Interview with Hugh Willard, Author of The Goodwill Vultures Club, A Day of Heroes

APEX, N.C. - April 16, 2013 - PRLog -- Hugh Willard on reading, writing and vultures:

1.  What message do you want readers to take from your story?

We still have a lot to learn about accepting people and things that are different than us. Many people are afraid of things they don’t know.  I suppose that’s a little bit natural, but my message is that we need to take the time to learn more about each other before we make negative judgments.

2.  Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?  

There are parts of my personality and experience in a few of the characters, primarily Buzz, his dad, and his best friend PeeWee.  The other characters were each inspired by different people I have known at one time or another in my life.

3.  What prompted you to include a vulture in the story?  

I had a very vivid dream several years ago about vultures that gave me a whole new appreciation for these creatures.  Yes, it’s true that they are not attractive, but their flight is a thing of beauty, and they do a job that few others in the animal kingdom are willing to do; basically they are nature’s garbage collectors.  For this alone, I think they deserve more respect.

4.  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have always been a storyteller.  My dad always liked to tell anyone who would listen how I would sit around the campfire as early as 4 years old, and spin wildly creative and imaginative stories out of nothing.  When my own two daughters were young, each night I would create a new story for them while they lay in bed.  Writing has always been a source of great fun and joy for me.

5.  What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I don’t have to work so hard at creating a perfect story when I sit down to write.  I can get the ideas on paper (or the computer screen), and then go back some days later with a fresh mind to edit and clean up what I had originally written.  I am usually pleasantly surprised that I come up with better ideas and ways of saying what I wanted to the second or third time around.

6.  What do you think makes a good story?

For me, a good story rides on the backs of very well developed characters.  Of course, the story line itself is important.  There has to be a direction for the story, some conflict or challenge that will keep the reader engaged throughout. But I most often find that I identify with different characters when I’m reading, so being intentional in developing the personalities, motivations and minds of the characters is really key.

7.  What was your favorite book when you were in fourth grade?

That’s a tossup between From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume, or How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell.

8.  What are you reading now?

I have just started reading an old Judy Blume book entitled Iggie’s House.  It was published in 1970 during a time of even more discrimination against African-Americans (among others as well) in the United States.  It’s the story of a young Caucasian girl who’s best friend moved away and the family that moved in to the friend’s house is African-American.  Judy Blume handles a very difficult subject with both humor and respect.  I admire that in her.

9.  Are you writing another book about Buzz and Rob?

Yes!  I’m very excited to be underway with the second book in The Goodwill Vulture Club series.  Readers can expect to see even more of the playful goofiness between Buzz and his friends, along with more challenges related to peoples fear and misunderstanding.  It’s Halloween in Greendale, N.C. so there is plenty of mischief to be had.  The second book will continue the idea that our relationships with our animal friends are very important to our health and well-being.  

10. When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing in my mid-20’s.  I have always been an avid reader and love stories for children of all ages.  I have had strong bonds with many pets and other animals over the years and so it’s not surprising that they repeatedly show up in my stories.  I began writing as a way to think through different situations in my life, some of which were difficult, some of which were very joy-filled.  Writing helps me clarify and resolve or accept harder things in my life, and also makes the good experiences I have had all the more rich.  A person does not need to be an expert at writing to accomplish these goals.  It can be a very private experience, like in a journal.  I highly recommend it for everyone!

About the Book

“You’d better keep that wrinkled-headed, alien freak away,” was not an uncommon thing to hear when 10 year old, Elton “Buzz” Stewart takes his pet vulture out in public places. Roberta, who prefers to be called Rob, is a gentle spirit and often misunderstood by people who don’t see beyond her outward appearance. The Goodwill Vultures Club is the story of Buzz and Rob who learn that even an ugly, ailing bird is capable of bringing life and happiness to the lives of others.

Publisher: Peak City Publishing (April 9, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00CARMIFG

Paperback Release:  05/01/2013

More about the author at:  http://www.hughwillard.com