Welcome to an exclusive Q&A session with bestselling author Harris L. Kligman! In this engaging conversation, we delve into the fascinating world of writing, drawing insights from his extensive experiences as a prolific writer across multiple genres. From international intrigue to children's books, Harris shares valuable perspectives on maintaining creativity, crafting compelling stories, and drawing inspiration from real-world encounters. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind his diverse range of genres and gain valuable insights into his creative process.
What inspires your diverse range of genres, from international intrigue to children's books, and how do you approach crafting stories for different audiences?
"My diverse range of genres, from international intrigue to children's books, is inspired by my extensive travels spanning over three decades. These experiences have exposed me to a myriad of situations, places, and people, each contributing to the richness of my storytelling. I tailor and embellish elements as needed to align with my storyline and characters, drawing from this vast reservoir of experiences.
When crafting stories for different audiences, I don't encounter difficulties as I immerse myself in the genre I'm writing at the moment. My writing process is unorthodox—I start with a title and let the narrative unfold without a predefined outline. I write daily, maintaining discipline and consistency in my writing routine.
As for children's books, my inspiration stemmed from wanting to connect with my children after being away for long periods due to travel. I would craft children's stories during flights back home, using these tales to bond with my boys upon my return. This personal touch and connection with my family added depth and authenticity to my children's book manuscripts."
How do you balance real-world experiences with creative storytelling in your novels?
"Balancing real-world experiences with creative storytelling is seamless for me because they are inherently intertwined. My novels, spanning mystery, spy thrillers, and adventures, draw heavily from personal interactions, diverse experiences, and unique locations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Suriname.
I integrate these settings and characters organically into my storylines, allowing the narrative to evolve naturally. Additionally, I include factual elements throughout my novels, offering readers intriguing insights and opportunities to learn from my stories."
How does your military intelligence background contribute to the accuracy of military aspects in your writing?
"My military intelligence background significantly contributes to the accuracy of military aspects in my writing by fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills. In both fiction writing and military operations, thinking outside the box and generating innovative solutions are paramount.
When crafting a fiction novel, creative thinking is crucial, especially when developing intricate storylines and logically fitting characters into them. This mirrors the military environment, where innovative problem-solving is often necessary when standard procedures fall short in addressing challenges effectively.
In essence, the ability to think creatively and tackle complex issues is equally vital in creating a compelling work of fiction as it is in military endeavors."
Can you share a memorable experience from your travels that inspired a scene or character in your novels?
"During a business trip to Sierra Leone on the West African coast, I had a memorable encounter that inspired a scene in my novel. While meeting a new contact of Lebanese descent, he surprised me by driving to a prison instead of his office one morning.
At the prison entrance, I saw women and children selling fruits and vegetables, presumably for their incarcerated loved ones. After a brief tour guided by the prison commandant, my Lebanese contact humorously remarked that failure in our business endeavors would lead to a 'vacation' in that prison.
This unique threat, laced with dark humor, stayed with me. I depicted a similar scenario in my novel 'Life On The Dark Side,' drawing from this experience that blended unexpected situations with a touch of irony. It's a memory that always brings a smile to my face."
What advice would you give aspiring writers about incorporating life experiences into fiction?
"Writing is a journey that demands consistency and creativity. My advice to aspiring writers is to establish a daily writing routine, whether it's a full chapter, a paragraph, or even just a few lines. Develop an outline if it helps you stay organized and focused.
Drawing from personal experiences adds depth and authenticity to your fiction. While my background in international travel, diverse interactions, and military service shapes my narratives, everyone possesses unique life experiences and imagination. Utilize these to craft compelling characters and scenarios. It's okay to embellish or modify details to suit your storyline. For accuracy in settings and cultures, thorough research using resources like Google is invaluable."
How do you use language to create atmosphere and evoke emotions in your writing?
"To create atmosphere and stir emotions in my writing, I employ vivid language that paints a picture of the unfolding scene, immersing readers in the narrative. Developing distinct linguistic styles for each character helps readers connect deeply with their emotions.
For instance, if a character hails from a Spanish background, I weave Spanish phrases into the storyline, translating them for readers' understanding. This technique adds richness, as seen in my Vietnam War narrative 'Requiem for a Soldier.'
Similarly, in 'Kill Alexis Markovic,' where characters speak Russian, I use this language along with translations to enhance authenticity and engagement.
By incorporating such language nuances, readers not only delve into diverse cultures but also learn new phrases, enriching their reading experience and adding depth to my storytelling."
How do you maintain creativity and avoid creative ruts after writing multiple novels?
"Maintaining creativity after writing multiple novels has been a seamless process for me due to my diverse life experiences. Over thirty years of extensive international travel across continents like South America, Africa, and the Far East exposed me to a wide range of people and situations—some challenging, some amusing, and some perilous.
Additionally, my two-decade military career in US Army Intelligence and Infantry further enriched my reservoir of experiences. Drawing from these encounters, countries, and events, I continually find inspiration for my writing.
I've never encountered writer's block or creative ruts because each novel draws from this rich tapestry of life. Currently, I've just completed my twelfth novel, 'A Woman To Die For,' which is in the proofreading stage."
How do you use language to create atmosphere and evoke emotions in your writing?
"To create atmosphere and stir emotions in my writing, I employ vivid language that paints a picture of the unfolding scene, immersing readers in the narrative. Developing distinct linguistic styles for each character helps readers connect deeply with their emotions.
For instance, if a character hails from a Spanish background, I weave Spanish phrases into the storyline, translating them for readers' understanding. This technique adds richness, as seen in my Vietnam War narrative 'Requiem for a Soldier.'
Similarly, in 'Kill Alexis Markovic,' where characters speak Russian, I use this language along with translations to enhance authenticity and engagement.
By incorporating such language nuances, readers not only delve into diverse cultures but also learn new phrases, enriching their reading experience and adding depth to my storytelling."
Published book titles available by Harris L. Kligman include "The Profession," "The Shaolin Covenant," "Her Father's Daughter," "Life Impossible,", "The Dark" , "The Original Alphabet Gang" "The Day the Night Did Not Come", "Kill Alexis Markovic","Requiem For A Soldier", "The Treasure",The World of Nicholas Lord, "The Wordman", "Life On The Dark Side," and Hakoah.
Audiobook tittles are also available for purchase through Audible, iTunes and Amazon. Audible stores distributes each title in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Australia, and Japan.
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