National Bestselling Author Steven Manchester (Photo courtesy & permission of the author.).
In 2014, when I started sharing with people immediately around me that I was writing a manuscript for the first trilogy (the Penitent) of my sci/fi, fantasy series, The Immortality Wars, several of them asked me if I knew Steven Manchester. They explained to me that Steve was a local author and that he had written quite a few books that were best sellers. They thought it would be a good idea if I talked with him about his experience and knowledge of the literary world. Perhaps, they suggested, I could learn from him and it would be a solid first step in my becoming an author.
“This insightful book traces prison life through the eyes of the correction officers—the unsung heroes of the criminal justice system.” (Kroshka Books, October 1, 1997)
I thought it was a wonderful idea, but then I chickened out and felt that I was way over my head in talking with someone like Steve at that point in time. Instead, I believed it would be better for me to complete the manuscript and get it published first before I went and started networking at that level.
Two years later, I met Steve at the annual conference for the Cape Cod Writers Center, which was held in Hyannis, MA at The Resort and Conference Center. I was impressed with his humility, his literary expertise in writing and storytelling, his wry sense of humor, and especially his ability to relate so well with everyone around him.
I also was humbled at his service to our nation as he served in the Army from 1987 to 1992 and did a tour of duty during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. His Military Occupational Specialty Code was 95 Bravo, which stands for military police. He held the rank of sergeant and was a squad leader.
As a result of meeting him at this conference, we occasionally got together to talk about writing and how we were doing at the craft of telling stories. I consider him not only a superlative writer but also one of my best friends.
“…Steven Manchester has found an amazing way to chronicle an individual’s life.”
— Noonie Fortin, author of 2002
New York Book Festival as Winner. (Paula Manchester photo; courtesy & permission of Steven Manchester.)
This first blog about Steve is not just an introduction only. I hope I can offer a glimpse into the amazing journey he has been on over the last quarter of a century. I also hope to provide you with a portrait of his creative output, energy, and literary impact on readers. Further, his volunteer service to the people and towns around where he lives offers an inspiring example of the kind of individual he is.
Kindly note that some of Steve’s novels shown here in this blog cannot be obtained. (Yet, they might make collectible editions if any are still available for purchase.) My hope writing about him in this blog post is that I can help show you a bit of the arc of Steve Manchester’s creative art of storytelling.
Steve’s literary career began when he returned to school after his Army service ended. In a 2004 interview with the “Compulsive Reader”, Steve explains the spark that ignited his writing,
“I’d just returned home from Operation Desert Storm, and was working as a prison investigator in Massachusetts. Needless to say, there was great negativity in my life at that time. I decided to return to college to finish my degree in Criminal Justice.
“During one of the classes, the professor talked about police work but nothing else. I finally raised my hand and asked, ‘The criminal justice system is vast. What about the courts, probation, parole—corrections?’
“He smiled and told me to see him after class.
“I thought I’d done it! In his office, he explained, ‘There’s no written material out there on corrections or prisons, except from the slanted perspective of inmates.’
“He smiled again and dropped the bomb. ‘If you’re so smart,’ he said, ‘why don’t you write it?’
“Nine months later, I dropped the first draft of 6-5; A Different Shade of Blue on his desk. From then on, I was hooked. I was a writer.”
“One of Steven Manchester’s many talents is the ability to create characters that could be your own family or next door neighbor. You feel what they are feeling and you experience the trauma as if you were present on the farm. His description is rich in detail, but just the right balance for you to know about Montana without being superfluous. He writes with poetic magnetism, keeping you enthralled in the story without flashy gimmicks. It’s humble, down-home, and a well-written story you won’t want to miss.”
— Literarily Illumined
“…[M]uch more than a war story…I could not put it down… a work of inspiration.” — Daniel F. Calls, Jr., Captain, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(Hellgate Pr; 1st edition, October 1, 2000)
He began writing, and still does to this day, inspirational fiction, particularly offering a male perspective to a female audience. I believe that his style of storytelling rivals, and is on a par respectively with, Mitch Albom, Nicholas Sparks, Robert James Waller, and William Paul Young’s work. Yet, he has his own unique way of revealing the human spirit and condition.
In a talk at Medfield Library (May 16, 2019), Amelia Tarallo describes some of the genesis of his writing:
“Manchester knew the value of a good story from his grandfather, who everyone called Swamp Yankee.
“‘To me, there’s nothing better than a good story,’ his grandfather said, and Manchester knew it, too.
“Manchester’s career began before he even graduated high school. As he grew up in Westport, Massachusetts, Manchester was inspired to become a police officer. He signed up and trained for the National Guard while he was still in high school. He then worked as a reserve police officer in his town, before starting work at a Massachusetts Correctional Facility, where he was part of the bakery unit, an area of the prison named after its former function.”
“I felt as if I were a ghost shadowing his every step, seeing what he saw, hearing what he heard, and feeling his emotions. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, but above all else I was touched beyond measure. In the end, Sergeant Manchester sacrificed almost everything for his country and the Iraqi people. He returned home to a hero’s welcome, but also to a government that shoved him out the door and left him to fight his physical and mental pain on his own. Finding peace within him proved to be a cruel battle in its own right. I recommend you read The Unexpected Storm, and then you’ll
Training for Operation Desert Storm. (Photo courtesy & permission of Steven Manchester.)
understand why I continue to thank Sergeant Manchester and soldiers like him with every breath I take.”
— Margaret Marr (Amazon review)
Steve started writing under the pen name of Steve Herberts on his first book, which is mentioned above. He wrote for newspapers and magazines while also publishing two poetry collections. His wartime experience left an indelible mark on him. Out of this experience came The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy (October 1, 2000).
On his author’s website, he states, “Since my service in the first Gulf War, I’ve been writing… I’ve been able to explore the human condition in all its glory and failure. Each time I write a new novel, my spirit is returned to the desert where I learned that none of us is ever alone—ever—and that we’re all in this together.”
His ability to reveal the underlying tensions, conflict, and triumph of life can be seen in a quote from an interview that he had with Adele Symonds (2013) when she asked him the following question about his novel Twelve Months (2012):
“When read in order, however, these thirty-eight tales of life become a simple story of one man’s journey, with all the complexities that make such a trip worthwhile. Like life’s path, which is never traveled as expected, there are many twists and turns; bumps and obstacles to overcome.”
— Russell N. McCarthy, Esq. (Twilight Books January 1, 2002)
“The novel is very emotional, was it difficult to write?”
His response to her describes a central tenet of his writing.
“Years ago, I heard that ‘a good writer makes readers think, while a great writer makes readers feel.’ I have always strived to achieve the latter.
“Unless a book is going to move someone, it’s not worth the time for me to write it. At times, it was difficult—because if I can’t cry, then I don’t expect my readers too.”
“It is amazing that Steven Manchester can take the same alphabet most of us use, create the same words most of us use, and arrange them so skillfully that they reach in and stir profound emotions in a reader. His ability to connect the reader with the characters’ deepest feelings, fears, hopes, dreams, and love is incredible.”
— Long and Short Reviews
This past week I asked Steve to respond to a series of questions I had given him, which were inspired mostly by John Matthew Fox. As I pestered Steve with almost 30 questions, I will be writing two blog posts containing the insightful responses he gave me.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It does both for me, depending on the stage in the process. At the beginning, I’m very energized. I’d never been able to put in the time and effort, otherwise. Toward the end—the final edits—I’m usually spent (physically and emotionally). And that’s how I know I gave the book everything I had.
Steve with visual artist Brian Fox and singer–songwriter Steven Tyler. (Photo courtesy & permission of Steven Manchester.)
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Time. I have enough ideas to last me a lifetime. But finding the time needed to produce my best work can be difficult to find. My family comes first. After that, I dedicate my time to my writing.
Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
Yes. I love to read. But in truth, when I’m writing, I don’t read other people’s work. It’s too easy to be influenced by their work, and I don’t want that.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
Both. I’ve spent 25 years developing my unique voice and a readership that is drawn to it. Now, it’s all about finding a balance where I can produce something new and fresh, while still delivering what my readers will enjoy (and expect).
“It’s been said that a man must first move himself before he can move the hearts of others. In this diverse collection, Steven Manchester not only intends to capture the thoughts of his readers, but aspires to touch their souls as well.” (Sun Rising Poetry Press, July 30, 2005)
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
In 25 years, I’ve only written one sequel (to be released in 2021), so I’ve always wanted my books to stand on their own—with legitimate and satisfying endings for each. As time’s gone on, I started to allow characters from earlier works to briefly appear in newer books (a multi-verse touch). My readers have loved finding these Easter eggs.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You’ll never get what you wish for…but you will get what you work for.
What was an early experience you had where you learned that language had power?
When I was young, my grandfather was an amazing storyteller. Although he never put pen to paper, I was awed by the power of words—to make people laugh or even cry. I knew then that I wanted to be a storyteller too.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
I absolutely do! I’ve been able to touch lives in a positive way and make some sort of difference (at least I hope so). I’ve shared my dreams with my children and proved that dreams do come true—with a whole lot of perseverance my and hard work. And I’ve been able to give life to the creative thoughts that constantly fight for my attention. In the end, it’s all about connecting to give life to the creative with other souls and making a positive impact.
“You continue to dazzle readers with your sensitive and graceful writing—don’t stop, Steven Manchester. Gutsy and beautiful novel.”
— Crystal Book Reviews (Sunpiper Media Publications, July 12, 2006) #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER
What was one of your most difficult scenes to write?
I recently finished a novel, entitled, DAD (due out in 2021). There is a deathbed scene where the protagonist says goodbye to his father. This scene is reminiscent of the same experience I shared with my dad two years ago. It ripped my heart out to write it…but I also know that it’ll have an emotional impact on my readers.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Getting the train out of the station. Once momentum picks up, it’s magic—but getting started is absolute torture for me.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
“The Author’s Toolbox is the best! Steve’s optimism and enthusiasm give exactly the right teaching approach for writers-in-progress.” — Professor Robert Michael, UMASS Dartmouth (Luna Bella Press; First Edition, February 1, 2011)
The first draft takes me approximately six months; from storyboard to print takes around eighteen months.
What moves you the most about storytelling?
Connecting with other people. I believe that none of us is ever alone—not ever—and that we’re all connected. Each one of my stories is intended to prove that.
When I first heard about Steve, he was referred to me as a local author. Now that I have known him for some time, I can amend that reference to the fact that he is a national, bestselling author. He merits such honor.
Please contact me if you liked this post.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Links:
Steven Manchester:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorStevenManchester
Podcast Interview:
Bestselling Author Steven Manchester returns to #ConversationsLIVE with Cyrus Webb
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. As the sole author of the first trilogy, the Penitent, in my series The Immortality Wars, and as the sole proprietor of Copper Beech Press, I have a material connection to these books, as well as to the publishing press, I have just listed. Other than my previously stated novels and publishing press, I have no material connection to the brands, products or services that I have mentioned here. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
© 8 January 2021 by A. Keith Carreiro
For information about my series, The Immortality Wars, please go to my home page: https://immortalitywars.com/