INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR, RICK BARRY: THE METHUSELAH PROJECT
If you like suspense, romance, historic: you’ve gotta read this one!
How about a giveaway! YES!
How about two giveaways…even better…
1-Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was in fifth grade the first time I seriously thought about writing a novel. I recall wanting to pen a mystery in the style of the Hardy Boys. I sat at Dad's desk, took out a sheet of paper, made up two boys' names and jotted a couple paragraphs before hitting the wall. I had no idea what should happen next. So, I concluded I must not be the writer type and wadded up that piece of paper so no one would see that I'd "failed." Of course, I started too young for such an ambitious undertaking, but I continued to absorb books as I grew up.
In college I studied French and expected to become a language teacher. Instead, I was offered a job as a textbook editor, which I did for 5 years. From there, I moved on to studying Russian and became Assistant to Georgi Vins, a Russian pastor who was exiled from the USSR to the USA in a dramatic prisoner exchange in 1979. My wonderful wife Pam also worked in that ministry as the bookkeeper. Along the way, in my spare time I began penning articles and short stories for various publications. To this day, I work in a Christian ministry active in Eastern Europe and use my Russian every day. Yet, in my not-so-secret alter ego I continue to write for publication.
2-Where did you get the CRRRazy idea for The Methuselah Project?
You know, I can't exactly recall exactly how that appeared. The kernel of the idea was that I wanted to bring a character from World War II into our present time, still looking young, but without any sort of unbelievable time-travel gizmo. The more I mulled over the idea, the more answers to questions appeared out of nowhere and fell into place.
There was a funny moment when I was driving down a highway and suddenly realized why the main character had grown up in an orphanage and never knew his own parents. Excited, I phoned my wife and blurted, "I just now found out what happened to Roger Greene's parents!"
Silence on the line. Then, "Who is Roger Greene?"
"He's the main character in the new story I'm writing!"
Another pause, and then my wife replied, "Uh... Okay...." Obviously she was not as excited as I was.
Well, Rick, we can’t always expect our spouses to be as excited about our work as we are.
3-Who was your fave character and why?
The main character, Roger Greene, is definitely my favorite. He's a P-47 pilot in World War II. His three main goals in life are to fly fast airplanes, to serve his country, and to find the perfect girl to love. But when two German fighters jump on his tail during a mission, it looks like Roger will never achieve any of those dreams.
4-Which character was most like YOU?
Lol! A number of these characters are dedicated members of the Nazi Party, so that rules them out automatically. I'd have to confess that, even though there are many differences between Roger Greene and myself, I poured a lot of myself into the mixture as I molded him.
5-What is it about the historic portion that you enjoyed the most?
I've been fascinated with the World War II years since 7th grade. In that year I was at a relative's house when someone turned on the TV and started watching The Great Escape. I sat down and watched too. I figured it was all just a made-up story until the conclusion, when they rolled the words explaining the film was dedicated to the 50 escapees who had been captured and then executed. I was stunned. Of course Hollywood embellished the details for cinematic effect, but the essence of the story is true. That compelled me to read more non-fiction accounts from the war years.
6-Any ideas for future books in this genre?
Definitely. Although my Russian ministry and some other short writing projects have slowed me down lately, I'm planning a sequel to The Methuselah Project.
7-Anything else you'll like to share with your readers?
Yes. As I've attended book signings for my previous WW II story, Gunner's Run, many faithful readers have encouraged me to write another adventure based a war hero. I want to thank the many who asked for one and waited patiently. This is it. Thank you, everyone!
LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN EBOOK COPY OF THE METHUSELAH PROJECT! DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE IT!
Wonderful! Here's mine: pamelahickein at yahoo dot com :-)
ReplyDeleteRick, I love your enthusiasm for WWII. Linda, pretty sure you've already got my email lying around somewhere.
ReplyDeleteWWII fiction is my favorite genre and this one sounds like a really good one. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy
ReplyDeleteabilene_nana(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love WWII Era books. Thanks for the giveaway and interview.
ReplyDeleteThe more I see about The Methuselah Project, the better it looks. :) And I always love reading author interviews and hearing the story behind the story. Keep up the great work, Mr. Barry! The world needs more good writers like you.
ReplyDeleteOops! Forgot to include my email address. :) Melissajaytroutman(at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading The Methuselah Project!
ReplyDeleteI like history with a sci-fi edge, or maybe it's just egdy. ;)
Very cool concept, though! kerouser[at]gmail[dot]com.
Awesome premise! Richnvoni@yahoo.com is my email.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading about many different types of history and WWII I'd definitely one of them. I enjoyed the interview and learning more about the author and his book . Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBook1lovingmomma at gmail dot com
The book sounds really intersting. And i totally understand the no one being as thrilled when we suss out the back story. I tend to get grunts when I get the eureka moment.
ReplyDeletemy email is telsiacharis at yahoo dot co dot uk
Sounds like a great story, and your excitement makes me smile. Please include me in the drawing. Than ks! joyfuljelatgmaildotcom
ReplyDeletel.bergh@sbcglobal.net Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNice. kamundsen44(at)yahoo(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, thank you for the exceedingly kind words! Although no book appeals to everyone, I praise the Lord for the many encouraging comments about this one. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI liked hearing how Rick Barry developed the character of Roger Greene. I am always interested in how authors get ideas for the stories they create. Sounds like a book my retired Air Force husband would like to read after I read it.
ReplyDeleteLinda Bowling
ll.bowling@gmail.com
Gunner's Run was good. I'm sure this one is too. I've read a secular man-never-ages book. This should be really interesting from a Christian perspective. tlw131 [at] gmail [dot] com
ReplyDeleteDon't forget your email!
ReplyDeletejnellciesielski@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteHere's my email: jbjnyg@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteJ'nell, it's a fascinating time period. There will always be new WWII stories!
ReplyDeleteAnn, thanks for thinking it sounds good. I think it is good too... But I'm 100% biased. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Leslie! Sounds like we enjoy the same sorts of books.
ReplyDeleteKathleen, thanks for thinking the concept sounds cool, and thanks for entering the giveaway on Linda's blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering, Voni!
ReplyDeleteDeanne, isn't history cool? With this book, I tried to bring it alive in a fresh way!
ReplyDeleteClare, writing novels is truly a tough road. When we stumble across those little gems that enhance the story, the world never realizes what we've gone through....
ReplyDeleteThanks for entering, Jackie! Yes, Linda's excitement is encouraging and contagious. She championed this manuscript right from the start. :)
ReplyDeleteLinda, at a book signing I met a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who repeatedly declared how much he loved my first WWII novel, Gunner's Run. He's been waiting by email for this one to come out. If he liked it, there is a good chance your hubby will too!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Terri, for your kind words. Even though the publisher released The Methuselah Project ahead of schedule, I'm pleased to see some 5-star reviews popping up on Amazon. If you like Gunner's Run, I believe you will like this one even more.
ReplyDeleteMethuselah...what a fascinating Bible character, and to bring it into "modern" times...wow. Can't wait to read this one.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Voni
richnvoni@yahoo.com
Thanks for your enthusiasm, Voni!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS CLARE AND LAURIE!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd my congratulations to Clare and Laurie too! Remember, friends, if you like the book, please tell others. Simple word of mouth recommendations by friends is still the #1 best PR for any book. Thanks to everyone who read the interview and offered a comment.
ReplyDeleteClare, your email is bouncing. Is this correct? Let me know by 6 tonight or I'll be picking a different winner.
ReplyDeletethank you. Can't wait to read it and blog about it afterwards.
ReplyDeleteyes it is. I got your email and replied to it. it can be silly at times. my other email is clarelou at revell124 dot plus dot com
ReplyDeleteWill be sending out tomorrow! Congrats!!!
ReplyDelete