Tuesday Guest Blogger-Herbert Grosshans - Authorship, Publishing, Books and More

Today’s guest blogger is Herbert Grosshans…

When did you begin writing?

I was probably around nine years old when I made my first little cartoon booklet: Cowboy Jippi. The characters were nothing but stick-men with cowboy hats, but there was also a story not just images. That was the first one. I made more little booklets with different characters after that. Later one, I also wrote short poems. My first real written long story was when I was around sixteen. When I was twenty, I finished my first full length novel. That one still sits in a drawer.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

Finding enough time to write all the stories still in my head. There are so many other things I want to do besides writing.

Why did you choose your genre?

I’ve written Mysteries, Contemporary Thrillers, Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, but my favorite genre is Science Fiction. There is just something fascinating and exciting about speculating how life may be in the future. Making up stories about alien life forms and adventures on other worlds is the ultimate excitement. Science Fiction lets me be a god. I can create a whole universe filled with habitable planets. I can populate them with plants, animals, and intelligent beings that are completely different from our world. These aliens have their own unique societies and way of life, however, basically they are just like us. They have to be to be able to interact with humans. Besides, I and readers will find it difficult to identify with intelligent aliens that look like snakes or cockroaches.

What writing tips would you like to share?

First of all, if you have the desire to write, do so. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have no talent. However, to become good at it, you have to read, study, and become proficient in the use of the craft of writing. Don’t assume just because you have a degree in English you are now a writer. Read books by published authors on how to write a publishable story. And most of all write…write…write. And when you write, don’t fret over correct grammar and spelling. That comes later. Just let those creative juices flow. If your characters don’t want to follow your story-outline, let them have their own way. If you don’t, you will never know what adventures you may miss. That is part of the excitement of telling a story. Always let your subconscious guide you. It will all come together in the end. Never become rigid in your writing.

What are you currently working on?

The Aregon Files, Book Three in my Science Fiction series ‘Operation Stargate’. I’m at 25,000 words right now. My goal is about 90,000 words.

What would you like to promote today?

Some people tell me I have a sense of humor. A few years ago, I wrote a ‘not-so-serious’ detective story, featuring a PI by the name of Lews Canon. The book is called ‘A Matter of Justice’. I had lots of fun writing it. Even though it is not written in a serious tone, there is plenty of serious stuff and much action in the book. Even a little bit of romance.

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