Welcome back to Author’s Digest! Today we present the conclusion of our interview with self-published author Wil Gesler. Over the previous two parts, Wil discussed his background and writing influences, as well as the numerous issues he confronts in his book, Missionaries and Indians. You can read those posts here: Part One | Part Two
This time, we’ll wrap things up with a bunch of questions about Wil’s self-publishing experience, his tips for other writers, and his upcoming plans.
Wil, what inspired you to write your book? How long did it take you to finish it?
I wanted to write a book about the Indians and missionaries I knew as a teenager without either praising them as saints are condemning them as sinners (as a great deal of the missionary literature does). I worked on the book for about a dozen years after I retired.
Is there one message you’d like to convey to readers through your book?
It’s difficult at times to live in different worlds or cultures, and yet it can be a very rewarding and life-affirming experience.
What was your favorite part of the self-publishing experience?
The freedom I felt that I could write whatever I wanted to.
Do you have any advice for the other aspiring writers out there?
Write about the things you are passionate about. Write a first draft letting your thoughts flow freely and then revise, revise, revise. Don’t worry about what others will think about your writing.
What are you working on next?
I’m writing several short stories that take place in Pennsylvania, France, West Africa, and Afghanistan. Themes include coming-of-age, Third World development, social class, and power relations.
Are there any events or promotions planned for Missionaries and Indians?
The publicity firm Lavidge marketed the book to a wide variety of media over a three-month period. A press release is due in the spring of 2018.
Is there anything you’d like to add before we wrap things up?
I would like to add that, although the book addresses serious ideas, it does not take itself too seriously and is laced with a gentle humor.
