CeeCee: How long did it take to write Par for the Course?

Ray B: I wrote the book in six months, then spent two months editing after receiving feedback from my editor. So, a total of eight months.

CeeCee: Is it more of a challenge to write the book or revise the book?

Ray B: Actually I think the writing is tougher. Once you have words on the page (or screen), it tends to spur creative thinking as to what can be done to improve the story. It's kinda like Playdough that needs to be molded, stretched, or paired with a different color Playdough. But when I'm starting a novel, nothing is more intimidating than a blank screen!

CeeCee: How do you remain sane during the writing process? Any fun vices like candy bars, potato chips, or Starbucks coffee you have to have to put you in the right framework to write?

Ray B: Oh yes. Since I do almost all my creative writing in the morning, I tend to start quite early, around 6:30 or so, and always with a bowl of "mixed cereal," like Quaker Oat Squares and Spoon-size Shredded Wheat, plus a mug of coffee with either Irish Creme flavoring (in spring and summer) or Pumpkin Spice flavoring (fall and winter).

CeeCee: How about weird or unusual rituals like sharpening pencils, circling your writing desk 5 times before settling in, or having your favorite music playing, etc.?

Ray B: Ya know, I tried writing to music once, and it just didn't work at all. So, other than a prayer for focus and concentration, the only other habit I have (besides the cereal and coffee) is to walk out on the back deck and put a handful of sunflower seeds out for the cardinals who live in my backyard. Sort of adopted pets, without any vet bills.

CeeCee: I recently read an article that stated a writer should stop reading other people's work when he is actually writing, some stating that you should completely go cold turkey by not reading anything at all because reading drowns out the writer's own words. Do you believe that? Do you read other people's work while you write?

Ray B: Well, I can tell you that I don't read much fiction at all while writing a novel. But when I do, it is in the same voice, i.e., if I'm writing in first person then I'll read first person, and likewise for third person. It's like a golfer practicing in hilly terrain if a tournament will be held in hilly terrain, or practicing on flat terrain, etc.