An Interview with Kevin Rowlett

Kevin Rowlett is an American author, teacher, and musician. He holds a Bachelor’s of Music from Northern Illinois University, but has always loved the written word. Prior to publishing his first book, Kevin wrote stand-alone short stories centered around science fiction for a small audience. His first major novel, Travel, is the result of many years of hard work, imagination, and research into the northern Illinois area. He lives in Wonder Lake, IL, with his wife, two dogs and two cats. Kevin would like to thank his wife, Nikki, for pushing him to follow his dreams.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The original title was just “Project Outrigger.” As the book evolved and changed, it became apparent that the original title no longer fit the subject matter of the story. In the end, I decided that I wanted to split my novel into at least two (but more likely three) different parts. I ultimately went literal and, as it is a time travel novel, decided to name it as such. My plan for the second in the series is “Return,” as the second book deals with the main character returning to his own time period.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It felt unreal! I couldn’t believe that the artists at Atmosphere Press took my garbage concept drawing and turned it into something so amazing!

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

This is a tricky one. I have distinct memories of writing short stories all the way back to grade school. I would often write during class (naughty, I know!). I continued writing into high school and college, mostly focusing on writing fan fiction using already established characters. In college, I had a friend who enjoyed writing, too, and we would trade stories. This is when I first began to create my own characters. My wife has pushed me to keep working on my craft;she enjoys the worlds I create and believes in me, even when I don’t believe in myself. As for works that influence me, I would say that the big two are Michael Harvey and Blake Crouch. Both of their writing styles heavily influenced me, and the subject matter that they write about (detective stories and sci-fi, respectively) are two of my favorite genres. Looking back further, I think I got my start writing because of R.L. Stine and the Goosebumps series.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’m currently a general music teacher and band director. Fun fact: I can play every instrument in the band and orchestra. Some of them better than others, of course!

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The feedback on my work. I really enjoyed hearing the critical feedback about my writing—it makes me a better author. Learning how to effectively edit my work has been very rewarding, too.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I picture it as something similar to Philip Glass’ work on Secret Window—very ambient and spooky with undertones of menace. I don’t have specific songs that I hear in my head as I’m writing…if anything, it’s more akin to movie soundtracks.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope readers feel a sense of disorientation when they first pick it up. I want them to feel the horror and confusion of waking up in a different place, and a different time. I want them to feel the despair of things going wrong and the powerlessness to stop it. At the same time, though, I want them to feel the determination to solve the mystery and the drive of the character to get back to his own time. My perfect reader is someone who can keep an open mind and feel the emotions of the characters. Someone who can identify with their struggles.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I am currently working on part two of the Project Outrigger series, along with an update/rewrite of a murder-mystery-detective story I began nearly twenty years ago.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I am being completely serious when I say that I couldn’t be happier working with Atmosphere Press. I was treated with nothing but respect and encouragement, even when having some semi-tough conversations about editing parts of my novel out. I could truly tell that everyone I interacted with wanted me to succeed, and that they were truly in my corner. (And, no, I’m not being paid to say that!)

For other writers, my biggest piece of advice is to just take a chance and submit your work. We are all our own harshest critic, and, even if we don’t think it’s good enough, there is a reader there for everyone. And, if there is one reader, there are hundreds more. Even if only one person reads your work, you are a published author, and a member of an exclusive club—not many people can claim to have published a book!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.