Hometown Home Run is author J. Frederick Weiss’ debut book. A fictional tale based on true events from Weiss’ own life, it follows the protagonist Murdock Nolan and his life in the small Ohio town of Stone Harbor. It’s a story of community, bringing people together and lifting spirits. J. Frederick Weiss himself grew up close to Lake Erie, raised by blue-collar parents and enjoying the beautiful area around him. He grew up in small town, close-knit communities himself, where sports had been something to bond with each other over. Even today, Weiss lives in the Ohio valley. Hometown Home Run is a heartwarming memoir to those days past, and a love letter to stories of underdogs. In this interview, we got to ask J. Frederick Weiss about his book, as well as his own personal story.
Do you have a favorite quote from your book?
“Each girl gave Murdock a hug and kiss on the cheek, saying ‘He’s so cute”. . . ‘what a hunk. . . ‘ and ‘he’s studly,’ which turned Murdock’s face ten different shades of red.”
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to own a company.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was 66 years old.
How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?
I had a great story to tell. Hometown Home Run is based on a true story.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I like to interject humor when writing as much as I can.
Do you like to create books for adults, youth and/or children? Why?
I like to tell stories for youth and adults regarding my work, sports, and my experiences.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Hometown Home Run is my first book.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I worked on Hometown Home Run for a year.
Tell us about your most recent book?
Hometown Home Run is about life, love, family, friends, sports, team competition, and a special. young man striving to succeed for his small town way of life.
How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)?
I write on paper and have it transcribed on the computer.
What does your family think of your writing?
They loved this book. They told me that they wanted to live in Stone Harbor.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to do Carpentry and woodworking.
What do you think makes a good story?
Books of fiction from real life stories, to me, makes the best stories–art imitating life.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating/writing your books?
Writing a book takes mounds of patience.
What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
I like to read the works of Ernest Hemingway and Herman Melville.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Since writing this book, my readers have told me of particular sentences, quotes, or paragraphs that are meaningful to them in a personal way.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My ideas for writing come from life experiences.
Do you have any suggestions to help one become a better writer? If so, what are they?
My suggestion is to let your words flow and enjoy what you write. After you have expressed what you want to say then you can edit, edit, edit!
Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events?
Since this is my first book, not yet.
What’s more important: characters or plot?
Characters AND plot are both are important!
How do books get published?
I self-published this book through MindStir Media.
Do you write every single day?
No, I do not write everyday, as writing is not my full-time vocation… yet! Hopefully, one day it will be.
Ballpoint, uniball or fountain pen?
I like to write with a Uniball, if handy; otherwise a ballpoint pen.
Any writing rituals?
I always start slowly; push myself; then rest before beginning again.
What’s the worst job you’ve had?
Cleaning a basement after a sewer break for a client.
Are you planning to adapt any of your stories to the screen?
If asked, I would love to do this.
How hard is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
Better “clean a few basements” as you go along while you are writing.
Any last thoughts for our readers?
In this book, I hope you find encouragement, hope in the future, and a friend named Murdock Nolan.
