Sunday, July 20, 2008

Interview with Charles Filius *Book Giveaway*


**BOOK GIVEAWAY! Charles is offering a copy of his book On A Wing And A Prayer: Early Jottings of a Befuddled Medium, all you have to do is leave a comment this week to be entered. Charles or I will draw a name on Monday July 28. The winner will have 5 days to respond after we contact them to claim the prize or a redraw will be done. So make sure to LEAVE your EMAIL ADDRESS! Now enjoy the interview :)

Author Pen Name: Charles A. Filius

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

CF: I have spent my life refusing to be pigeonholed. So, in keeping with that tradition, I’d have to say I write in the autobiographical/new age/humor genre. How’s THAT for deliciously complex?

I write simply because I have no real choice in the matter. Seriously. I have to do it. In the same way I have to draw (I’m a cartoonist by love and by trade). The words are given to me and I know they have a target audience. I know I am not the only blockhead out there who finds their own spiritual journey a baffling romp. They need the same message I was given. We’re here for a variety of reasons. The biggest, I believe, is to merely help one another. I feel I’m doing that in my own small way.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

CF: Well that’s a funny question. Why? Because I never knew I wanted to be a writer! I’m always the last to know such things. It’s best when the Collective Consciousness leaves me out of the loop for the most part. I’m sure I would screw it up otherwise…

I’m a cartoonist first and foremost. I always will consider that to be my vocation. That’s my passion; my bliss. However, I’ve always had an interest in writing; in the published word. My second favorite assignment in school was writing ANY kind of report. Yea, I was that weird geeky kid in the back who longed to one day wear a pocket protector. I recall one teacher who would give us a list of vocabulary words and we had to use each in a sentence. I wrote a whole murder mystery in five paragraphs using each of the assigned words. But I didn’t really think anything of it. (Have I mentioned I’m the poster child for Obtuse Blockheads Anonymous?) It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I first toyed with doing something with writing which, ironically, came from another random class assignment.

My girlfriend at the time was still in high school. She had an assignment to write five short stories in the styles of different authors. She asked me to do it for her so I did (If you’re reading this Mrs. Beafore you now know you were duped! YA HA HA HA!). My girlfriend was given an A+ for my work. The teacher even wrote her a lovely note complementing her endeavors. That experience did make me think that I might be onto something with this writing thing but I never really thought of pursuing it as a career. I figured it would only help with my cartooning.

As my own spiritual journey exploded in my face I found out, from my Spirit Guides, that one of my tasks this time around is to be an author. Of course, I fought it tooth and nail because that’s the credo of all obtuse blockheads everywhere. Clearly, my plan didn’t work… thank God.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

CF: While I claim no similarity of any kind to this man I have to say I have been greatly influenced by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. I am completely enthralled by his work. I stare at my laptop and scream, “Why can’t YOU write like that?” It just sits there mocking me oh-so-silently. His blending of compassion, understanding, humor and moral disgust grabs me and refuses to let go. Harold Bell Wright is another author I have found myself drawn to in the past few years. He came from a fundamentalist background and went on his own path because he knew there was much more out there than meets the naked eye. I’m a child of wonder just as he was.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

CF: I’m a bad boy. I have no schedule. I literally write when the urge hits me. Of course, if this was my main vocation, I’m sure I would be at it every day. I tend to take random notes and toss them in a pile near my computer. These allegedly arbitrary jottings are always the seeds for something that needs to be written. Once I have the “need” to write I will dive into it and work feverishly until it’s finished. It really is a fueled obsession once the fire is lit.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

CF: Is HolyCrapThisIsSoFrigginCool a word?

Seriously, when I held the actual book in my hand the first time I cried (Damn paper cuts). I looked up at a friend who was with me and simply said to her, “It’s real.” I couldn’t believe it.

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

CF: Not shooting my editor. (It’s times like this when I’m thankful he has a great sense of humor and/or a high level of tolerance…)

I have a knack of beating a dead horse. I sink my teeth in and keep chewing. My editor is screaming, “Enough already! Let it go!” He’s helped me learn restraint. I’m a very scattered person; my mind is all over the place. A conversation with me is really frustrating, I’m sure, as I focus on multiple things at once. My writing is the same way. James Powell, my editor, has helped me focus. Has he won the battle? Absolutely not. It’s all uphill from here for the poor guy. I would attempt to pity him but I just can’t pay that much atten---oh! Look! A shiny penny!

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

CF: Drawing, of course. I’m an avid reader. I’m also a huge movie buff (that’s the PC term to say I’m a couch potato). I love to travel. It’s my dream to eat cheesecake in every state. If I could fly somewhere every week I would. My ideal existence would literally to live out of a suitcase. I’m on the go a lot and I love it. The book has given me the chance to travel even more and I’m SO grateful for that bonus perk!

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

CF: This is my first so, by all accounts, it’s my favorite. How easy is that? I hear the sequel is going to be kick-ass.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

CF: Get an editor! Seriously. They are invaluable. Of course I won’t tell MY editor this because he’ll just be unbearable to be around. The last thing we want is editors feeling good about themselves.

James isn’t going to be reading this, is he?

Seek a professional. Don’t ask your buddy from your Canasta Club to do it for you unless this person truly is an editor.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

CF: My book can be purchased at Amazon.com as well as Lulu.com. It should be available on Barnes & Noble’s website shortly as well. You can also order it from me directly by visiting: http://www.extralargemedium.net/wingandaprayer.htm. There is a link there for you to pay via Pay Pal.

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

CF: I don’t want to add anything because I loathe math… (ohhhh that was a bad one).

I have to thank you, Crystal, for offering a service to novice writers like myself. This is a chance for others to hear about our work; a chance that may not have come to several. It means a lot to me and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.

CA: Charles as you know I enjoyed reading your book, the humor was such a nice thing to have… and us past-life raccoon’s gotta stick together! Thank you again for doing this interview as well at the book giveaway!

** Charles is offering a copy of his book On A Wing And A Prayer: Early Jottings of a Befuddled Medium, all you have to do is leave a comment this week to be entered. Charles or I will draw a name on Monday July 28. The winner will have 5 days to respond after we contact them to claim the prize or a redraw will be done. So make sure to LEAVE your EMAIL ADDRESS!





12 comments:

Zulmara said...

Love this interview...especially not wanting to be pigeonholed...and his...holycrap...word for his work being sent out.

The book sounds fun and funny...would love to WIN a copy...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

drzulmara@gmail.com

Crystal-Rain Love said...

"It’s my dream to eat cheesecake in every state."

You and me both, buddy. I like dthis interview. It was filled with humor. Can't beat that!

iamamedium said...

I read Charles book and laughed as I read each page to the end of the book. Charles adds humor to everyday and not so everyday situations that otherwise might not be humorous. So if you want to lift your spirit and experience a healing dose of laughter, I highly recommend you read this book.
Thank you Charles for sharing your life stories and demonstrating that we can find the healing power of humor in even what seems to be the darkest times of our lives. By the way, Charles is also a fabulous medium! Beecham@BeechamParker.com

Anonymous said...

looks like be a good book!

Anonymous said...

To know Charles is to love him! I have no doubt his book is an excellent read and I look forward to reading it before summer is over! (hint, hint, wink, wink) Charles, you always make me laugh!!!

shford1@charter.net

Asylumgirl said...

This was a hilarious interview (Obtuse Blockheads Anonymous)! Truly funny stuff, you silly, crazy, bad boy, you!

Deidre
deidre_durance@hotmail.com

Chicks of Characterization said...

Hi Charles! Wonderful interview! I love how you put humor into your work. I for one would love to read your book! Thanks for the opportunity to get to know a little about you and your work!

Natalie Servant said...

I suppose if I don't win I'll just have to buy the book anyway. Do you ship to Canada? ;)

nservant@gmail.com

windycindy said...

I am into the paranormal realm, including mediums. His book sounds terrific! Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

very fun enteratining read...

keya5555@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Just dropping by to say that I enjoyed reading the interview and believe that I would enjoy anything written by Charles. Will definitely check his work out.

Debby said...

This book sounds great. I enjoyed the interview as well Debby236@comcast.net