other. To have a meaningful connection with their fellow human beings. And, to be able to look at someone (anyone) and feel their presence as well as their pain.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to start with pen and paper before moving toward typing on a computer.
As an author, what critique has been the most challenging for you to receive? On the other hand, what compliment has been the most rewarding?
anytime anyone judges another's pain or grief it can be challenging. We're not here to judge one another, but rather to help each other.
Hearing how 'Walk On" has provoked people to positively reflect on their lives, better understand grief and help others find peace, gratitude and hope has been inspirational to me.
Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?1. What is your favorite line from your book?
Make time to write. Just start writing and embrace that it's a process. What you often begin with many not even resemble where you finish but the mere active step of putting pen to paper or typing words will encourage you to go for it.
Two of my favorite lines from my book are:
- The closer you stand to death, the more it can actually motivate you to feel alive; and
- We all suffer and no matter how or when it happens, we all must find a way to Walk On in our lives.
Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?
Yes, it happens to everyone. The answer is to stay positive and open to new ideas and thoughts that will strike you when you least expect it. When that happens, take advantage of it. Don't take anyone or anything in life for granted. There are no coincidences.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Additional hobbies include gardening with my wife as we both enjoy having our hands in dirt and tending to our gardens, hiking in nature and traveling and connecting with people from all parts of our planet.
Did you have any say in the cover design?
Yes i did, thankfully. Ensuring that the bear made the cover - as it represents strength, courage, healing and protection - and that the color green was used - the color of nature and healing - were used were critically important to me.
What are you reading right now?
Playing Through the Whistle by S.L. Price
On Children and Death by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
What can we anticipate from you moving forward?
That I will continue to help others through speaking. Whether I write another book is yet to be determined.
Do you have any movie or tv adaptations in the works?
I have a novel I previously wrote over a decade ago under a pseudonym and believe it would be an amazing, inspirational story. It's based in both fact and fiction, involves the protagonist going on a profound spiritual quest exploring Native American lore and its powerful wisdom and connection, and believe a Kevin Costner, Taylor Sheridan or Jim Wilson would be the ideal director.
Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Not really. While I always enjoyed writing, my main creative pursuit was always my side career painting (abstract artist) and exhibiting my works nationally and internationally, balanced with my job as a sports marketing executive - which demands creative, out-of-the-box ideation.
How long did it take you to write this book?
It was a start and stop process that took nearly two years to pen. Importantly, it didn't begin with any notion of becoming a book. Rather, it commenced as a goodbye letter to Jake and over time, much time, evolved into something much greater: a tribute to our relationship, love and connection.
Where do you like to write? In a coffee shop? In your home office? On the beach?
Early in the mornings at home.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
I listen to a diverse music list ranging from jazz, funk, rock, country, acoustic, world music, and more.
Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?
In my book "Walk On" I certainly have a personal connection. The story chronicles my journey from receiving the most unwanted phone call ever from a doctor in another state informing me that he had just pronounced my beloved 16-year-old son, Jake, dead.