Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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/.

17 comments:

  1. Looking forward to reading this one...I am even interested in the cover! I'm on the hunt for some new books for my book clubs and this sounds interesting.Hope it does well for you.

    Brandi
    vi2005@aol.com

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  2. I took Fortran in college and would like to have my money back! Wasn't my cup of tea either.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  3. A very interesting concept. I did not grow up as a preacher's kid, but I've worked a total of 15 years as a church business administrator and have watched what those preacher's kids went through. It's not fair - but they are held to a higher standard by most of the congregation.

    I would be very interested in reading your book!

    edwina(dot)cowgill(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  4. Thank you, all! Wonderful to hear from you. I hope you enjoy the book.

    Regarding book clubs--There is a reading group guide (and other materials) on my website at www.johnherrick.net/fromthedead/guide.htm

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  5. I agree that one should never give up a dream...
    Interesting how the particular song inspired his book!
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  6. I love the theme of this book. Preacher's kids are surely watched and commented on.
    You must be very smart to do a job writing code and not having any training.
    Good luck with this book!

    I am a follower on Google/FaceBook/ and email

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  7. Sounds like a fantastic book! Thank you for the chance!

    freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

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  8. Sounds like a book that would keep me captivated for hours. Would love to read it.

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  9. i'm interested in reading this book...thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  10. Wow, just dropped by a page of the book and found extremely intelligent and well thought writing. The title made me curious as to what is in the book - thought it might be supernatural. PK's have been seen in two lights, the straight well behaved example of being a PK; or being a troublemaker and always in trouble. I think I can guess which category this PK is from. It makes for some fine reading. Thanks for the giveaway John. I like the chance to win KD....hope I do!

    Sharing Christ's Love,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  11. Hi John,

    I would love to read it!

    sarahsantanawriter@gmail.com

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  12. Sounds interesting. I have a lot of PK's as friends. wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  13. I have worked closely with senior pastors for over 45 years and know a lot about their families, warts and all. I am intrigued by the plot of John's book and am glad to see him published. Thank you for the interview and chance to win a copy.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  14. I'm looking forward to reading this story. It is very appealing to my interests. I am a follower and subscriber. Thanks for the giveaway and the opportunity to win.

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  15. WOw reading this interview: I agree with IT degree. I got this degree in 2002 and have not really worked jobs in the field after the degree and went to get my library information science degree and completed in 2004 (masters) but writing is my ultimate passion, then reading and reviewing books! Whoa! Keep fulfilling your dreams. We might have to get you someday on my radio show: Dream4More Radio. Check us out at www.dream4more.us!

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  16. Thanks for everyone's interest in From The Dead. We have a giveaway winner! I literally wrote the email addresses on slips of paper, scrambled them up, and picked one from the pile. The winner is ... Sarah! Hopefully no one is too disappointed--that's the bad part of these. :-)

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