August 2, 2011
Interview with Gary Ryman, Author of Fire Men: Stories from Three Generations of a Firefighting Family
by Cheryl Malandrinos
Gary is the second of three generations of firefighters. He has a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland and has been employed as a fire protection engineer for over twenty-five years. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in American History. Ryman is married with two children. His oldest son makes up the third generation of firefighters in his family, which makes him feel both old and young at the same time.
Welcome to The Book Connection, Gary. It's an honor to have you with us. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small burg called West Corners in upstate New York.
What is your fondest childhood memory?
One of my favorite things to do when I was small was go to the fire station with my father. He would work on whatever project he was involved with and I would climb all over the coolest jungle gym in the world, fire trucks.
When did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing in one form or another for most of my life, though most of that was school and then work related. I began writing for publication about five or six years ago.
Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?
I try to write whenever I can sneak some time. I try, but fail, to write even for at least a few minutes every day.
This book is about the stories and experiences of three generations of firefighters. I am the second of the three or the middle of the Oreo. It relates the good, bad, ugly, and funny aspects of firefighting. I try to relate how those experiences affect us.
What inspired you to write it?
Having told many of these stories around the firehouse and to friends and family for years, and having worn out those audiences, I thought perhaps other people might enjoy them. Being both the son and father of firefighters gave me an unusual perspective.
Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?
My road to publication was bumpier than some and smoother than others. In the end, I was lucky enough to connect with a great publisher, Tribute Books (http://tribute-books.com/index.html), where I have received incredible support.
If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?
The easy answer would be to start where I ended up! Really though, I think the search process, submittals, and rejections all made for a valuable learning experience.
Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?
The book is available on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com. It is also available in a variety of e-book formats including Kindle, Nook, Google e-book, Borders, and Apple iBooks. It is also available directly from the publisher.
Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?
Readers can visit my website at http://www.fire-men-book.com/.
Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?
My book trailer is posted on the website and also at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f77Nwe5rA4
What is up next for you?
I’m working on two rather disparate projects. One is the thesis for my Masters degree in American History that I would love to turn into a short book. I’ve become fascinated by Gifford Pinchot and particularly in the two terms he served as Governor of Pennsylvania. The other project is a novel which is naturally about firefighters. I’m also getting requests from readers for another book of real stories, but I haven’t done anything with that idea yet.
Thank you for spending time with us today, Gary. We wish you great success.
Information from the Publisher:
Book web site: http://www.fire-men-book.com/
Book Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176#!/pages/Fire-Men-Stories-from-Three-Generations-of-a-Firefighting-Family/183551625026176?sk=wall
Gary Ryman Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gary.ryman
Tribute Books website: http://www.tribute-books.com/
Tribute Books Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176
Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks
Buy links:
http://tribute-books.com/shop.html#biography1
Excerpt:
http://fire-men-book.blogspot.com/search/label/Read%20an%20Excerpt
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