Today’s special guest is short story writer Fred Olds. We’re chatting about his new children’s short story collection, Read-Aloud Stories with Fred Vols. 1 and 2.
Bio:
Fred Olds has crafted dozens of stories over the years and has been involved with various writing and critique groups. At 92, he is a devoted husband and proud father and grandfather living in Central Illinois. After retirement from the Postal Service as an electronic technician, he finally has time to concentrate on writing. A true storyteller at heart, his first love is writing children’s books with an occasional murder mystery thrown in for a change of pace. Check out his series for kids, Read-Aloud Stories with Fred, The Dog and the Flea (book one of the Perky Pet Problems series), and his first book for adults, The Hobo Who Wasn’t, an exciting detective story.
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?
Ideas for short stories are triggered in my imagination. They pop into my head spontaneously wherever I am–while driving somewhere, mowing the yard, or even in bed. (I’ve often arisen to jot down an idea. If I sleep on it, it’s gone!) They usually have very few characters and thus develop more easily.
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
The Sammy Stories are so much fun. They feature a young native boy who lives in a jungle village and can talk to animals within it. With the assistance of his newfound friend, Jonathan Crow, he solves every problem and mystery encountered.
The Hobbling Hermit originated from my wife throwing out an old purse because the catch was broken and a pair of shoes with the sole separating from the upper.
With some imagination, the plot forms and the hard work of writing and rewriting begins.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
Children’s stories are number one because they can be really simple; all you need are good characters, evil characters, an injustice, and a happy outcome!
Adult mysteries are my second choice because you can weave some romance into the plot to flesh out the story.
What exciting story are you working on next?
Read Aloud Stories with Fred Vol.3 is my present focus, with Ben Takes a Dare, The Chamberlain’s Chagrin (a sequel to the Cheerless Chairmaker story in vol.2), and Sammy and the Forgetful Frog.
I’ve written a new poem-picture book, The Kindred Kittens, that still needs to be illustrated.
In between all this, I’m trying to rewrite my first and only romance novel, using my military experiences and travels to Japan and Korea as background locations.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Well you might say it began with teaching Sunday School and writing lessons for 45 years. When I finally retired, I finally had time to pursue writing in earnest. A discouraging course at Parkland Community College caused me to look for a critique group. I found the best, and here I am.
When folks other than my loving relatives purchased my books.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Well I don’t really know of one. Maybe the fact that my computer table is a total mess; and if I were to dig through the pile, I’d find notes of story ideas scattered throughout or maybe waking up in the wee hours with a story idea. Of course the lights go on while I jot it down, leaving the neighbors wondering if the ambulance will soon appear!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I didn’t grow up until I got married and had a family. Then reality sunk in, “Fred, you’d better get serious about life!”
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
If you really want to write a story, decide what age group will be reading it, what it will be about, then create interesting characters with interesting names. Read it aloud to yourself. (often!) Only the writer can put the emphasis where it should be. Rewrite until you are making the same changes back and forth. Then submit it to an experienced editor (such as Margo L. Dill). They will soon let you know if you have a shot.
Links:
Goodreads | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Website
Thanks, Fred!
— Blog Tour Calendar
June 7th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of this incredible blog tour. Find out more about the authors, their touching books, and enter to win books for yourself. Become an active participant in the tour, and you can win a gift card. https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
June 8th @ Lisa’s Reading
Visit Lisa’s blog where she shares a guest post about clean, sweet, books and how to find them (and why kids will love them too). https://lisasreading.com/
June 8th @ Pages and Paws
Come by and read a review of Read-Aloud Stories with Fred https://pagesandpaws.com/
June 9th @ Create Write Now
Mari shares a guest post today about tackling the stigma of mental illness. https://www.createwritenow.com/
June 11th @ Pages and Paws
Come by to Pages and Paws again and read a review of Only My Horses Know https://pagesandpaws.com/
June 13th @ AJ Kormon’s Blog
Join us at AJ Kormon’s blog where you can read a guest post about finding problems kids will relate to. A must-read post for children’s book authors! https://www.ajkormon.com/blog
June 14th @ AJ Kormon’s Blog
Join us again at AJ Kormon’s blog today where you can read a review of Read-Aloud Stories with Fred and Only My Horses Know. https://www.ajkormon.com/blog
June 15th @ HERE!
Join Lisa as she interviews author Fred Olds about his book Read-Aloud Stories with Fred Collection. https://lisahaselton.com/
June 16th @ Words from the Heart
Linda reviews the book Read-Aloud Stories with Fred Collection by Fred Olds. https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
June 17th @ Literary Quicksand
Join Jolissa as she reviews Read-Aloud Stories with Fred Collection by Fred Olds. http://www.literaryquicksand.com/
June 18th @ Words from the Heart
Linda shares a guest post about tackling Christian themes in secular books. https://contemplativeed.blogspot.com/
June 20th @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdra as she features Read-Aloud Stories with Fred and Only My Horses Know. http://www.astorybookworld.com/
June 21st @ HERE!
Join Lisa as she interviews author Cinda Bauman, author of the book Only My Horses Know.
June 23rd @ Bring on Lemons
Visit Crystal’s blog today where she reviews Read-Aloud Stories with Fred and Only My Horses Know. http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
June 26th @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories
Join Linda as she reviews Read-Aloud Stories with Fred and Only My Horses Know. https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/
June 28th @ Jill Sheets’ Blog
Visit Jill’s blog where she reviews Read-Aloud Stories with Fred and Only My Horses Know. http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/
July 1st @ What is That Book About
Michelle shares a guest post about following your dreams at 92. What an inspiring story! https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/
July 2nd @ One Writer’s Journey
Visit Sue’s blog where she reviews Read-Aloud Stories with Fred and Only My Horses Know. https://suebe.wordpress.com/
July 6th @ McFly’s Book Bliss
Join Marisa as she reviews Only My Horses Know. http://mcflysbookbliss.com/
July 9th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Join Wendi at her blog Strength 4 Spouses where she shares her review of Read-Aloud Stories with Fred and Only My Horses Know. https://strength4spouses.blog/blog/
July 10th @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories
Visit Linda’s blog again where she shares a guest post about finding a good critique group. https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com
July 11th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Join Wendi again at her blog where she shares a guest post about the importance of communicating in families. https://strength4spouses.blog/blog/
Thank you for taking the time to interview Fred! 🙂 WE really appreciate it.