WRITE: Eli and Jane - Frequently Asked Questions
Is this for your first novel? If not, how many have you written?
This is the first novella I actually want people to read! I’ve been writing stories, non-fiction and poetry since college, but never wrote a start to finish book that I published and released until now. Previously, I've had fiction short stories or poetry printed, and a long history of non-fiction articles for various publications including CraftBeer.com, the SD Bike Guide. I also author the Cheers! North County column for the Coast News.
How long did it take you to write this?
In total about five months. This began as a writing project with a great travel writer, Robyn Pfeifer. We each wrote a chapter a day for 15 days. The idea was that both of our characters were on their own journey, and we would write the chapter our characters meet together. When we were finished I really liked my character, Eli, and the Jane character that appeared in the first draft. She decided not to continue the project so I took the Eli half of the story, and added Jane’s story over the next few weeks. Then I began editing, and editing. Then editing some more. I think I thought I was done at least a half dozen times before I really was.
Tell me about your characters and what makes them unique. How do your characters and their stories relate to readers?
More than they are unique they are relatable. Eli and Jane are both, independently, at a point in their lives where they’ve gotten off the track they were at. Either their careers, relationships or expectations for the future haven’t quite worked out the way they thought they would. Their lives have paused, and they don’t know yet what their next aspirations are. I think most people can relate to a moment in their life where things were off, and weren’t sure what to do or direction to take next. This story is about that point where they are in the middle of the pause, and beginning to work their way out. They both begin and end at different points both literally, and figuratively. How their lives intertwine along the way is the crux of the story.
How do you want readers to feel after reading your book?
My greatest hope would be that after reading people feel appreciative of the more awkward phases of their life that led them to where they are. However, that depends on what stage of life the reader is at. The reactions I’ve gotten from people have varied widely depending on where they are at in, and what they’ve experienced in their own lives.
What makes your novel unique from others?
At various points both characters experience the same moments in the same place, but you see them responding emotionally in very different ways because of the perspective and experiences they bring with them. By writing each character in their entirety separately I was able to really focus on their individual experiences, and feelings to give them a unique voice. The reader may identify more with Eli or Jane, but it is likely that someone in their life reminds them of the other.
Also, all of the locations in the book are real places which allows the reader to really experience a great swathe of America. I’ve made similar travels quite a few times, and I only realized while writing how connected our emotional memories are to the places they occurred be it a beautiful national park, coffee shop or a rest stop on the side of the highway.
Do you have plans to write any more novels? What are you currently working on?
I hope so! I think there may be more to Eli and Jane’s story still to come. I am currently laying out a book of poetry and photography that I’ve been amassing for about 20 years, and just finished a full length revenge novel set in a San Diego-like locale. I’m also working on some non-fiction projects based around my career in the food and beverage industries. There is also a screenplay, animated music video, and children’s comic book I’ve been drawing. I tend to take on a lot of projects at once.
What was a significant moment in writing the book that made it feel real?
The day I finally gave up control of the book, and agreed to let other people read it was really frightening. If I didn’t have some smart people, like my wife, telling me it was time I would probably still be editing! Despite my fears sharing this book with people has been really rewarding, and knowing that people are invested in Eli and Jane gives me great joy.
Who inspires you?
As a reader, I try to pick up books from all different genres and styles, but there are a few authors whose books inspire my own imagination to start running wild including Kurt Vonnegut, Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Safron Froer, Erik Larson, Michael Pollan. I can read their books over and over again. I’ve started to keep a running list of the books I’ve read for people to follow.
The first book I remember getting really lost in as a kid was Roald Dahl's, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Then Ellen Raskin's "The Westing Game" really inspired me to try and write my own stories while I was in elementary school. It only took me 25 more years to actually write a book. I also consume an unhealthy number of movies and TV shows.
About the Author:
Ryan Woldt is a Wisconsin born author, entrepreneur and creative. Growing up he was regularly disciplined for reading books under his desk. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with degrees in creative writing and religious studies. Later he returned to school for a graphic design degree from Madison College.
For the past twenty years he has been managing people, writing and creating, starting companies, and always making notes for future writing projects. Ryan lives with his wife in Southern California, and can be found drinking coffee or riding his bicycle.