Today I have the pleasure of talking with new author R.S. Hamilton about his book and his writing journey! This is the first time I’ve ever done this sort of thing, but after reading his book, I really wanted to know more about his process and how he came up with his story. Please enjoy and check out the book below!
R.S. Hamilton studied creative writing and literature at Bowling Green State University and holds an Associate of Arts degree from Cuyahoga Community College. He resides in Northwest Ohio with his wife and three dogs. He has three grown children and two grandchildren.
TC: Thank you so much for doing this Q&A with me, Mr. Hamilton. Tell us about your book, ‘The Stories of Evergreen’.
RS: The Stories of Evergreen Book I The Life of Billy Blaine is the first installment of a series of three books. Two boys, Josh Collins and Billy Blaine meet in a magical place and become great friends. After Josh experiences devastating heartbreak, Billy does something that could change the course of history. Soon, the boys find themselves in a world named Evergreen, but they must find their way home. The boys meet a small group of people who they will never forget, and with these people, they trek across Evergreen to find their way back home. Obstacles get in the way during their journey, but the boys find out what the ones they love will do for each other when the chips are down.
TC: What inspired ‘The Stories of Evergreen’?
RS: After years of writing short stories (and a novel), I knew I had a story in me that was good enough to publish. So, I brainstormed for a day and met Billy Blaine and Josh Collins.
TC: How long did it take you to write the book?
RS: It took me eight years to write the book, but during that time there were long stretches when I didn’t touch the project for various reasons.
TC: I’ve definitely had those large gaps in my own writing as well. So what does your writing process usually look like? Personally, I tend to “binge write” large amounts at once, then not write for weeks on end.
RS: Ideally, I like to write about five days a week (obviously that didn’t happen with this book). I don’t expect big word counts at each sitting, but I have a minimum of 350 words. Anything less than that just doesn’t seem to develop a flow. I typically never write more than 1000 words in one sitting.
TC: I think my favorite character in the book was Raistlin. Do you have a favorite character and why?
RS: My favorite character in the book is Dorn Hale. He is a man that has had a rough life but will do anything for the ones he loves. He is gallant.
TC: What was the hardest scene in the book to write?
There were a few of them, but I don’t want to give any spoilers away now, do I?
TC: Having finished the book, I feel like I really need to know now – but for the sake of the readers who haven’t yet, I’ll withhold my curiosity.
Do you listen to music or anything while writing for inspiration?
RS: Surprisingly, no. I am a huge music fan and a musician as well, but I typically don’t make it a point to listen to music while I write. On the rare occasion that I do, it’s usually some light jazz or something instrument-heavy like Pink Floyd or Tedeschi Trucks.
TC: Tell us a little about book 2. When do you plan for it to be completed?
RS: Evergreen has a lot of stories left. Up until about 8 months ago, I had never had a deadline for anything I have ever written. Once I was close to publishing Book 1, I made a deadline. My deadline for book 2 was originally set for late 2023, but I am going to attempt to have it done by late 2022. I know that is ambitious, but it’s worth a shot.
TC: What are a few of your personal favorite books?
One of my favorites is Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo. I am also a fan of Civil War fiction; a couple of favorites in that genre are Black Flower by Howard Bahr and Cold Mountain by Charles Frasier. My favorite author is John Steinbeck, and The Grapes of Wrath takes the top spot from him.
TC: Lastly, tell us how you began writing and your plans for future books.
RS: My composition teacher during my senior year of high school told me I was a fantastic writer. I had never written creatively before that, so I didn’t think much about it. Two years later I found myself studying creative writing at Bowling Green State University. Since then, I have written dozens of short stories and a novel before I began The Stories of Evergreen.
TC: Thank you again for joining me for this Q&A!
Readers, if you are interested in The Stories of Evergreen, check it out on Amazon below and don’t forget to give R.S. a follow on Instagram @r.s.hamilton.author!
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