Interview with Author of “Strapped Into An American Dream”

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Glenn Maynard – Strapped into an American Dream
by Cathy B Stucker

What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.

Strapped into an American Dream captures America, whirling readers along a 35,000-mile trek through the 48 contiguous states in a rebuilt RV. I married, and my wife and I quit our jobs, sold our cars, put all of our belongings in storage and hit the road. We risked our future to satisfy the present, and now we have memories for a lifetime. I wrote about the great times as well as the brushes with death along this risky path.

Tell us something about yourself.

I was born in Glastonbury, CT and went to school at UCONN in Storrs, CT. My summer vacations were at the beach in RI every summer growing up, so I hadn’t been west of NY at the time of my journey. I had always wanted to have my name on the cover of a book, and I received my English degree and my desire to travel in my early twenties. I needed to build credibility, so I decided to travel and write about it as a travel correspondant in the local papers as I made my way through the country. I got two papers interested, which resulted in 20 published articles. I now had the credibility I would need to eventually get my book published.

What inspired you to write this book?

When my wife and I decided to travel, I knew it would be the inspiration behind a book. I wanted to fill the book with great stories of living on the road. The only problem was that there were so many stories I had to cut a lot out, but I knew it was the best it could be.

How did you choose the title?

The title just came to me as I was thinking about sitting in the RV ready to take off on our journey. My family was around us, we were about to live the American dream, and we could hear the simultaneous click of our seatbelts; we were strapped into an American dream.

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

When I divorced after 5 years, I had to take the book back from my agent, rewrite it to make it more of a travel book and less of a honeymoon book, rename it, and start the publishing quest all over again.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?

Ever since I was in First Grade I was writing creative stories that stuck out to my teachers. I began writing longer stories about events in my life. When I went to college I would get cash sent from home, and started writing funny poems of thanks. The cash began coming faster, and from more family members, wanting a good laugh. I was an English major, and knew I had to do something with it.

Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?

I heard that publishing a book is hard, but marketing it is the hardest part. That is the truth. I am constantly working at marketing my book even after two years. I learned a lot from the signing of the contract to the first time I held a copy of my book in my hand. I felt that I had been a part of every step in the publishing of my book.

If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?

It would be an easy answer for me to say that I would go with a bigger publisher who promised more marketing, but being a first-time author and already having too much time pass, I decided to sign the contract with the small publisher. Next time I would do it differently, but I couldn’t do it differently the first time.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

I have a fiction book about the paranormal, including an out-of-body experience, hypnosis and reincarnation. It is with an agent and she has submitted to publishers for consideration.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

If you want to write a book…write it. Be very careful before signing a contract, and be very ready to promote your own book. The only person truly interested in your book is you (unless you’re Stephen King or Oprah).

Who is the perfect reader for your book?

My book is perfect for Rvers, campers, retirees, anybody who likes to travel, or anybody who ever had the desire to chuck it all and hit the open road.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

Publisher’s website:
http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/StrappedIntoAnAmericanDream.html

Amazon.com

About Glenn Maynard

Review of “Strapped Into An American Dream”

5 Questions with Joey Pinkney

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Glenn Maynard, author of Strapped into an American Dream
by Joey Pinkney on March 15, 2010

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Glenn Maynard, editor of Strapped into an American Dream
(Strategic Book Publishing)

Strapped into an American Dream captures America, whirling readers along a 35,000-mile trek through the 48 contiguous states in a rebuilt RV. Glenn Maynard brings this journey to all armchair travelers who will love the adrenaline rush.

One week after their wedding, Glenn and his wife quit their jobs, sold their cars and set out to find America. This book details how they were able to realize this dream and introduces the reader to the unique people they met and the places they visited along the path.

Travel with them through 23 National Parks, Las Vegas, Mardi Gras and dusty ghost towns. Feel the rushing wind of tornadoes and the rocking of an earthquake. Sleep on roadsides and in truck stops, shifting from state to state, risking danger in favor of a limited bank account.

It is the dream of many Americans, in all walks of life, to travel the country, but few realize this dream. Now they may do so vicariously in the reading of these adventures. Laugh along the way, but also share the terror, sorrow and humor.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to take your adventurous trip and write Strapped Into An American Dream?

Glenn Maynard: My wife and I took a trip to Florida and were enjoying a February day in an outside whirlpool when we decided that there had to be another way. We then began to dream and thought how wonderful it would be to take a trip that most would only undertake when they retire.

We decided on all of the 48 continental states during a one year journey. I could write about it and eventually publish a book. I took detailed notes daily and became a travel correspondent for 3 newspapers along the way.

JP: What did you and your wife learn about each other in taking a trip like this?

GM: We learned that we were a great travel team, and together we moved through America really wanting to learn about its history. We both wanted the same things. We both had roles in order to make a trip of this magnitude work.

I was the one who persevered through hundreds of miles at a clip. She was the one with the map, guiding the ship to stay the course. Together we chose the attractions and the free campgrounds. Many times the plans fizzled, but we were able to create Plan B on the fly.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Strapped Into An American Dream getting out to the public?

GM: The keys to my success are believing in my story, believing that it’s a story Americans want to read and having the perseverance to bring Strapped Into An American Dream to all of the people who would love to chuck it all and hit the road.

My book is not going to sell itself, although at first I thought that it might. I am onto Plan B of Marketing now, and I’m eyeing the top of the mountain. Nothing is going to stop me from rolling it over the top. I made it this far, and I do not give up on anything without a fight.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Strapped Into An American Dream?

GM: My writing process is simple. When I am inspired to write, then I write. If I have nothing, then the sitting wasn’t meant to be. For this book, I spent the year writing notes on 10 legal pads, then wrote the book from the highlights of the trip.

I spent time moving from Connecticut to Colorado, and then four years later moved back to Connecticut after my divorce. We left one week following our wedding and returned on our first anniversary. I then had to rewrite the entire manuscript to focus more on the journey and less on the honeymoon.

Querie letter after querie letter and rejection after rejection followed. The years flew by, and the hope of bringing this trip to Americans fizzled. My perseverance never did. Beginning the process with note taking in 1992 until publication in 2009 may be a long time, but not when your holding a book in your hands with your name on it.

JP: What’s next for Glenn Maynard?

GM: While living out in Colorado, I also wrote a fiction book which deals with the possibilities of reincarnation. The book needs to be fine tuned, but there is a nearly completed piece of work there.

http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/StrappedIntoAnAmericanDream.html
http://www.myspace.com/465601388
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Wethersfield, CT Library speaking engagement

http://www.wethersfieldlibrary.org/news/upcoming.html

Here is a link from the Wethersfield CT Public Library website which lists my appearance at the Wethersfield Public Library in…that’s right…Wethersfield, CT. Tuesday, March 1st is the date and 7PM is the time. March 1st is nearly Springtime, and hopefully it comes soon because I’m still trying to thaw out from the Whale Bowl on Saturday. Spring is not quite here yet, so why not go to your local library and check out authors who speak about their books through the Friends of the Library. These events are free and open to the public, and a good way to spend an evening…especially a cold evening.

Snow and Ice and…an RV Show!

I’m sitting here listening to ice crystals bounce off the air conditioner in my window, and my muscles are still sore from digging out the 24 inches of snow left behind during the last record-breaking blizzard. Spring training for baseball is less then a month away, and the Northeast Recreational Vehicle & Camping Show is only a few days away. I will be signing copies of my book, “Strapped Into An American Dream” in the show at the CT Convention Center this Saturday and Sunday (January 22nd and 23rd). Hang in there. Visit the RV show and dream about traveling in warmer weather. Think about Spring Training a few weeks away. Know that the ground hog is starting to stir. The reality of winter may be harsh at times, but we can dream of an escape. Who knows…maybe that dream will become a reality. It can, and it has for some.
http://www.ctrvshow.com

Ya Gotta have faitha faitha faith!

After my first day at the International Auto Show at the CT Convention Center in Hartford, CT this past Saturday, I packed up and hopped on the shuttle bus to the parking garage across town. Since I pay $100 per month to park there for work, I figured I would use that garage and hop on the free shuttle for a ride to my book signing for “Strapped Into An American Dream.” I was happy to discover that I was the lone rider on the retreat. That all changed dramatically on the next stop. Apparently the Women of Faith Expo was going on at the nearby XL Center. Women began piling into the bus until every seat was taken. I even had to remove my heavy tote bag of books from the seat next to me to provide one more seat to the faithful. Some women had to stand. I thought about giving up my seat to one of the women standing, but not for long and the thought soon passed. The bus driver turned to me in the front seat and laughed. Then the women of faith began commenting on how I was the only guy on the bus. When I finally got off at my parking garage, I noticed the convention chaos continued. Women were everywhere, and I didn’t stand a chance. I joked with the women on the bus saying that they wouldn’t hear a peep out of me. I made it to the 5th floor via the elevator full of me and about 15 women. Again, comments about me being outnumbered came acallin’. When I made it to my car, I zipped around the 5th floor to the 4th and had to stop. I was in gridlock for the next 45 minutes. Two older ladies getting back to their car laughed when they saw me shaking my head. I rolled down my window and they proceeded to tell me that out of all that traffic, I was the only guy in the garage. I had faith that I would get out of that garage; so did the women of faith. After all, it was in their title. I was happy to see their cars finally head for the highway, and the next day I used the Convention Center parking garage. After the show, I didn’t have to rely on my faitha faitha faith!

CT International Auto Show book signing

Business.Auto show coming to Hartford this weekend
Published: Thursday, November 18, 2010

Middletown Press Staff

Featuring hundreds of cars, including the new 2011 Chevrolet Volt, the Connecticut International Auto Show will return to Hartford this weekend.

The Volt is the industry’s first electric vehicle with extended-range capability. Learn how electric vehicles work, why they are considered the cars of the future and see a display of electric charging stations at the auto show.

But classic and antique cars will be on display as well, as will the Legoland racetrack and a toy drop for We Are the Children, which provides a holiday celebration for any needy child who has no place to spend the holiday. On the Legoland racetrack, children will be able to build their own race cars and then test drive them.

Check out the vintage cars from the start to the middle of the 20th century, including a 1908 Pope Hartford (story on page 4).

State police will be available to demonstrate a seat belt convincer and roll-over simulator. You will also be able to take a test drive in a new Buick, GMC and Chevrolet. A wide selection of used cars will also be on display in connection with the auto show.

The following car lines will be offered: Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Ram, Saab, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

The following booths will be available: AAA, After FX, David Lerner Associates, Dunkin Donuts, E-Muscle, FJB Associates, Lincoln educational Services, MMJ Promotions, Potomac Garage Solutions, Ride-Away Moability Vehicles, Silverleaf Associates and Vacation Village Resorts. See floor plan on Page 6.

WMRQ will be broadcasting live from the show floor on Friday from 4 to 8 and WCCC will be live at the show on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

On Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., author Glenn Maynard will be at the show to speak about his book, “Strapped into an American Dream.” The book tells the story of his one-year journey in an RV through the 48 lower states.

Show hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford. Box Office closes 1 hour prior to the end of the Show each day.
Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 are admitted free, and seniors 65 or older get a $2 discount on Friday with proper ID.

Parking is $3 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour at Connecticut Convention Center garage.

For more information, visit connautoshow.com or check out The Middletown Press auto tab coming out Friday.

I got me a Literary Agent

Today I will be signing a Contact with a Literary Agency who liked what they saw in my Fiction Novel, “Desert Son.” This would be my second book, but first work of fiction. Creating an entire world and the people within is very satisfying. Then having someone in the world of literature telling you that it’s something that could sell is leaps and bounds beyond satisfying. Maybe I could create a Literary world where my fiction book is accepted and published and call it a day. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. The agency has some contacts, but there are many genres of fiction, and the manuscript must be appropriate. My agent was hopeful after reading my manuscript because it dealt with reincarnation, and it would cross many genres. She said she could send it to publishers of Horror, publishers of paranormal, and several other variations of these. The fact that she can send it out to more publishers increases its chance of publication. She does have a contact with a publisher of Horror, who read the synopsis of “Desert Son” when she was considering representing me, and he told her that he would definately take a look at the manuscript. More to come on this one…

2 Big Shows upcoming

I will be returning to 2 big events from last year. The CT International Auto Show (November 20th and 21st) and the Northeast Recreational Vehicle & Camping Show (January 22nd and 23rd) are again taking place at the CT Convention Center. These events bring thousands of visitors, and this year I will be inside the show for both events. The CT Convention Center shows have held the biggest events for me so far, so returning with a new softcover edition of “Strapped Into An American Dream” will be a much easier task. Since I caught the show director’s earlier this year, I will be listed in their advertising and better promoted.

“I’m interesting” and the Art Show

I will be showing my book, “Strapped Into An American Dream” at the annual Employees art show where I work. Each year Artist’s display their work and hundreds of their coworkers can take a peek throughout the day. On October 21st, I will be showing my book, but they told me that I cannot sell it. Good enough, I thought, because I could tell them where to buy it. Then I had a thought to go to the little store in the Lobby and ask if they would be interested in carrying it so I could drive people who wanted to buy it to the Lobby Store. I explained this plan to the Chinese man running the store, and he said in so many words that he wanted in. Actually, he said “I’m interesting.” What he meant was that he was interested. I built a book display out of a Tic Tac display I found at Aldi’s, and it really came out nice. I brought my own books in instead of waiting for his books to come in. I arranged his invoice for 20 books and brought in half of them for his display to get him started, and would bring in 10 more when his order comes through. I went down to the store last week and asked if he ordered the books yet, and he told me that he didn’t. I told him that he must do so in order to get the books before the art show on October 21st. I think he just wants to sell my books and get a cut of that. I do have alternatives, he is hard to communicate with, and it’s just another chapter in my marketing effort. Time will tell how this deal goes down.