When did you start writing, and was there a
significant event that prompted you to do so?
I came to writing very late in life (in my late-50's). Yes, there was a
significant event(s): In the year 2001, I was poisoned and driven out of my
apartment by toxic chemical fumes. From this exposure I developed a whole range
of serious and chronic health problems that follow me to this day. I was driven
out of my apartment, and was homeless for about four or five years. I was also
exposed to the 911 toxins which took a further toll on my ravaged immune system,
and brought me to the brink of being paralyzed from pain and nervous system
damage. In addition, I lost my job, all my money, my health insurance, and
ability to earn a living.
I was fortunate in having a friend who introduced me to some amazing Native
American healers who, very generously, gave of their time and energy to help me,
and wound up saving my life. I was introduced to the wonders of the sweat lodge,
which cleansed the toxins from my body, and also effected a spiritual healing. I
was told that my real work was to be a writer, and that I should simply get a
notebook and a pen and start right in—which I did!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be? (Assuming said power would
be reasonably "powerful.")
The power to heal others.
The power to heal others.
Kev's response: I like this one. Too many times I've seen someone who is
injured and wish I had it.
Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?62 film version)
Baron Munchausen (1962 film version)
Kev's response: Err.... I have no response for this one.
Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?
ment from life—the loneliness—the distance which separates me from
others. Also my love of the life of the city (NYC, in my case).
Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style
writer?
They originate in the pages of my journals—spontaneously given to me by
whoever happens to be directing my pen at the time.
Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit
down to write?
I prefer to be in a coffee shop, in the morning, fueled, and with a vigorous
pen in hand.
Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?
The "I don't know what genre" genre of Fernando Pessoa, Sigizmund
Krzhizhanovsky, and Italo Svevo, among many others.
What do you enjoy the most about writing?
When I am pleased and amazed at the magic of a sentence that I have somehow
managed to create.
Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?
When a story grows and branches off in multiple directions, leaving me
confused as to how to guide and shape it, and bring it to conclusion.
Can you tell me something odd about yourself?
I can be extremely empathetic at times, and extremely detached at other
times.
Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works
at one time?
About two dozen short stories in various stages of non-completioAbout two
dozen short stories in various stages of non-completion.
Kev's response: Wow! That's a lot going on.
Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?
E-books already outsell
dead-tree books, and are trending sharply
in that direction. Screw the brick & mortar big shots! This is the time when
everyone can write, proofread, design, publish, promote, and market their own
books—or make their own music, record it, market it, and sell it.
What are your current projects?
An autobiographical short-story (that threatens to become a novel) about a
man who finds himself a caretaker/handyman in the magnificent old house that his
family once owned.
Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?
Read as many articles on the subject as you can—then go to: smashwords.com
and create an account, format your book or story, upload it, sell it for
whatever price you want, and then promote it on Facebook, Twitter, Wordpress (or
Blogger if you prefer), and Goodreads. And don't forget to get it reviewed (very
important!).
Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you?
http://brianspaeth-nyc.blogspot.com/
https://www.reverbnation.com/thecrazypages?
My book of poems and stories "Clocks Stopped at a Strange and Savage Hour"
was published in 2008 by Serious Ink Press.
Kev's response: Brian, thank you for your time, and I wish you the best
(and hope you finish all those stories!).
