Gordon Osmund
What is your current book and tell us a little about it?
Slipping on Stardust A contemporary novel about how the arrival of a movie star in a small town produces scandal, seduction, kidnapping (with a suicide demanded as ransom) and other crimes.
How did you come up with the title?
After rejecting two previous ones. I believe Slipping on Stardust is short, alliterative, and, most important, expressive of the book’s principal theme–that sacrificing real values for false ones can often have tragic, and sometimes comic consequences. Also, in a world where it’s very difficult to find a title that hasn’t been used, used, and used before, Slipping on Stardust seems to be a title of first impression.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes. Don’t let the stars get in your eyes. They impair vision, which is never a good idea.
Are the experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Yes, indeed. The novel takes place in venues I knoiw well–the practice of law, the absurdities of community theatre, and environmental contrasts between small-town life and fast-lane places like New York City and Hollywood. I would not know where to begin if asked to concoct a person, place or thing that is not part of my real life experience.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Forcing myself to rethink, rewrite, and critique passages that initially strike me as acceptable.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Yes, when I was approximately five years old and discovered that the letter “E” was more than just a collection of right angles. College creative writing courses were highly influential. When I became a lawyer, I appreciated the critical importance of language that is clear and concise. Adding a creative component while writing plays, articles, and fiction and non-fiction books was the culmination of it all.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I doubt that I have ever been moved more than by the writing of Tennessee Williams in his early years. Close behind are the writings of Woody Allen, Neil Simon, and Mel Brooks, which collectively cover American humor at its finest.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My perception that America’s youth was being threatened by lack of respect for the English language and by sub-standard education on that subject.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
It’s just been released, so I haven’t yet had the help offered by reviewers, whose suggestions I eagerly await and will carefully consider. I’m sure that later on, I’ll have many second thoughts. I hope that I can incorporate those benefits in the sequel that I will soon be undertaking.
You can find Gordon’s book, Slipping on Stardust at Amazon.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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OOoh, this sounds like a great read for me and my Gramma. My Gramma eats books up and she would love this one! Thx
I love author interviews – it really gives you a lot more insight into the book.
This books sounds right up my alley. The author seems very witty and intellectual.
I have just started reading SLIPPING ON STARDUST, and in its first chapters I have chuckled out loud several times. Your interview informed me of several plot elements that I would have liked to have been surprised by, but that is the nature of interviews and reviews.
Incidentally, Osmund’s name is misspelled under his photo.
Hmmm… my interest is piqued.
I find I am on the same page as he is about several things in this interview, including lack of respect for the English language …one of my pet peeves. 🙂 Good interview!
Sounds very interesting. Authors with the kind of background he has, in terms of expertise to pull from, usually write great books.
great interview and questions. i did not know that much about gordon osmond.
I’d also have a lot of trouble coming up with a book that is totally out of my environment. I guess that is why people research so hard/much first.
I am interested in this one. I like what he said about getting the stars in your eyes, as it can impair our vision. I can see that in everyday life…in all we sometimes wish or dream of.
OH, a SEQUEL too, I do love that, if a book keeps me rivetted, I am even more so knowing their is another end around the corner
It’s always interesting to hear about an author’s take on their work. It must be nerve wrecking to have your work out their for others to critique.
Diana C
Sounds Like a good read, I have a slight obsession with reading. And I love interviews, especially his message…”Don’t let the stars get in your eyes. They Impair vision….”
I’m half way through the book, and recognize the “stardust in your eyes” theme. Very interesting, and can’t wait to finish the second half.
Oh, this book sounds fantastic. I’ve read other works by Mr. Osmond and am truly impressed. He is a master of the language and has a delightful imagination. He also understands how to write a gripping plot that sweeps you along. As for combining community theater and legal shenanigans—there is no one better suited to explore those realms with insight and humor. Can’t wait to read this one—and the sequels. How fortunate we are that he opened the door to the mysteries of the letter E….Thanks for the great interview!
The book sounds good. I love how he was inspired by Americas youth. It is so true. Not many kids today are very good at writing. They are to use to FB or Twitter. It really shows in their writing.
I am recommending we have this at our next Book Club here in San Diego!
This sounds like a good read- some mystery, suspense and action. It is always nice to ‘meet’ an author before reading!
Very good book, well written and interesting theme, surprising ending that makes us think about our real values in life.
“A contemporary novel about how the arrival of a movie star in a small town produces scandal, seduction, kidnapping (with a suicide demanded as ransom) and other crimes”.
Is that all ? This is a book I shall read.
Here is an author with whose views on the sub standard teaching of English, certainly in the UK, I concur.
Thank you for the review, I will have to check it out!
this scenario is playing out at a city not so far away from some of us. Sounds like an enjoyable tale.
well done and i will read this book because of this review.
Second book on my book list to read is SLIPPING ON STARDUST! can’t wait to start reading!