Chicago Writer's Association INTERVIEW

2006-07-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Interview of Chicagoland writer: For CWA's July interview

Dear CWA members, for our July 2006 CLARION Newsletter interview, I
introduce Mr. Max Elliot Anderson, MAnder8813@aol.com , P. O. Box
4126, Rockford, IL 61110

Hi, Max: I just reviewed your "LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF", which is book #
7 in your mystery and adventure series. I'm sure all of "chicagowrites"
(Chicago Writers Association) send their best wishes for the continued
recognition and growing sales of your work. I'm glad to introduce you
through our newsletter as another of Chicagoland's many talented writers.

[Membership in our group of nearly 150 writers is not a requirement, any
more than is living within Chicago's borders.]

CWA: Max, please share some thoughts about your "LEGEND OF THE WHITE
WOLF", which is the "7th Adventure by Max Elliot Anderson."

Max: For me, as a writer, the most amazing aspect about this book is that
I completed the first draft in just three days. I began one evening,
around six, and the next thing I knew, it was morning. I like to let the
story unfold as I write, without using extensive outlining. This story is
about a young boy who saves a wolf pup from a leg trap. A few years
later, the two are reunited. Twice, the grown wolf saves the life of the
boy, and then the boy rescues the wolf from men who are trying to kill it
and the others around Yellowstone.

Something interesting happened to me while writing this book. I used to
be on the side of those who didn't want wolves reintroduced into
Yellowstone. I nearly produced a video for a group of Wyoming ranchers
who were fighting the reintroduction. But, as I did my research for
"LEGEND OF THE WHITE WOLF," I found the wolf to be a totally different
animal than I had thought. They live as a family. They mate for life.
They used to hunt right alongside Native Americans many years ago. The
Indians had a great deal of respect for these magnificent animals. Now I
do too.

CWA: How interesting that your research transformed your thinking about
the importance of an entire species of animals. Do your other six titles
follow this scheme?

Max: They are; NEWSPAPER CAPER, TERROR AT WOLF LAKE, NORTH WOODS
POACHERS, MOUNTAIN CABIN MYSTERY, BIG RIG RUSTLERS, and SECRET OF
ABBOTT'S CAVE. Each story has completely different characters, setting,
and plot.

Some of these have been compared by readers and reviewers to Tom Sawyer,
Huck Finn, Nancy Drew, Tom Swift, and adventure author Jack London.

CWA: What are you currently writing?

Max: I've taken a break from writing at the present time. After all,
I've completed 34 mystery and adventure manuscripts for readers 8 and up,
especially boys. I've also completed an adult title about Humor. That
manuscript, around 90,000 words, is under consideration by two publishers
now. I'm currently spending my time marketing the books that are
published, and looking for additional publishing opportunities. I'm also
a video producer, so I can't devote 100% of my time to writing, even
though I'd love to be able to do that.

CWA: A well-deserved break, I must say. Can you mention a few of the
favorites to young boys among those 34 mystery and adventures?

Max: I have a similar feeling for each of my books as to both of my
children. How could I choose a favorite? As with each child, every book
is special in its own right. I like each for its unique story, setting,
plot, and characters.

CWA: Tell us a little on your adult title about Humor.

Max: This is a book I've been working on for several years. It looks at
the benefits of humor for our mind and body, but it also offers hundreds
of the funniest jokes and stories gathered from many sources. This book,
along with my children's adventures and mysteries, is intended for the
CBA market.

CWA: Do you have a website where readers interested in your writing may
contact you?

Max: Yes. The address is http://maxbooks.9k.com . You'll find information
about my books and my video production work. I also have a blog where
over 40 pages of reviews can be found at
http://maxbookreviews.blogspot.com

CWA: During your writing experience, have you learned a specific
lesson(s) about writing that you're willing to share with your fellow
writers?

Max: I mentioned the following to my fellow Fellowship of Christian
Writers, which might be of interest to the Chicago Writers Association
group. It speaks to plotting a story.

I've written 34 mystery/adventure manuscripts for readers 8 and up.
Hopefully, by now, I also know what plot is. If not, I might be in a
little trouble. I see plot as the pattern or series of events as they
relate to my main character. Usually, in my stories, there is a problem
or obstacle. The main character has to confront these issues and arrive
at a solution.

Along the way, there are a number of subplots that touch the main
character's life, or that try to knock the main character off the track,
but they are not the primary thrust of the story.

In my situation, the stories come in a flood. I always know the title
first. Each time one comes, I make a regular title page, as if I were
going to start the manuscript. Then I wait for that flood. It starts in
bits and pieces at first. I may think of a funny line, an interesting
character, or any number of small pieces.

When the flood comes, I take a mini-recorder and tell myself the story.
This helps me to see if there actually IS a story, and, so far, I've not
been disappointed. After telling myself the story, I type that up and put
it aside. I may not pick the story up again for weeks or months, but the
story, complete with an intricate plot, is waiting. After the flood,
other smaller pieces will come and I simply add these to the story file.

When it comes time to write the manuscript, there's never been a reason
to change the plot "midstream" because that plot has become so ingrained
by this time. Before you start, it wouldn't hurt to know the beginning,
middle, and end of your story. If you don't know where you're heading,
the ending, you might have a tough time getting there.

Much of the rest of the story unfolds only as I write. I don't do any
extensive outline prior to beginning. This process, as it happens to me
anyway, is a gift from God each and every time. I hate not to be writing
because I find it so enjoyable.

CWA: Please briefly discuss your experience with your publisher and
distributor for your books.

Max: Baker Trittin Press actually formed in order to publish my books.
They are finding success in marketing the books to schools and
homeschools because they also developed an extensive teacher's manual for
each title. Baker & Taylor is the distributor. I understand they have
strong markets in schools and libraries.

CWA: The idea of producing videos sounds exciting, even though it does
reduce the time you can spend on your love of writing. Please explain
your success in this field & what plans you have as a video producer.

Max: Chicago writers might be especially interested to know that, over a
fifteen year period, I shot, produced, or directed over 500 national
television commercials for True Value Hardware. One of these stared
former Bears linebacker, Mike Singeltary.

In addition, I've been involved in dramatic films, for adults and
children that were rented to churches, before the advent of
videocassettes. Probably the most famous would be PILGRIMS PROGRESS,
which was the first feature film for actor Liam Neeson. I received a Best
Cinematographer award for this film. More information about my video
productions can be found at http://maxbooks.9k.com/about.html

Over the past several years, my productions have been primarily for
industrial and medical clients. For these I've earned three Telly Awards.
But then, many of my clients faded away after 9/11. Some of this is
slowly returning now.

I also produced, and am distributing, an AIDS education film, TRACY'S
CHOICES. Tracy was the first person, in the state of Illinois, to be
convicted and sent to prison for the knowing attempt to transmit HIV. In
recent weeks, organizations who work with AIDS in Africa have been
purchasing copies. There is more information about TRACY'S CHOICES at
http://maxbooks.9k.com/photo2.html

CWA: Do you have a special memory (place or site you've visited) of
Chicago?

Max: Now that's a really hard question. Chicago is such a great city. Our
son just graduated from Northwestern Law School and lives in Chicago. So,
over the past several years, we've come into the city more often. I'm a
big fan of Millennium Park. As a child, I remember going to Brookfield
Zoo. But, honestly, there are simply too many great places to list.

CWA: Our congratulations to you and your son on his success at
Northwestern Law. Many Thanx for taking your time to answer these
questions. Please accept the best wishes from the Chicago Writers
Association for your continued writing success. We invite you to stop by
our website at (http://www.chicagowrites.org/) any time you need
excellent research materials for your writing-especially in the areas of
Commerce, Community, Craft, or Creativity.

Congrats for work well done. You deserve the accolades for such good
work. May your efforts continue to be rewarded.
Clarion editor Walter McElligott

Box 452, Beecher, IL USA 60401

Max: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity.
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Max Elliot Anderson Updates

Chicago Writer's Association INTERVIEW