Author Interview with Rick Barry- The Methuselah Project

By Darren Kehrer

Thank you, Rick, for taking the time to chat with me in the realm of cyberspace.

Your welcome...glad to be here.

1.) When did your first get the idea for The Methuselah Project?

That’s honestly hard to answer. The initial ideas began forming back about 2008. I wanted a character from the past who ends up in our time, but still looking young. Plus, I wanted a good dose of romance. Yet, I didn’t want time machines, or space ships, or any such devices. The solution I developed was a secret German experiment. So there’s a light sci-fi thread, but the novel overall would be categorized as suspense rather than sci-fi.

2.) What has been the most frustrating experience in writing this book?

First, trying to land an agent. That’s always the first hurdle in today’s publishing environment. Second, waiting for a publisher to take an interest. But in His time, the Lord sent me both an agent and a publisher—Kregel—who loved this story as much as I do.

3.) How many major rewrites did you do on TMP?

More than I can count! Part of my writing style is to revise and polish the previous chapters before adding new words. So each chapter received automatic revising this way. Then Kregel assigned three editors to go over the manuscript, each one combing the pages in search of stray errors or for ways to enhance the story.

4.) I see that this book is also available as an ebook on different reading engines? Any comments on that?

Yes, there’s an ebook version. In fact, a clerk at our post office told me she had downloaded it as an ebook and enjoyed reading a customer’s book via her telephone. I was pleasantly surprised! Paper books are not extinct by a long shot, but it’s crucial to have ebook formats too.

5.) Did you have anything to say about the cover, blurbs on the back?

I have nothing but praise for the work of Sarah Slattery, Kregel’s graphic artist who designed the cover. Countless readers tell me how much they like the mix of the current-day guy and girl and a WW 2 fighter plane. It’s different, even intriguing.

6.) The endorsements are extremely well thought out and glowing by the contributors.

Each of those endorsers wrote what they felt. I’m just pleased that they enjoyed the story so much. If they hadn’t, I’m sure none of them would have submitted comments to the publisher.

7.) How have you gone about self promoting the book?

Kregel Publications has been coordinating a blog tour for the book. That is, they offer one free copy of the book to online reviewers in exchange for an honest opinion. To beef up the number of bloggers, I’ve also hired a PR firm to arrange even more reviews. Of course, the hope is that reviewers who don’t like this sort of fiction will not volunteer to review it. But there is no obligation to like the story. Each blogger is free to express their true opinions. So far, I’ve thanked the Lord for the positive responses I’ve seen.

8.) How did the journey from start to finish on this book project differ from your previous ventures?

It was a longer journey from start to finish. I believed in Roger Greene and his story, but I realized up front it was a bit different. Each publisher knows what works for their company, and they tend not to stray from tried-and-true genres. My mix of suspense, romance, and a tinge of sci-fi must have caused some editors to shake their heads as a risk. But I’m thrilled the editors at Kregel loved it enough to give it a shot. Many readers are glad they did.

9.) If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Many plot elements had to be figured out step by step. It was somewhat a process of discovery. I’m not sure what I could do differently, but the story is close to my heart, so I would definitely write it all over again.

10.) Sequel?

Definitely. It’s not contracted, but that’s the plan.

11.) I understand you've been building a new author website with more information about you and your books. Where can we find it?

It's at: rickcbarry.com

11.) Thank you so much for taking the time to interview for Hoosier Ink.

Thank you for taking time to interview me! I also want to thank my wife, Pam, to whom the book is dedicated. She has been a steadfast believer in me and this story, which she says is my best yet. Pam has been very patient with my many hours at the computer.

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