Like Benjamin Franklin, Russell Gayer spent most of his adult life in the printing industry, except for three years in which he was a framing carpenter. During that time he’s been honing skills that his wife, Connie, has made sure come in handy ever since.
His collection humorous short stories, THE PERILS OF HEAVY THINKING, is available at Pen-L.com, Barns & Noble.com and Amazon.com.
Russell is the resident humorist of Friday Fictioneers who, every week, manages to pull laughter from the most somber photo prompt.
You may ask (or not ask) what makes Mr. Gayer tick? I did ask. Here are the answers:
What made you decide to be a writer?
I’m not sure it was a conscious choice. I began writing songs and poetry at an early age. I have written over 200 poems. The majority of them were pretty somber or serious stuff. I gave our neighbor, Linda Apple, a book containing some of my poems and short stories about ten years ago, and she invited me to attend a local critique group with her. Several people in that group were published authors who were willing to give of their time to help us “rookies” grow and improve. It was a very nurturing environment and I’m extremely grateful for their guidance and support.
What is your favorite genre? Why?
My favorite genre to write is humor. We live in a very fast-paced world filled with pressure, tension, and stress. People need an escape from that. Sometimes a little silliness is just what the doctor ordered. When people tell me they laughed out loud or snorted coffee out their nose while reading my work, I feel like I’ve touched them in a positive way and perhaps replaced some of that stress with joy, if only briefly.
I’m fascinated by near-death experience books. I find these stories encouraging and supportive of my spiritual beliefs—sort of an affirmation of faith—if you will.
Who is the author who inspires you the most?
My “go to guys” in the humor field are Patrick McManus, Dave Barry, and David Sedaris. Sedaris is more subtle in his approach to humor, but still very funny. I’m also a huge fan of Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder.
In addition to enjoying the story, I study the structure of their work. Their characters, how they set up a scene, use of dialogue and narration, any little thing that can help me become a better story teller.
How often do you write?
I write something every day. Weekdays, I get up at 5 am and write for an hour. It could be on a story, or reading and commenting on blogs. When I go hunting, I take a pad and pen and write in the woods. Some of my most productive periods have occurred in the woods.
I am also what people in my writing group call a “Pantser,” meaning someone who doesn’t diagram out a story before they write, but simply flies by the seat of their pants.
Do you have any major projects in the works?
I’ve been working on ONE VILLAGE SHORT OF AN IDIOT for over a year now. This title was originally used in a Friday Flash Fiction post in October 2015. When I decided to turn the concept into a longer piece, I envisioned something in the neighborhood of 5,000 words. As of today, we’re at 29,000+ and counting. The characters have taken over the story on numerous occasions and created scenes that I never anticipated or would have thought of on my own. It’s been a real blast to write, as I never know what’s going to happen next.
What are your writing goals for the future?
I have a dozen other short stories lying around impatiently waiting for me to finish the Idiot saga. Hopefully, I’ll wrap that one up and hand them all off to Pen-L Publishing shortly after New Year’s. I was hoping for an April Fools book release, but that doesn’t seem too realistic at the moment.
What advice would you give other writers?
Write what you love. Be observant and study the work of others. Hone and polish your craft. Join a critique group and find a beta reader who will provide open and honest feedback. Attend writers’ conferences and rub elbows with published authors.
I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes.
“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is… the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” — Mark Twain
(This quote copied from fellow OWL member Lori Ericson’s blog) https://loriericson.com/2016/09/18/every-word-is-a-choice-and-opportunity/
That was great. Love seeing this side of Russell.And was that first picture taken before or when he met Connie? 😉 ‘Coz I can see why she picked him, even if he’s not wearing his now-habitual smile…
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You’re too kind, Dale. We were dating when that photo was made. It was taken in one of those little booths at Kmart, circa 1974.
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Well… Connie had good taste…
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I’m the one who came out ahead on that deal. She’s an angel to put up with me.
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That is without a doubt!!
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I have always enjoyed your posts, though I don’t often comment. 🙂 Glad to know I’m not the only zero-dark-thirty “panster” out there! 🙂 So glad to be back! I’ve missed this.
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My theory is, if you know what’s going to happen–where’s the fun in that?
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I enjoyed the interview. I also think humor is an extremely important part of life. I know people have been laughing at me for years. Wait a minute……..lol.
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Thanks, Jan. Now I don’t feel nearly as self-conscious. I’m sure they were simply laughing WITH you, not at you.
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I’m very happy, Rochelle, that you put this guy in the spotlight.
Russell, I’m also happy to see you open the door to the treasure house and spill the secrets of writing. You learned and are continuing to learn your lessons well. I didn’t know Linda was the one who helped get you started (nor was your neighbor). The influences are definitely there, I can tell. Fun stuff! Keep on keeping on, my friend.
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She is a constant source of support and inspiration. She also got me interested in Toastmasters and public speaking. Her book “Connect, a Simple Guide to Public Speaking for Writers” is a great tool. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs to learn the finer points of public speaking.
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Great!
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What a delightful interview. It’s awfully fun to get to know fellow writers and especially fellow Friday Fictioneer writers. And your humor brings such delight to our merry band each Wednesday/Friday. True words of wisdom, Russell. P.S. I’m a Pantser, too. Cheers.
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Thanks for the kind words, Alicia. I’m really surprised how many writers have confessed to being Pantsers. Personally, I just get an idea and start writing. After that, the story pretty much goes where it wants to.
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Dear Rochelle and Russell,
Peas in a pod, you two and I’m glad to know you both. Rochelle, this was a fine interview. Russell, you’re a fine interviewee. Best of luck to both of you in your trailblazing for the rest of us.
‘Aloha’,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
If one has to be associated, I’m more than happy to be associated with Russell. Without him, I wouldn’t have a renewed sense of identity every week. Thank you for dropping by with your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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HA! Renewed sense of identity indeed!
You’re probably the only person on the planet who has a new alias each week.
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😀
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
A great interview with Russell Gayer by Rocehlle.
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Thank you for the reblog, Suzanne. 😀
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You’re most welcome, Rochelle. It was a great interview. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks for the reblog and the sweet comment, Suzanne.
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You’re most welcome, Russell. Congratulations All the best with your new work in progress. 🙂 — Suzanne
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I love that interview and am glad to learn of a fellow pantser. My reading list has just got longer, as I love to laugh 🙂 Thanks for this post, Rochelle. Being rather a sporadic Friday Fictioneer and not always able to read everybody’s offerings, I seem to have missed Russell’s stories altogether.
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Dear Sarah,
Russell is one of the ones we can count on for humor while other writers are slicing, stabbing, shooting or burying their victims. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the interview as much as I. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t think I’ve killed a single character yet, although some have suffered mightily (primarily my readers). It can be difficult at times to wring humor from some of the photos, while others just cry out for laughs. FFF is a great exercise in tightening our stories. I think it’s definitely made me a better writer.
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That’s exactly what keeps me doing it and why I begged Madison to let me take it over. It was purely selfish on my part. However, it’s gratifying, if not rewarding to know that others have benefited in the same way. (Maybe one of these days I’ll give back your joy buzzer…Nah).
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It’s the whoopee cushion that really miss. Perhaps Kent will let me borrow his.
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Really enjoyed learning more about you, Russell! Do tell us more about the photos; enquiring minds want to know! (hence, in inquiry). 😉
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