Interview with Author Barry Kester

1. What motivated you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and turning it into this book?      

I had always imagined that if I ever did sit down to write, a book, something I had long had a desire to try, that first book would be a novel.  However, when the moment finally came,  I remembered the classic advice I had seen and heard so many times, that you should write about what you know.  Having been a fan of musical theatre my whole life, and knowing that no-one had written about my favorite show, “Carousel", I changed my mind and set about writing a definitive history of that show. 

2. What is it about and who is it for?

The book is intended for theatre fans, particularly those who love musicals of course. Additionally, it is intended for drama students, as well as students of theatre history and stagecraft in general.

3. What takeaways might the reader will be left with after reading it?

I hope first of all they will have found the book enjoyable to read. Then I hope, however much they thought they knew of the subject matter, they will have learned at least a little more.

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

The title comes from a line from the song in “Carousel”, "If I Loved You."  The cover design I worked on with the publisher’s designer. 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers?

Never be satisfied with what you have written.  Re-read, re-read and re-read again and again, and try to get someone truly independent to read your work - someone who will be totally honest with you. Be prepared to cut - brutally. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?

The book world has I fear become ageist.  Talking to established authors in my age group - I am in my 70s - even they are finding it impossible to be taken seriously by major publishers and literary agents. 

7. What challenges did you overcome to write this book?

First of all, several personal ones, not the least of which was the death of my dear wife and getting my life back together after that tragedy.  In terms of the actual research and writing, nearly everyone I approached was extremely helpful and co-operative.  The worst part was getting the permissions I needed to reproduce extracts from books and articles.  That process dragged on for over a year.

8. How would you describe your writing style?

Readable. (I hope.)

9. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

If they are theatre fans, they will find book that is right up their street.  If they are not, they will find a well written, easy to read book on a subject they just might learn to love. 

About The Authior:  I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1968 and entered the film industry as a production accountant at Elstree Studios.  In 1972, I returned to the profession joining a firm with a large entertainment business clientele.  In 1977,  I established my own tax practice, and apart from a directorship in a travel company, that remained my occupation until 2010 when I retired. For more information, consult: https://www.facebook.com/barry.kester.92

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Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This blog, with over 4,000 posts over the past decade, was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and two jobs at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Susan RoAne, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and has spoken at ASJA, IBPA, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. He has been featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.