Interviews W/ Published Western Authors
Lee Aaron Wilson
A Rope and Wire Interview
Lee Aaron Wilson comes from a long line of storytellers who went west as guides, scouts, lawmen and outlaws after the Civil War.
After many years as a Criminal Psychologist and California peace officer from Contra Costa County, Lee settled down in the state of Arizona to begin his writing career in earnest.
I'm always curious as to how people end up doing what they do. Can you give me some of your personal background and tell me how your past experiences motivated you to become a writer.
I knew when I was eight or nine that I would be a writer. We were farm people, no TV, hell; even radio was by battery, as we had no electricity. So we told stories. I grew up on tales of the west by my great grandfather and his brothers--stories that find their way into my western novels yet today. By nine, as the oldest grandchild, at family get-togethers, I told stories to the younger kids. Over the years I have done many things, some of them included counter-espionage and law enforcement. I'm a psychologist with a specialty in counseling the convicted offender. Oh, and I started reading about age four or five, stories I mean. Like Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, etc. I discovered westerns about age 12, and by 15 was critiquing them. Now I put all of that together to write novels. (Westerns as Lee Aaron Wilson, for the initials L A W, and mystery, suspense, and romantic suspense as Lee Baldwin.
Were there or are there now certain people in your life that either influenced your decision to try your hand at writing or have shaped the type of story you tell?
My grandmother wrote, and encouraged me. I loved the stories told by my great- grandfather and his brothers, and those primed me to read, and then to write westerns. In all my western novels, there are stories, either told around a campfire, or more likely reworded so they become the exploits of my heroes.
You learned to read at a young age. At what point did you first try your hand at writing and how did your writing skills progress over the years?
When did I start writing? Let's see, in grammar school, I created a "school paper," a mimeographed sheet. In High school, wrote a column for the school paper, and a few short stories (that never got published.) LOL. The only course in high school I got a D in was typing. English, I generally got As and Bs. In college, I got through English and the required literature classes with decent grades. In the service I attempted my first novel (Science fiction.) The urge to write was always there, but my handwriting is atrocious. When computers came within financial reach of the working person, I bought one and printer and then I could write. The rest is history. It took a while to realize how bad my written language skills were, although my verbal skills were always pretty good. Every year, I learn more. I may get good someday.
How much of your time is spent hitting the keys? Your work sounds very interesting and challenging. Do you use writing as an outlet to relax?
Now I write at least six hours a day. When I'm into a new story, I may write 8 or 10. Writing is my sanity. I don't just do it for money, or to relax. I do it because I must write. The world overwhelms me; in my writing, I have some control. If I never sold another book, I would not starve but I'd probably go insane. I write in more than one genre, as you may have noticed, but in all of it you will see my background (I was a farm boy) my education (I have degrees in math, chemistry, and a strong minor in history. I am a psychologist with a specialty in criminal behavior) and I carried a badge for over 20 years. Along the way, I have raced cars, flown a jet fighter, became a competent skier, and am proficient enough in the martial arts and the use of firearms that I have taught both. When my characters use a weapon or their hands it's moves I know work because I've used them. The cars I have them drive, I've driven. I have always gotten along well with women, so my characters do. I once wrote a first person story from a feminine point of view. That was interesting to do. I think I understand women better now. (I would recommend all writers do that, by the way; write a novel from the POV of the other gender. And have it critiqued by both genders. That is an experience!)
It sounds like you have quite a background to draw from. Is there anything from your past that stands out as a major influence on your writing?
Scott, I’ve been thinking about this one. Probably the biggest influence was my grandfather Baldwin, although stories from my great grandfather got me started as a tale-spinner. Grandfather was professional fight at the turn of the century and shortly after. The expression "you aren't beat until you don't get up again," comes from him, and is, without conscious decision part of every novel I write. The hero or the heroine may run into all sorts of problems, and defeats, but keeps going because, "you just ain't beat 'til you don't git up again."
How difficult was it to get your first novel accepted by a publisher?
My first published novel came 14 years after my first effort, and was about my sixth attempt. I think that says it all on you second question this time.
Sounds like you had an interesting grandfather. Dogged determination is one of the attributes that can be found in most successful writers, or anyone else who has succeeded at something difficult for that matter and as most successful writers will tell you, getting published is not always easy.
It was seven years between my first book and my second. Of course part of that was that the first publisher went under (owing me about $10,000 in royalties) while we were discussing reprinting my first novel, which had sold out. In that time I went to a pre-seminar writing class with Leonard Bishop. He did mine last, saying I didn't need his class and told me go learn how to market. At this time I've had five published, one of which was the second edition of Billy Killdeere, the one just out it doesn't get much easier.
Once you get your first book behind you, does it get any easier?
How many books have you had published? Can you tell me a little bit about them?
The second novel was Send An Angel, a paranormal romantic suspense that was based on my years as a criminal psychologist. (Written under the name Lee Baldwin) The heroine was an alcoholic, a former signing start on the streets when the story opened. Right after it came Your Solar Energy, a how-to and guide to using the sun's energy. In 2007 Killdeere Way came out, the second in the western Killdeere Outlaw Clan series. (The third is written also.) The publisher, Treble Heart Books, has accepted Dunbar Range, and Colorado Justice, two more westerns, though a pub date is not yet assigned. All my westerns are written under the name Lee Aaron Wilson. Kyla's Angel, the sequel to Send An Angel has gone through the editing process and should be out in time for Christmas this year. Written as Lee Baldwin, it follows the angel on its next mission, which is more of a paranormal romantic thriller.
Leonard Bishop suggested you go learn how to market. How have you done with that? What are some of the ways you market your books?
I am still fumbling with marketing. I speak when I get a chance, I attend group book signings--solos just don't do much--right now, how we met, I'm involved in "Virtual Book Tour." Some places a great welcome, by the way, and some damn near impossible to get through their passwords, etc, into them. I have a lead that might get me radio exposure, and two that might get me local TV time. All in all, it's a real job, and while I'm getting them published now, that's only the beginning. Selling the actual books is at least as hard as the manuscript.
The last question I normally ask is for some parting words of wisdom or advice for those writers who are just starting out in the business. What are your parting thoughts?
I've told many aspiring writers, in classes, seminars, and groups, that the hardest thing they'll ever do it actually finish the first novel manuscript. I still think that's true, although selling enough books so the publisher picks up your next book is difficult. So my words of wisdom (?) are Keep Writing.
To learn more about Lee go our links page and visit his website.
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