Interview Jim Green

by

Lorraine McNamara

Your story sounds really interesting--even to someone who is not a basketball fan!

1) Your story deals with friendship and high school basketball. Did you play basketball in high school? How much influence did your own school experiences have in fashioning this story?

Yes, I did play basketball in high school; however, the impetus for the story came from twenty years as a high school basketball coach. The characters and many of the events are a part of my coaching memories.

2) The reference to an ancient religious legend is intriguing. Is the "ancient religious legend" based on actual research, or is it entirely from your own imagination?

Much of it is from research. The prehistoric reality, though, is often revealed only in archeological bits and pieces. Therefore, much room exists for “what-if’s.”

3) How long did it take for you to complete this story?

Night Whisper took about eight months from beginning idea to submission. This, of course, was not full-time writing but “when I could” writing.

4) Why do you think you decided to write this particular story?

I’m not sure. I’m really not crazy about writing “sports” books, but some situations in my experience and my interest in Southwestern Native American lore seemed to force the issue. I think the book wrote itself. I simply went along for the ride.

5) Are you involved in sports today? What activities do you most enjoy?

The answer is yes. I still play competitive softball a couple nights a week--with the youngsters, I might add. I have slowed a bit because of some medical problems. Still, during the last few years, I have pitched on eight senior softball national championship teams.

6) Are you involved with other writers or groups that provide moral or technical assistance?

I am an active member of the Arizona Author’s association, but, for some strange reason, I personally find writers’ groups, etc. not my cup of tea.

7) Are you working on other stories at this time?

Yes, I have three novels tumbling through the dryers of my mind. One is an historical epic beginning with the Spanish exploration of the Southwest and ending someplace in modern day Arizona, a setting and storyline that is overdone, but it has a different twist. Maybe it will work. Walking with Shadows, my seventh YA novel is almost there. It’s in the edit, edit, edit, stage, and Dang, Dude is working in my mind as we speak.

8) It appears there may be a message you are trying to impart. To someone who knows little about basketball, or any other sport, for that matter, why do you feel your story is worth reading?

No subtle message hidden here. Night Whisper is simply fun. If anything, it may be a simple exposition on friendship as well as personal sacrifice. It certainly is different.