Gary Wells interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

I live in Akron, best known these days as LeBron Land. But Akron also was once known as the rubber capital of the world, with Goodyear, BFGoodrich, Firestone and General Tire all headquartered here. Rubber City is not as catchy as, say, Motown. But it is surprising how many people around the world that I have met who have lived here because of these companies. Only Goodyear remains based here. However, while Chrissie Hynde, an Akron native, once sang about going back to her hometown and finding it largely gone, the city has recovered well. To the point, by the way, that Hynde opened an upscale restaurant here. Although I have lived in other cities as a reporter or editor for major daily newspapers in these locales, this is home. After a career in journalism, I moved into public relations, working in Cleveland at one of the largest independent PR firms in the country. I specialized in media relations, crisis management and global communications. This put me at the table in boardrooms of major companies around the world and in the middle of some of the biggest stories in the world. I am now retired.

When did your love of books begin?

Early! I am an only child - as is the main character in my book, “The Reunion” - and both parents worked. So I was alone but with books was never in bad company. If I had read everything extant, I turned to the encyclopedias.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

Well, first came the desire to be a writer, which led me to a degree in journalism news from Kent State University and subsequently roles as reporter or editor in Cleveland, Jacksonville, Kansas City and other cities. Moreover, there was considerable writing in public relations, too. But always in the back of my mind was the desire to write books. And I have a stockpile of ideas.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

Becoming an author is easy. You sit down at the keyboard and cut open a vein. Well, when legendary NYT sports writer Red Smith said this, he actually said sit down at the typewriter. But you know … Anyway, becoming an author really is easy - if you have the idea firmed in your mind and the plot mapped out there too. As an independent author, I have found that the writing was the easy part. It’s what comes afterward that is the challenge.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Do not wait a minute longer. Do it. Start now. And, have fun ...

Tell us about your book/books:

The book is titled “The Reunion,” subtitled “Coming of Age in the Age of Aquarius.” It is set at the 50th reunion of the Class of 1969 - last to graduate in that turbulent era. The reunion is the platform for the story about what it was like to live through the late Sixties. Robin Williams liked to joke that if you can remember the Sixties, you weren’t really there. Turns out, based on the response to the book, that a lot of people do remember. The book, while fiction, is based on real people and real events. Like … The real birth of rock and roll and the splintering Into myriad genres … Did you know there was no Google back then to tell you the lyrics to your favorite songs? Didn’t matter, you sang every song even if you had to make up your own lyrics. Like … Bullying … So what would you do if you encountered the person who bullied you most during those school years? Like … Vietnam … Summer of Love … Woodstock … Moon Landing … And of course, first loves. So what would you do if the girl or boy who was your first love came to the reunion, too? Would you know what to say? The book is available on Amazon.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

I love the interaction among authors, sometimes helping others, sometimes seeking fresh ideas. And the repartee. That is fun ...

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

We all want to know what happened in the past. Even if you are, to borrow a phrase, a stranger in a strange land. But I find it fascinating that among those who have purchased the book are many who wanted to know what it was like for their parents to grow up in an era of wars, assassinations, protests, drugs, sex and yes, rock and roll. And also bought the book for those parents. Even my editor, for example, is the child of my contemporaries e.g. class of 1969. And they were at Woodstock!

Where can people connect with you?

Anywhere and everywhere. Facebook. TikTok. Instagram. Twitter. Or via email if they are so determined … glwells100@gmail.com.