Have you met Rob?
Welcome back – this week we get to know fellow indie author and fellow Air Force veteran Rob Ward through a modified Proust character questionnaire – a great resource for giving your characters a more fully rounded personality and some agency of their own. It’s also a great tool for writers, as I’ve covered here before, to get to know their characters a little better.
Rob is a native of Richmond, Virginia who retired from the USAF in 2018 after 25 years of service as a communications engineer on AWACS aircraft, and as an acquisition officer, missileer, and an Air Force ROTC instructor.
Rob’s written three books (so far) – including Terror On The Trail; The Emerald Stones and its sequel, Charlotte’s Ring. So, let’s get into the questions and get to know our featured artist – author Rob Ward.
Why are you writing? I ask myself this all the time. I suppose I’ve got writing in my blood. My grandfather, William A. Ward, has written numerous books about our Lord and savior. Also, my sister, Cheryl Bradley, has written numerous books that have been well received throughout the reading community. I figured I’d give it a shot and see what I could accomplish. So far, I’m proud to say that I’m learning new and exciting techniques about how to write better, each and every day. God has been good to me and my family!
Cats or dogs? (or something else?) We’ve got a pound puppy, half pit, half terrier….all love
Beer, wine, spirits? Which in particular – any special brand or significance? My wife Danna and I love to share a bottle of Merlot every few days…I also like Corona Light
Manual or automatic? Manual, so I can wave to people and make them feel uncomfortable
Favorite band you’ve seen live? Def Leppard
Band you wish you would have been able to see? Pink Floyd
How do you take your caffeine? Must have goodies, milk or half/half w/ a touch of honey
Smoke? Yuck
What’s currently on your mind? How am I going to answer the next question…
Best job you’ve ever had? Military (flying aboard AWACS while enlisted. It’s how I met Danna)
Favorite place you’ve lived/visited? What did you like about it? Lived—Colorado; Visited—Czech
Define happiness for you —Watching my wife smile as we do something together
Greatest achievement … so far . Serving my country
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Describe yourself in a couple words . Hmm, boring…no, not really. I’d say well rounded and curious about life in general
What pisses you off? Answering questions
What keeps you up at night? Thinking about answering more questions
What is your greatest extravagance? Lobster and crab legs
Talent you’d most like to have? Being a better multi-tasker
Talent you have that you don’t think about much . Jack of all trades, master of none
You would be miserable if you couldn’t … hike, run, golf, be outside, make people smile
Turn off when dealing with other people. Listening to them brag [image error]
Favorite hero of fiction? Spiderman
Favorite book /writer. Dean Koontz
Favorite book not your own – why? Intensity by Koontz. The book pulls you in quickly and won’t let go
Favorite book of your own – why? Terror on the Trail (it’s a great thriller with tangents…)
Give an example of a ‘hero’ or two you’ve met in real life – what story of theirs made an impact on you? – Tuskegee airman, they inspire me
How has being an indie author changed your perceptions of what it means to be a writer? If you aren’t passionate about your writing, you shouldn’t expect folks to read it[image error]
How long had you been writing when you realized – hey, this is work! (I’m assuming you have, but if not, that’s ok) When I started editing it feels like work…I like creating a story, NOT editing
What advice would you give to authors/artists etc., who are working the 9-5 but still want to create? Find time if possible and always BELIEVE in yourself. If you don’t, then why should others?
Where can people find your books? Amazon Books Rob Ward (Terror On The Trail; The Emerald Stones; Charlotte’s Ring)
Are any of your books available on Audible or other audio service? Yes, audible, iTunes (all books)
If yes to 30, did you do any of the work for creating an audio book yourself ? The Emerald Stones
Without going into great detail, how difficult is it to create an audio book? Hmm, steep learning curve but definitely doable. If I did it (think cave man), then you can do it![image error]
What are your goals for your book/series/writing in general? I want to be done with this thriller I’m working on by May 1 and then I’ve got my next 2 books in the queue
Are you looking at any other projects beyond what you have now? A new series or character in development? I want to write the 3rd book on the Kingdom (Emerald Stones was the 1st, then Charlotte’s Ring…not sure what I’ll call the third (maybe The Witch’s Revenge)
Your turn – what do you want people to know about you the author, the creative, the person trying to make their way in the world? That God loves you! Also, I enjoy talking with folks and learning new things. I really like sitting down and creating something unique!
One last opportunity – what did I miss? Here’s my link on Amazon & Author Central. And you can find me also on Facebook.
