I would say my target reader is anyone with an interest in literary fiction, coming-of-age and psychological works, as well as anyone with an interest in the trauma of childhood, addiction, and the enlightenment of recovery. The novel provides practical lessons on how to deal with life on life’s terms, though through the guise of fiction.
Michael Eon – 23 September 2023
The Back Flap
Daniel Zimmer will do almost anything to end his pain—except for the one thing that might work.
Growing up in 1970s Brooklyn under the shadow of his tyrannical father and against the backdrop of the Son of Sam murders, the Karen Ann Quinlan tragedy, and the New York Yankee’s back-to-back championship seasons, Daniel Zimmer struggles to find a sense of safety and belonging. Daniel and his brother Max find moments of solace in the rebellious rhythms of early punk and metal bands like the Ramones and Judas Priest. But when faced with an unexpected family tragedy—for which he feels responsible—Daniel discovers the magical escape that alcohol can provide, numbing his pain and guilt.
Carrying the trauma of his youth into adulthood, Daniel falls deeper into alcoholism as he fights to face life on life’s terms. Then, just as he finally begins to embrace sobriety, Max attempts suicide and Daniel’s ex-fiancée makes an unexpected reappearance. Forced to face his demons head-on, Daniel struggles to take it “one day at a time.”
Flashing through Daniel’s life, past and present, this nostalgic ode to Brooklyn is an unflinchingly honest account of the inevitable ups and downs of recovery and coming of age. Ultimately, it is a story of the ravages of generational abuse and the power of recognizing addiction and opening the door to the possibilities of redemption.
About the book
What is the book about?
The book follows the life of Daniel Zimmer, who will do almost anything to end his pain—except for the one thing that might work. Flashing through Daniel’s life, past and present, this nostalgic ode to Brooklyn is an unflinchingly honest account of the inevitable ups and downs of recovery and coming of age.
When did you start writing the book?
I starting writing the book approximately 10 years ago, and then came back to it on and off over the years until the past few years, when I worked on it heavily and to fruition.
Where did you get the idea from?
It began as a cathartic processing of traumatic memories from childhood and adolescence that grew out of the moral inventory I wrote when I went through the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step process (Step 4, specifically) for recovery. I began journaling the experiences in greater detail and with greater emotion. At some point, as I progressed in my recovery, I had the idea of incorporating those “memory stories” into a novel (thought about doing it as a memoir but given the subject matter and connection to family involved in the writing, who were still alive, I decided against it). My goal was to create a story whereby both sides of the coin, active addiction and trauma along with spiritual growth and recovery, were included.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The novel took many different forms over the years, beginning much more experimental and evolving into a more traditional novel. There were also numerous scenes which many of my beta readers felt were unrealistic, despite being based on actual autobiographical events in my life! I contended with both of these challenges as the novel progressed.
What came easily?
Despite the aforementioned, most of the writing came easily as I drafted each scene. It was in the review process where things would get hairy.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The skeleton for almost all of the characters came from real world people I know, but evolved in many instances from there, depending on where the story went.
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?
Growing up, I was a huge fan of existentialist literature (Camus, Kafka, Dostoyevsky, etc.) hence the more fatal and experimental vibe the original drafts took, but my love for more spiritually connected works, particular the works of Hermann Hesse, Richard Bach, William Pirsig, Yogananda, etc. have all been a great influence. The combination of these influences together with my own lifelong journey dealing with trauma, addiction, and recovery all laid the groundwork for this novel.
Do you have a target reader?
I would say my target reader is anyone with an interest in literary fiction, coming-of-age and psychological works, as well as anyone with an interest in the trauma of childhood, addiction, and the enlightenment of recovery. The novel provides practical lessons on how to deal with life on life’s terms, though through the guise of fiction.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I typically write during the early morning hours for as long as I can stand it, then spend the rest of the day coming back to the scene I’d written (in between doing other work), revising and refining it. The following day I will begin with rereading what I’d written the day before, spending the necessary time to revise and refine it further, until it’s in a place I can live with for that moment (knowing it will change numerous times again at some point), then I begin working on the next scene. I typically write the scenes in the order I have outlined them.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I do outline, primarily by scene headings and a sentence or two. The book is divided into sections and in each section I try to hash out a general hook, the conflicts, and the climax.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I do edit as I go, chapter by chapter, as described above, knowing that I will do a more thorough layout, revision, and refinement later.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I almost always listen to music while I write, but only contemporary classical and minimalist artists such as Frederico Mecozzi and Ludovico Einaudi.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did briefly a few years ago and became a client of a well-known literary agency, but the agent who signed me left, as did the agent who replaced that one, and after some time passing, I decided that I would re-focus on my revisions of the novel, and when I returned to that agency, I was told there was no longer anyone available to take on my work. After being disillusioned with the entire process, I decided to seek out Girl Friday Books, an excellent hybrid publisher with all of the capabilities necessary to take my manuscript to publication.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
The publisher created it.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I do have a marketing plan, which includes social media and email advertising.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Don’t give up and research all options.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Morris County, New Jersey
Where do you live now?
Seacoast of New Hampshire
What would you like readers to know about you?
I wrote this novel, first and foremost, to be helpful to others struggling with trauma and/or addiction. It is my hope that others will find it helpful and hopeful.
What are you working on now?
Another novel about characters dealing with trauma, struggling with addiction, and striving for recovery.
End of Interview:
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