An Interview with R. Lawson: Author of Recall

R. Lawson is a retired vascular surgeon and Professor of Surgery who served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. With over 120 academic works published, he moved into fiction genre writing thrillers with a focus on terrorism, cyber spying and more. However, RECALL is written in a different genre, a fictional historical narrative.

Tell us about your book.

RECALL, a fictional historical narrative, tells the story through the impressions of four young men who played on a championship high school football team in the Fifties and end up in different capacities in Vietnam a decade later. The characters’ stories serve as a primer for a pivotal period in American life, the Sixties. Not only was a war going on, but a cultural revolution was under way. The hippie generation revolted against the war, which evolved into a form of anti-war anarchy that divided the nation’s political lines, birthing a bitter polarization that lasted decades to the present.

As the characters return home from service, they are faced with social conflict and disrespect. Follow their interwoven stories as they try to assimilate back into a world that appears to have gone mad while also struggling with their personal demons.

Why did you want to write a book?

Half our population was not born during the Vietnam War and many others do not recall all the divisive details. We seem not to learn the lessons of history. I try to give the reader the perspectives of four young men who served in S E Asia and later had to deal with the challenges of assimilating back into a hostile society upon their return to the States from Vietnam.

I hope my personal Vietnam experience as a USAF flight surgeon and my extensive research on the subject will enlighten some and educate others. The factual details in the novel include 1980’s declassified CIA Intelligence Estimates from that era – a real eye-opener that dispels many misconceptions and exposes the failures of our political leadership at the highest levels.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

I’m an old retired professor of surgery who did not want to spend the many years typically required to get an agent to land a traditional publisher who probably would assign an editor who had no military experience or firsthand knowledge of Vietnam to tell me how to relate my story.

As an academic surgeon I published over 120 peer reviewed publications- six books, forty plus book chapters, and eighty plus journal articles. I have an idea about how to research a subject and write about it. Amazon’s self-publishing tools was my expedient choice to get my message out while I still could recall many details. RECALL is my six novel with Amazon in the last five years. My first as a fictional historical narrative.

What tools or companies did you use, and what experience did you have?

See above- I’m very pleased with Amazon’s assisted agent program. I have a private, experienced editor and a daughter gifted in getting the job done.

Would you self-publish again?

Absolutely. The reach of the internet dwarfs the traditional brick and mortar approach in my opinion without all the hassle.

What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?

Not hiring a good editor. Not writing blogs to promote novels. Not finding reliable, professional reviewers. Not figuring out good marketing strategies. Not self-editing until the story flows. Don’t give up. Tell your story. Someone will read it.

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

Hire a good editor. Avoid pitfalls above. Take your readers to places they’ve never been with solid, identifiable characters who face some form of adversity. If you do it right, the readers will root for them to prevail and overcome the challenge.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

Trying to relate too much information that bogs down the story’s pace and failing to increase the arc of the protagonist’s conflict resolution.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

I do not outline. I just write, revise, and continue to edit until I’m satisfied. Maybe twenty times for each chapter. What ever it takes. Mornings are best when my mind is fresh.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Never had it, really. I write my thoughts down in notes or text and revise later. Rewriting is the key for me, trying to assess if the reader will get it. I ask myself, “Is this natural dialogue?” Or, “Is this over the top?” One idea or Google search often leads to another idea or story line. I find it fun, not a chore. If it’s work, you might be doing something wrong. You can be disciplined, but don’t drive yourself into the ground or fret. Enjoy the process of composing a story that someone will identify with or learn something of value from reading it. Maybe even compliment you.

Tell us about the genre you wrote in, and why you chose to write this sort of book.

My other five publications were action thrillers. But, RECALL is written as a fictional historical narrative although much of the story is true and some of the characters are or were close friends (vets) or composites of people I admire. For privacy reasons the story is presented as fiction. True life is often stranger than fiction. I couldn’t make all this up, my imagination is not that good.

I’ve thought and read a lot about Vietnam for over fifty years since I served over there. There are so many misconceptions, myths, and misrepresentations associated with Vietnam. I tried to clear some of them up in the book with documented facts. I attempted to present fair, contrasting assessments of the war’s conduct through my characters , some who had held strong opinions pro and con. Too many lessons have gone unlearned. My generation owes it to the present generation to warn them not to repeat our mistakes. Witness the turmoil in the Middle East. Learn from history or suffer the consequences of ignoring its lessons.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

I enjoy reading many authors for different reasons- entertainment, documentary, history, escape… There are many gifted writers out there. To single out a few would slight others I left out. At my age, it takes a lot to inspire me. That’s not why I write. I read a lot, and I learn a lot. I enjoy an author’s turn of a phrase, the choice of a word, the use of a clever metaphor, and flowing descriptive dialogue that moves the story along. I like technical details and I’m fascinated with modern technology. I learn from experienced writers, but dislike cookie-cutter plots and authors who just churn out books without a take home message or life story paradigm. Books offer a lifetime of enjoyment and education.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

I’m blessed with a daughter who manages the business end. I just compose and write. My family is supportive naturally and especially appreciate the work and extensive research that RECALL required. My friends help me become a better author since they are honest in their critiques and praise. Some offer constructive criticism, others tell me I nailed it and they got it. I appreciate their input.

What are your plans now your book is published?

I’m 34 chapters into my next novel, Zachor– about the ongoing Palestinian/ Israeli conflict and the threat of a third Intifada. This will be my seventh novel dealing with a contentious issue, most contemporary. Actually, RECALL is the backstory of two of my main characters in my series. I try to use them and other characters introduced in one novel in the next one to give the series continuity in dealing with current global threats. That makes it easier for readers to follow the story lines- cyber warfare, terrorism, WMD’s, Jihad, and other existential threats.

Why did you write about this particular subject?

To give the present generation a perspective from a veteran, a MD who air evacuated the wounded and body bags in Vietnam. A message from someone who witnessed the turmoil and tragedy that war triggered, polarizing our society to this day. The theme- Learn the lessons of history or you are doomed to repeat them (paraphrasing Santayana).

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

More factual data about Vietnam, geopolitics, and cultural revolutions than I knew existed- informational overload became a challenge to condense into the novel. The declassified CIA Intelligence Estimates from that era were critical to my understanding of that mismanaged war through three administrations- JFK, LBJ, and Nixon. I read them with dismay.

What’s next for you as an author?

Upcoming intelligence action/thriller – ZACHOR.