I have the honor of of knowing many wonderful authors. A few of them, like Paul William Bass, write nonfiction. It takes a special talent to write about history and keep readers engaged. Paul does that with great skill. I’m fortunate to belong to two of the same writers groups as this great author.
It’s my pleasure to present my interview with Paul William Bass.
For those readers who are unfamiliar with you, please tell us a little about yourself.
I am a retired minister and educator, having served in Missouri, Arkansas and Alabama. I have had thirteen books published with three different publishers.
What kinds of writing do you enjoy?
I enjoy writing historical non-fiction, especially about important people, places and events of which no book has been written. I also write religious books.
What do you enjoy most about the writing process?
The research is the most enjoyable part of the writing process. It is like gathering all of the puzzle pieces to create a beautiful finished picture puzzle.
When did you start writing?
2005 was the beginning of my major writing efforts.
To what or whom do your attribute your love of reading and writing stories?
I have been an avid reader all of my life. I especially enjoyed the national biographies.
How have your past experiences impacted your writing?
Required research as a minister and educator have helped establish the needed discipline and processes for effective discovery of needed materials.
What are some jobs that you have held?
I have been a church youth director, associate pastor and pastor. I have also been a college activities director, adjunct faculty and debate coach.
Does your past employment experience ever make its way into your books?
Several of the religious books have included my ministry experiences. The historical non-fiction have had very little personal connections.
What inspires you?
My inspiration has come from side issues in personal research and suggestions from friends. Publishers have also provided encouragement and support.
What made you decide to write about the subjects or themes of your books?
Researching college original debaters provided a source for several books in a series. Several friends and acquaintances have offered suggestions for some of the books.
Have you met any interesting people while researching your books?
Personal interviews and site visits have allowed me to meet some very interesting people. I have been able to meet politicians, military leaders, college presidents, and highly esteemed educators.
What is the most difficult part of writing?
The most challenging part of writing is staying with it to the end. There are always obstacles and challenges that can be very discouraging.
Who are some of your favorite authors and why do you enjoy their work?
I enjoy reading David McCullough, Doris Kearnes Goodwin, Jon Meachum, Bob Woodward in non-fiction and David Balducci in fiction.
What writing advice did you find most useful when you were honing your craft?
The best advice I received from a writer’s conference was “don’t be afraid to write lousy first draft.” Just get your ideas down on paper and find a lot of help from people that will make you look like you are a good writer.
Do you have any new work just released or coming out soon? If so, would you please tell us a little about it?
I do have several books that are currently being re-published. Among these are In the Names of Jesus, Me and Church, Minor Characters of the Bible. A new book recently published was Me and Fundamentalists. I am waiting on publication this summer of a second book in a new series, Kentucky Innovators.
Can you tell us a little about your current project?
My current project is co-authoring and co-editing the 150 Year History of the Greene County Baptist Association. It is to be published in the summer of 2022. I am considering several other earlier books for re-publishing.
Additional comments:
I have been honored to receive several wards for my writing.
I received the Oklahoma State University Distinguished Fellow Award in 2007 for writing No Little Dreams: Henry garland Bennett, Educator and Statesman.
In 2012, I received from the Missouri Writer’s Guild the First Place President’s Award and the Water Williams Major Work Award for my book, Robert S. Kerr: Oklahoma’s Pioneer King.
In 2016, I received from the Missouri Writer’s Guild the First Place President’s Award and the Water Williams Major Work Award for my book, The History of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
In 2017, I received from the Missouri Writer’s Guild the Third Place President’s Award and the Water Williams Major Work Award for my book, Pioneer Churches in Springfield, Missouri.
In 2019, I received from the Missouri Writer’s Guild the Second Place President’s Award and the Water Williams Major Work Award for my book, Missouri Innovators.
The Springfield Writer’s Guild Presented me the Writer of the Year for 2019 and 2020.
I am an active member in the Springfield Writer’s Guild, the Ozarks Chapter of American Christian Writers, the Ozarks Writers League and the Missouri Writer’s Guild.
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