Category Archives: Interviews
Freaky Friday: An Interview with an Icon
Every so many Fridays I’d like to do a new feature here on the blog called Freaky Friday where I get to delve into the nonsensical part of me. There’s something about removing inhibitions and just being goofy that is very liberating. It’s also exposing and that can be a little nerve-wracking. You may see a side of me that you find shocking, frightening, or even just bizarre.
Please, don’t judge me as a whole based on these posts. I am all of the above at times but never one all the time.
So, recently I had the opportunity to interiview a popular childhood icon. The coversation went something like this.
Mike Dellosso: Hi George, thanks for taking the time to speak with me. How have things been going for you?
George Porgie: Not the greatest. I made one mistake and got slapped with a label that’s followed me around my whole life.
MD: Let’s go back to that time and set the stage. You were a kid, right? And everyone called you Georgie.
GP: I guess. I mean, yeah, they called me Georgie. It was a name my mom gave me, and my aunt. Everything was Georgie this, Georgie that. Isn’t Georgie so cute.
MD: So were you okay with Georgie Porgie?
GP: No, not really. I wanted to be called George or maybe just “G” but what was I going to do?
MD: But it gets worse, doesn’t it?
GP: Don’t even go there.
MD: Puddin’ Pie? What’s up with that?
GP: My mom again. And my aunt. My cheeks were so pudgy they used to squeeze them and say they felt like pudding pie. Plus I liked to eat pudding pie.
MD: That’s just weird.
GP: Yeah, tell me about it.
MD: So what happened on the playground that day?
GP: What do you mean?
MD: Something happened.
GP: I was playing on the playground. It was recess. I loved to swing and was the first one out there so I could get the best swing. These girls came out–
MD: Do you remember their names?
GP: Sure I do. Emma, Sharon, and Lucy.
MD: And what happened then?
GP: We were alone and I kissed them. On the cheek. Look, it was no big deal. Everyone’s made such a big deal about it.
MD: Why did you kiss them? I mean, that’s kinda weird, don’t you think? Enough to frighten any girl?
GP: I don’t know. It just happened. They wanted the swings and I wasn’t about to give up the best swing. I was there first. So I kissed them. On the cheek.
MD: And what happened after that?
GP: They started to cry like girls.
MD: They were girls. Was that the intended reaction?
GP: No. Maybe. I don’t know. Look, I was a dumb kid with chubby cheeks. Geez. Talk about a misunderstanding.
MD: But that’s not all, is it?
GP: Well you know the story. Everyone does. These guys came out then.
MD: And they saw the girls crying.
GP: Yeah.
MD: And what did you do?
GP: I don’t understand the question.
MD: Georgie, you ran away, didn’t you?
GP: Well wouldn’t you? I mean it was like four to one, is that fair? No. No, it’s not fair, but everyone makes me out to be some chubby wimp, kissing girls and running away from their protectors. It didn’t happen like that.
MD: No one ever said you were chubby.
Words of Wisdom: Michael Hyatt
I had the unique opportunity to interview Michael Hyatt , Chairman of Thomas Nelson, last night in preparation for the upcoming ACFW conference in Dallas in September where Michael will be the keynote speaker. The full interview will appear in the ACFW’s Journal but I wanted to share some memorable quotes.
“It’s important for any leader to know that before you can grow and expand your leadership potential you have to be humbled. And you either figure that out on your own or God has a way of graciously and providentially orchestrating our circumstances so we learn those lessons.”
“With so much competition and so much noise in the marketplace you have to make sure your book is as wow as you can make it. At the end of the day that’s what creates word of mouth and buzz. If people don’t want to talk about your book or share it with their friends then you’re dead in the water. No amount of advertising can offset a product that doesn’t generate word of mouth.”
“Marketing is dead, the days of bludgeoning people into buying a product, those days are over. You have to engage people and build a relationship with them.”
Ask Frank Blog Tour (Frank Peretti’s ILLUSION)
Back in 1986, as a 14-year-old I read a book called This Present Darkness by some guy named Frank Peretti. I knew nothing of Frank, not much of Christian fiction, and wasn’t really into suspense at the time. As it did most readers, the book captivated my imagination. It was the first contemporary novel I read that I felt I couldn’t put down. Then came Piercing the Darkness, Prophet, The Oath, and The Visitation and I was a sold-out Peretti fan. A few years later came Monster and I wanted to move to the north country of Idaho. Now, after seven years, comes Illusion, another soul-stirring story of love and mystery.
Almost ten years ago, when I decided to dive into the fiction writing pool myself I was given the advice to find an author I admire and who inspires me and read his or her work, not for the enjoyment of it, but to learn from it.
I turned to Frank Peretti.
Now, with six of my own books under my belt, I still look to Frank as the role model I need to press on and strive to improve my storytelling with each book. I’m honored to be able to take part in the “Ask Frank Blog Tour.”
I had the opportunity to ask Frank a few questions and below are his answers.
1. Why did you choose to use magic and Illusion as a framework for this book?
I chose magic and illusion for two reasons:
Obviously, magic would be interesting and highly visual, and would also afford plenty of opportunity for mystery.
Secondly, Mandy’s sudden, unexplainable ability to create and perform such mysterious effects works right into the whole interdimensional, time bending element, the“sci-fi bad guy” intrigue of the story.
2. What interests do you have outside of writing?
Music. I have played the 5 string banjo for over 20 years and now I’m seriously studying the guitar. I lead worship at my local church which means I lead a worship band including musicians and singers. That’s a lot of fun, and always a creative challenge. It’s also a marvelous environment for learning how to work with people. I love flying and still have a current pilot’s license, but alas, flying is getting too expensive and I don’t do much of it anymore. I also love motion pictures and I’ve done some video production, but I guess that’s going to remain at the level of a hobby. Well, okay.
3. What is the main idea you want people to take home after they read your books?
I’ll go ahead and sound religious: I would like to create stories that glorify God and the things He has created, in this case, steadfast love, devotion, the joy of having someone. I would like to convey truth, celebrate beauty, warn against evil, admonish and ennoble.
4. What authors do you like to read?
Any author I can learn from. I keep my eyes open for the good stuff that comes along. Francis Schaeffer, Ravi Zacharias, and CS Lewis have been strong influences in my intellectual life. Michael Crichton has been a favorite author of mine because of the way he can put together a technothriller. He’s always been a really great model for structuring a story. Besides these, I like to read other fiction authors to learn from them, to see how they craft their stories, develop their style, and work with words. You never stop learning, growing, getting better at what you do.
5. Which book that you have written has been the most influential for you personally?
Well, I guess I would speak in the present tense and in terms of where my heart is right now and say Illusion. I’m 61 years of age, I was writing this book just as I was turning 60, and at that time I was reflecting on my life and my love relationship of 40 years with Barbara Jean. Like any artist, I was trying to convey something from my heart, trying to paint with words some very deep feelings and reflections. Writing Illusion deepened all the more my love for my wife and illuminated all that our marriage and our love has meant.
Here’s what you can do:
Visit the Ask Frank landing page and check out the other blogs participating. There’s a wide array of bloggers.
Check out the book on Frank’s site and order a copy today.
To celebrate this latest offering from a true mentor of mine, I’m offering an advanced reader’s copy of Illusion. Just leave a comment on this post about anything Peretti-related or anything at all and you’ll be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced Thursday morning.
Last Day to SCREAM!
Here’s a unique view at FRANTIC . . . an interview two of the main characters (Marny and Esther) did with Katie McCurdy:
Check it out. Lots of fun and intrigue and some good life lessons . . . !
Also, this is your last day to get SCREAM for FREE! After today it will go back to its regular e-book price. Consider it our Valentine’s Day gift to you 🙂
Here’s where you can get your copy. And please help spread the word by sharing the page with your Facebook and Twitter friends.
More Chances to Win a Copy of FRANTIC
First, I’d like to thank everyone who has been spreading the word about the release of FRANTIC. What you do is important, no matter how small it may seem. You make a difference and I appreciate every one of you. THANK YOU!
Second, today brings another day of guest-blogging, and more giveaways for a chance to win a copy of FRANTIC. Check out these sites . . .
Thoughts of a Sojourner . . . “On Being an Alien”
Melinda Williams . . . “A Fire in the Bones”
Also, don’t forget to visit these blogs and post a comment for a chance to win a copy of FRANTIC. They’re still running their giveaways!
One Desert Rose . . . “Being Intentional”
Into the Fire . . . guest post “Live Like You Mean It”
I am Believing God . . . “Mike Dellosso is Master of Suspense”
Window to My World . . . Interview
Nikole Hahn’s Journal . . . guest post “People Come First”
Now, have you ordered or purchased your copy of FRANTIC yet? You can get a copy here. Or for your Kindle. Or for your Nook.
Also here’s where you can get your free download of SCREAM. Or for your Nook. Order it today, the offer only lasts until February 14!
Related articles
- Guest Blogger: “BEING INTENTIONAL” by Mike Dellosso~~With Another “Frantic” Giveaway! (onedesertrose.wordpress.com)
- People Come First By Mike Dellosso (thewritelife2.wordpress.com)
- Live Like You Mean It. (Mike Dellosso) (hopeofglory.typepad.com)
New Interview Posted
Image via Wikipedia
Nora St. Laurent over at “Finding Hope Through Fiction” recently interviewed me for the American Christian Fiction Writers book club pick for February.
The interview is now posted here and you can win a free copy of Darlington Woods.
Besides that, it was a fun interview and she included lots of interesting graphics and pics. Check it out. It’s worth a few minutes of your time.
Interview, Part Two
Check out Part Two of my interview with Nicole Petrino-Salter. She asked some pretty personal and tough questions!
Interview, Part One
Check out Part One of a two-part interview I did with Nicole Petrino-Salter. Some pretty revealing stuff . . . and fun too!
MIKE DELLOSSO 