I retired from teaching in 2001 due to a severe hearing loss. I just couldn’t understand my students any more. As my writing career developed I became curious what my life would have been like if I became deaf as a teen rather than as a 44 year old man. 

Michael Thal – 24 July 2013

The Back Flap

A violin virtuoso is plunged into a deaf world, necessitating him to adapt to a new culture and language in order to survive.

About the book

What is the book about?

David Rothman is an overnight success. He performs Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with rave reviews attracting the attention of the Queen of England. His future is laid out for him like a well-lit freeway. Then, on his twelfth birthday, David suffers from an irreparable hearing loss, plunging him into a silent world.

How will David communicate with his friends? What about school? Where does his future lie? The novel shows how an adolescent boy copes with deafness.

When did you start writing the book?

I retired from teaching in 2001 due to a severe hearing loss. I just couldn’t understand my students any more. As my writing career developed I became curious what my life would have been like if I became deaf as a teen rather than as a 44 year old man. That provided the inspiration for Goodbye Tchaikovsky, the story of a violin virtuoso who wakes up on his 12th birthday deaf.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took about a year to write the first draft.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Writing Goodbye Tchaikovsky was an emotional experience. I still cry when I re-read it. Imagine losing something you cherish and know you’ll never get back again. Couple that with the loneliness and isolation hearing loss affects its victims. You can no longer understand your loved ones. People refuse to repeat themselves. Good friends drift away. I had to include all of that in the novel as David, the protagonist, navigated between the hearing and deaf worlds. It was a struggle to keep the book honest reflecting the depth of my loss.

What came easily?

Outlining the plot came easy. I also found putting in a few comic scenes fun and uplifting.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

David Rothman is a fictitious character, however the name is borrowed from my good friend, David Rothman, who didn’t mind.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I like Stuart Woods. His Stone Barrington novels have short crisp sentences that keep readers engrossed in his work. I’ve used that style in my writing.

Do you have a target reader?

My target readers are middle school and high school students.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

First, I outline the basic format of the novel providing myself with chapter themes from beginning to end. Then I write a chapter by hand and re-write it on my computer. Next, I take the chapter to my writing group, The San Fernando Valley Critters, who tear it apart. I take their critiques and rewrite the chapter. Once that’s done, I begin work on the next chapter. I follow this process until the book is complete. Then I sit down and read the book in one or two sittings making corrections. Finally, I take the book to Koren, my youngest daughter, and we read the book together out loud. Since she is still in her 20s and is in touch with what young readers find compelling, she provides insight into what works and what should be changed. Lastly, I send the manuscript to my publisher.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I tried submitting my work to agents, but with no success. Since I discovered Solstice Publishing, the publisher that published The Legend of Koolura, it is no longer necessary.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I sent Goodbye Tchaikovsky to many agents and publishers. When Royal Fireworks Press accepted it, I blasted off the fireworks.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Royal Fireworks press took care of the cover for Goodbye Tchaikovsky.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Royal Fireworks Press markets the book to gifted students in public and private schools and homeschooled youth. I’ve targeted the Deaf community, social media, local bookstores, book fairs, and book festivals. Goodbye Tchaikovsky won Honorable Mentions in the 2012 Hollywood Book Festival and the 2013 Paris Book Festival.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Never give up. Be persistent and keep on getting your work out. Eventually there will be a reader out there who will appreciate your work and publish it.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on Long Island, in a community 32 miles from New York City.

Where do you live now?

I moved to the Los Angeles area 40 years ago to escape the cold of the Northeast.

What would you like readers to know about you?

If you meet me on the street or in the supermarket come over and say hi. I probably won’t hear you, so wave your hand in my face so I know you are trying to get my attention. If you know American Sign Language, that’s great. Conversation will be more fluid.

What are you working on now?

Around the time Goodbye Tchaikovsky was published, my novel, The Legend of Koolura came out, too. This fall Solstice Publishing will release its sequel, Koolura and the Mystery at Camp Saddleback. Currently, I’m working on the third installment of that series, Koolura and the Mayans. 

End of Interview:

For more, visit Michaels website, his blog, or like his facebook page. Michael is also a weekly contributor to the Los Angeles Examiner.

Get your copy of Goodbye Tchaikovsky from the publisher.