Dr. Van Stockum is published in the areas of biology, history,
environmental law, and creative writing, and has addressed these topics in
numerous presentations and seminars. His resume can be found at www.vanstockum.com
and contains a complete list of his publications and presentations.
He is past Chair of the Kentucky Chapter of the Nature Conservancy and
has served as Vice President of the Filson HIstorical Society. He is past
Chair of the Environmental Law Section of the Louisville Bar Association and
past Chair of the Kentucky Bar Association, Environment, Energy & Resources
Law Section. He is also past President of the University of Louisville
Alumni Association. Dr. Van Stockum currently serves on the Oil and
Gas Work Group for the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet working on
revisions to oil and gas statutes and regulations.
Dr. Van Stockum has published six short stories and two novels of
fiction science and magic realism. The first is entitled Markman's
Home, and the second, Cosmos, the Stellar Stalker. He
has also recently published his nonfiction short story entitled, "The
Wonder of Natural Life in Kentucky."
The
Writers' Lens is about "bringing fiction into focus." What
brings your writing into focus-the characters, the stories, the love of
words? Feelings
compel me to write. They are strong enough to continually nag at my
consciousness, seeking an outlet of expression. When I give way to these
urges to write, I blend in scientific subjects that I am studying.
How do
you find time to write and do a demanding job? There is time in between other
activities to write copiously. The only requisite is the activation of
energy to get started and the reward that one feels in expression. It is
remarkable how much time is available "in between." Of course,
one looks somewhat unsociable sitting at a social engagement and writing, but
my friends have become used to it.
What
inspired your latest book? My latest book is a novella that bridges one of my earliest
and lengthiest books, Markman's Home, into the third of my novels, Xortal. I
needed to expand on the ending of the first novel so as to increase the
diversity and delight of the characters as they further interact under new
circumstances. In addition, I have had the pleasure of listening to Brad
Cook lecture on points of view. If, in my thought process, I feel
naturally comfortable in moving from one point of view to the next, then I am
convinced to write that way. Multiple points of view in the same chapter.
So, the inspiration of my book is two-fold: one, topic and the other,
technique.
What do you think readers will like about your book? I think most readers will find plot forwarding
through different points of view to be either captivating or distracting. I
intend to "capture" them by continuing to write in
an action/adventure speed with unusual descriptions of
human nature allowed by the varying points of view.
Will
you share a bit about your next project? I am a scientist and also a
lawyer. I write a great deal of professional material in both science and
the field of environmental law. I have been recently contacted by a law
journal seeking the submission of an article regarding agriculture. I
would entitle it "The Wondrous Journey of Food-Our Relationship Through
the Ages." I have found success in merging my nonfiction, technical
style of writing with my creative fiction style of writing. That
breakthrough came in a long short story entitled, "The Wonder of Natural
Life in Kentucky," which has been very well received. I would
anticipate writing this new book, which deals with the history of food, in a
similar fashion.
What
is your favorite way to interact with fans/readers? I enjoy promoting my books at
conferences and seminars. Although conversation limits the number of
books one can sell an hour, the ability to meet and get to know a potential
buyer is a satisfying exercise. Their willingness to engage in a journey
through your writing when they purchase one of your books, is even more
gratifying. Of course, when they return at another conference to tell you
how much they enjoyed your work, well-that's simply "the cat's
meow."
What
are your top three reasons for writing? 1) passion; 2) love; and 3) interest.
What
is the highest compliment someone could make about your writing? There are two: a) It was fun;
and b) I love your footnotes.
What
is your favorite writing accessory or reference? I am a speed printer, so having a
mechanical pencil with an effective eraser and a double-backed yellow pad makes
me exceptionally comfortable and efficient. That is how I am writing
now. There are many references in the writing that I do, but I am always
pleased when I am able to bring out the original Oxford English Dictionary. There is history of writing in that great work even if it takes a magnifying
glass to examine!
What
tune/music could be the theme song for your book? "River Nights," by
Reginald Bareham. You can find it on vimeo under "Reginald
Bareham." It is also on the sound track of the educational
television documentary, "Harry Caudill, A Man of Courage."
If you
could meet one of your characters, who would it be and where would you meet? I am with them all of the
time.
© 2016 by Ronald R. Van Stockum Jr., All Rights Reserved
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