John Reger interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

My name is John Reger and I have been a professional writer for more than 35 years. I studied journalism and creative writing at Long Beach State and got a job at a newspaper before I graduated. I covered news in the beginning but after getting shot at during the LA Riots (1992) I decided to cover sports. 

I covered professional sports for two decades and wrote three books, including Quotable Wooden. 

Now I am breaking out from sports and writing in other areas. I live in Las Vegas and plan on moving to Italy to the house I bought. 

When did your love of books begin?

I was a reader from a young age, reading the usual teen books like A Separate Peace and The Outsiders. But I read unusual books as well. I remember reading Helter Skelter, a book about the Manson murders.  

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

I always said I didn’t choose writing, it chose me. I remember in high school having an essay question test and just sitting there when all the other kids were writing. I mulled it over, then it hit me and I started furiously writing page after page. The teacher had to take the paper away from me. That’s when I knew. 

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

I would say don’t do it for the money, you’ll be sadly disappointed. For me, I have to write. It sounds arrogant but I really believe I was given a gift and if I’m not writing I’m not keeping up my end of the bargain. 

Tell us about your book/books:

The first I ever did was called Slices. It was a collection of newspaper columns I wrote for the Glendale (CA) News-Press. I then had four sports books, two of them were commissioned 50th anniversary books on Southern California country clubs. Another was called Wit and Wisdom of Golf and the last was Quotable Wooden, a book of quotes about or by famous UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. 

My latest book I am most proud of. It is called One with the Road. It is about a trip I took on my Harley Davidson and all the interesting people I met. It’s a pretty personal memoir as well. It took many years to write but I very proud of it. 

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

For me it is the ideas on books that I like. Insights into social media, marketing, writing ideas. I find that really valuable. 

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

The first thing I would say thank you for all the kind words. I don’t think we say that enough in this business. The other would be please feel free to contact me anytime. 

Where can people connect with you?

My website is http://johnreger.com I have my links to Twitter and Facebook. That is probably the easiest way.