Interview with Novelist Michael Willis
1. What inspired you to write this book? In the latter years of my profession, I
finally realized the truly unusual nature of my career path. Even my
colleagues and co-workers often remarked that I should write a book about all
the crazy stuff employees do in the workplace. Often I heard “you just can’t
make this stuff up”, following another situation that required my attention.
2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for?
The book is about a
seasoned HR Executive, who is ready for the end of his working days to arrive
as he realizes that having to deal with employee problems and unexpected human
behavior has become the main focus of his work life. He questions whether
he will make it to the end…little does he know that “other” more sinister
obstacles to getting to the end, are right around the corner. The book is
for all those other HR professionals who get exactly what this character is
going through as his career comes to an end.
3. What do you hope readers will get out of
reading your book? Hopefully an
understanding of the life of an HR professional during and away from the
workplace having responsibility for handling employee issues while trying to manage
his own affairs. All within a humorous but realistically serious setting .
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and
cover design? The title was derived
from the question the main character continues to ask himself and the book
cover design was chosen from the publishers catalogue depicting a person’s head
being turned in several directions at one time, much like the behavior of some
people .
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for
fellow writers – other than run!? Be true to what is in your head, what you are thinking and what
you feel inside. Write about what you believe is important, what anyone
else may think.
6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and
where do you think the book publishing industry is heading ? I continue to hear that with the
increased streaming of visual media (movies, tv and podcasts) and popularity of
Netflix and Amazon Prime (just to name a couple) there seems to be less
interest in reading books, especially with those in the younger generations.
I think going forward, in order to be successful authors will need to think
deeply about how to “paint the picture” within their writings. Competing
with these other venues may be a futile effort, co-existing might be the
answer. I used the services of a book publisher and it was invaluable for
me. I’m aware that many authors and writers self-publish their work which
obviously saves them money. The surviving publishers will need to offer
more services to distinguish their business model.
7. Were there experiences in your
personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? Oh yes, I’ve had friends known acquaintances
much like the characters I depict in the book.
8. How would you describe your writing style?
Which writers or books is your writing similar to? My son thinks I write like I talk, I’m not
sure what style that would be in technical terminology, but he is probably
correct in his assessment. I write what I’m thinking and sometimes it’s a
struggle to get that down in writing.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the
writing of this book? Time, mostly finding
the time. Since I am still working part-time as an HR Consultant, time is
of the essence. At some point, I may discontinue the consulting work and
focus solely on writing. I really enjoy it, just not enough time to devote
to it right now.
10. If people can buy or read one
book this week or month, why should it be yours? This is the million dollar question...I think I am an
entertaining writer, at least the few who have read my book have expressed this
to me (hopefully, they’re not just being kind). If entertainment is a key
factor in getting your book read, then maybe I will have success. In all
honesty, I never had any delusion of grandeur that I would make a living as an
author, I did this first book as kind of a “bucket list” goal. But, I
found out that it was actually entertaining for me…maybe that’s all that
matters.
About The Author : Michael Willis has
served in the human resources field for 40+ years with various Fortune 500
organizations, municipal government, and private companies before retiring as
Vice-President of HR for a Central Florida family-owned retail
organization. He earned a BA degree in Business Management from the University
of South Florida-Tampa, Florida; has completed numerous human resources
seminars and coursework; and held a Certification of Senior Professional in
Human Resources with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).
As an HR Consultant,
Michael’s expertise, particularly within the employee relations arena and
possessing senior level experience in employment resolution and work force
enhancement matters offers a unique consultative approach in assisting
organizations with resolving today’s HR challenges.
This unique background
and work experience provided the ideal incentive for masterfully developing the
story line in his book, “ Getting to the End ”, about a seasoned HR
professional who has been forced to deal with the dark side of human emotion
and behavior in the workplace. His written work is currently out on
Amazon and Barnes & Noble and available in e-book edition. His plans
are to complete a trilogy of work, with this character, guaranteed to keep
readers turning the pages to learn what happens next.
Michael currently
resides in Central Florida, growing up in the Tampa Bay area with his parents
and three siblings. He is the father of four well-established children
and a grandfather to three amazing grands. For leisure, he enjoys fishing
and biking as weather permits and car shows, special events and travel.
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