Authorsday - Ron Berry

Today I have Ron Berry under the microscope. He's written several books including Math for the Family and Laughs from Corn Country. Wekcome Ron.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
According to my cousin, I’ve been saying I would be a writer since my youngest days. I don’t remember it, but I’ve written stories off and on.
How long have you been writing?
As I said above, I’ve written short stories every once in a while. But a good friend of mine noticed some of my stories about three years ago and I’ve been concentrating on it since. Actually what she told me was that if writing is as easy as I claim, then it is a natural talent. I finally realized she was right.
How did you pick the genre you write in?
It picked me. I believe in having fun and I put that into what I write. My best genre is humor but I’ve written a math book and a computer book, both nonfiction. I couldn’t help but add the humor that both contain.
Do you plot or do you write by the seat of your pants?
I couldn’t plot half of what I write. I have a title and an opening line. The rest just flows naturally.
What was the best writing advice someone gave you?
“I believe in you” are the backbone of what I do. I’ve heard it from many but the one time it stuck made a writer out of me.
What was the worst? Did you know it at the time?
Outline your work. That does not work for me. I didn’t know it at the time since I was in school and it was the instructor that told us that.
Tell me one thing about yourself that very few people know?
I collect stuffed animals. I have a complete zoo I think, lined up on the bed.
Describe your book.
Math for the Family is a storybook type of reference. I start before numbers and go through Boolean logic. There are no problems to work. It’s written with humorous clips throughout. The idea is to read it through once, then use it as a reference book for anyone who needs to brush up on some area of math. There are four appendices and it is fully indexed.
What do you consider your strengths in terms of your writing?
My imagination. I’ve brought inanimate objects to life, such as plates and coffee cups.
Who is your greatest cheerleader?
My wife or soon to be again ex wife turned fiancé turning wife. I also have great support in my very best friend, Joyce.
What would you like to learn to do that you haven’t?
How to do endings! I start out great, run well, then pffft.

Ron Berry writes non-fiction with humor in it. His book Laughs From Corn Country is available at your favorite bookseller.

Laughs from Corn Country is a collection of stories none of which are ‘normal’. There are cars that talk, or rather whine and Tuna’s that drink coffee. You like vampires? I’ve got one, although he’s a bit frustrated. For all the pasta eaters, there is the Spaghetti farm series. Abe has it down to a science. Speaking of food, you may not want to read ‘Nightmare after Breakfast’ just before going grocery shopping. Those hot peppers may make a pass at you, if the rutabaga’s don’t first. There’s more, but why spoil the fun? Pick up a few copies today.

My storefront:

http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=198198

My blog:

http://unwriter1.wordpress.com/