Richard E. Sall interview

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This interview with Richard E. Sall was first published in April 2006. To find out even more about the author, you can visit our Richard E. Sall page.

Where were you born and raised?

Detroit, Michigan. My father was an Italian immigrant who worked in the Ford Auto Plant.

What was it that first got you into writing and when did you start writing?

The desire to start writing began later in life when I felt I had something to say (wisdom) and felt an obligation to impart it to others.

Which writers have influenced you the most?

When I was growing up I was most influenced by "Gulliver's Travels" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". I also loved the Jules Verne's stories. Later on, it was the detective stories about Phillip Marlowe and Dirty Harry.

Where do you stand on the nature v. nurture debate? Were you born a writer, or were there factors in your environment
that enabled you to become a writer?

I think one is born with their particular style that they see or interpret the world through. One needs to be educated by others to reach their full potential. But to be a writer requires the strong desire to accomplish the task.

There are a lot of courses teaching creative writing nowadays, but do you think that good writing can be taught?

I think it can be taught but is not a substitute for talent. After all, writing is really an art form. Many can write like many can sing. But how many great singers are there?

What kind of things do you write?

I started off writing nonfiction about worker's compensation and noticed how bored people would get. I then developed some very entertaining material that I discussed with a movie director friend of mine. He informed me that people want a human interest story to read.
So I wrote a novel.

What, for you, is the best piece of prose that you have ever written?

I think the best passages I have ever written are in my novel. But don't forget, it is in the eyes of the beholder.

What are you working on now?

Presently, I am working on writing reports for the medical profession.

What is your writing day like?

If I was writing a novel, my writing day would start in the evening or the middle of the night and continue until I would become too sleepy to continue.

Where would you like to be in 10 years time?

I am content to remain where I am. It is not that I am not ambitious. It is just that I am contented with my life.

What’s the most exciting thing about writing for you?

The most excitement comes from reading people's facial expressions after they have enjoyed reading something I wrote.

What’s the most frustrating thing about writing for you?

Trying to get people to read what I have produced.

What’s the best piece of feedback that you’ve had from your audience?

Someone said, "Dazzlingly written and filled with quirky characters."

Do you write for a particular audience, or is your first priority to satisfy your own creativity?

My first priority is to satisfy my own creativity. However, I write for an audience when I write professional medical reports.

Do you have a homepage? If so, what’s the URL?

Yes, I am taking over a website began by Dr. Rich Sagal. It will be fully transferred in May, 2006. The URL is www.occmedcentral.com

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