They say everyone has a book in them. I remember writing my own memoir only to have it sit in a file collecting cyber-dust. After reading Angus Munro’s new book set in the Depression years, I was ready to dig that file out and start again.
Angus’ book is titled A Full House—But Empty and chose to go with iUniverse to publish it. We interviewed Angus to find out just how hard it was to write his own memoir and tell us about his experiences into the land of publishing.
Q: Thank you for this interview, Angus. Your book, A Full House—But Empty, was a story of your life during the Depression years. Can we begin by having you give us a quick synopsis?
A: I was born in Vancouver, Canada during the Great Depression. I was three years old when my parents separated. My two sisters—one six and the other an infant were reared by a single parent, our father. Those were very difficult and hectic years for our small family. At age fourteen, I dropped out of school due to an unfortunate incident in the seventh grade. As a grade-school dropout, I vividly tell my story of growing up under hectic circumstances; however, achieving great success. At age twenty-seven, I moved to California due to a chronic sinus condition. Starting in Vancouver and California thereafter, I was in the petroleum industry for nine years and due for an executive position in their home office. I decided to change my career and I spent thirty-nine years in hospital administration in California and Alaska as a director. My story is as a limited grade-school dropout sharing my experiences and lessons learned.
Q: The book is simply amazing. While I was reading it, I felt like I was in your shoes, walking the same path. I became totally engrossed in the story to the point where I didn’t want to put it down. What is your experience with writing? Is this your first book?
A: Yes, this is my first book. And your comments relating to walking down the same path is a supreme compliment—as that was my intention for the reader to follow me on this journey sharing my experiences.
Q: Amazing. Did you feel that the words flowed easily or did you hit roadblocks?
A: Hopefully, as a mature adult with a great recall of the past—my thoughts traveling down this road were clearly and straightforwardly ahead of me—no roadblocks, no second pondering or loss of memory. I moved ebulliently with each episode.
Q: Angus, I have to admit, I cried on the first page. Was there a part in the book that made you sit back and wipe tears?
A: Yes! It was most difficult writing about my sister, Laura. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever known. Unfortunately, as I clearly state in my book she had a very difficult life. My sister, Marjorie gave me high points regarding my Laura story. She thought it was well written. But it was very difficult for me to revisit the past regarding Laura.
Q: What part of the book do you believe was the best part?
A: I personally like my childhood, Inglehart years! Cecil was such a brat but we had great fun together. In the best part preference, many others seem to agree.
Q: Did you have any trouble remembering the past and, if so, what did you do to help jog the memory? Did anyone help you with the facts?
A: Frankly, in the entire writing process, I found my thoughts and experiences so clear in my memory; they were just pouring out so ebulliently. Thankfully, I am a very fast typist. I was running in the fast lane—working in a very quiet area with no distractions.
Q: How did you feel when you put the final word down? A sense of relief? A sense of “I’m so glad that’s over with”?
A: Actually, when it was completed and submitted for reviewing and printing I had two concerns. Was it well written? Was it interesting? As a complete novice in this field – how could I make a constructive self-judgment?
Q: You chose to go with iUniverse to publish it. Were they your first choice?
A: Initially, I submitted certain sections of my draft to leading publishing companies and to literary agents. I received many laudatory comments; however, the bottom line—I was a non-celebrity writing his memoirs. In other words, commercially speaking, no great interest as an unknown regarding favorable marketing expectations. My alternative was iUniverse and self-publishing.
Q: Do you have plans for more memoirs or is everything you have to say in this first book?
A: Great question. I have been formulating thoughts regarding the past and to capture new thoughts relating to experiences in this entire process. I know many outstanding individuals whom have been extremely successful and totally unknown – and my thoughts move in that direction too. A potpourri of ideas and thoughts. I totally realize none of this makes any sense – and that will be the challenge putting it all together!
Q: Thank you so much for this interview, Angus. Can you tell us how we can find out more about you and your book?
A: Yes, my Web site is angusrmunro.com. I take this opportunity to personally thank three very outstanding ladies in the literary world. They are Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services, Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review, and Dorothy Thompson of “Pump Up Your Book Promotion Virtual Book Tours,” and they have helped me every step of the way since publication. Get in line folks—if you are attempting to join and/or already in the literary field of writing.