John Herrick's "From the Dead"

We're happy to have John Herrick with us today talking about his book, From the Dead. To learn more about John and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
On my way home from work, I turned on the radio and listened to the oldies station. Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” played—a song I never cared for. But this time, the song’s opening groove pulled me in and for the first time, I paid attention to the lyrics about a straight-laced preacher’s son. After the song ended, I thought, “Preacher’s kids often get stereotyped as near perfect. What if a preacher’s kid’s life hit rock bottom and, given his unique background, he had to climb out of a pit of his own making?” A few minutes later, random ideas for From The Dead started to pour forth. When I got home, I spent 30 minutes getting all the initial thoughts on paper. As the weeks passed, the concept grew. In your gut as a writer, a sense settles in: “Yes, this is my next book. I can marry myself to it for the next nine months.”

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’d written one prior novel—some would consider it a novella. It received great feedback but hadn’t found a home. Its short length added to the risk of taking on a new writer. An author friend of mine offered words of encouragement about that project and encouraged me to start the next novel, which would become From The Dead. Unknown to her, I’d had that sense in my gut that my next step was to write the second novel, but she provided that final, strategic nudge. Sometimes we don’t know our impact on others until down the road.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I spent 8 years in information technology, doing everything from writing computer code to project management. I had zero training in it and didn’t care for the field, but it ended up fostering the discipline and framework I needed to write a novel.
2. I devour books, but I’m a painfully slow reader! Slowing down is the only way I can remember any details.
3. I once drove the wrong way up an interstate ramp at 3 a.m. I was out of town, construction all around, and none of those orange signs were lit—the ones that tell you where to go! At 3 a.m., we didn’t see anyone enter or exit, so my buddy and I guessed on the correct ramp. Halfway up the ramp, we saw oncoming headlights. Comical in retrospect, but thankful I’m alive!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m in the preliminary stage for my next novel. I tend to let the ideas marinate in my gut for a while, and the vital scenes seem to rise to the surface. That method seems to work best for me.

5) Parting comments?
No matter your dream, never give up! I’m a classic example of someone who had to hold out for a couple of decades—but the breakthrough finally arrived. I try to document some of the things I learned along the way in my blog. Thanks for letting me stop by today!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
You can visit my website at www.johnherrick.net. Feel free to send me a message; I love to hear from readers! I also have a blog at http://www.johnherricknet.blogspot.com/.