Interview with Phil Barber

Author of Contact Tracer/Virus Diary

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Providence, RI and now live in Wakefield RI, approximately 35 miles away.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I’ve lived for short periods throughout the USA and for a brief period in Ireland.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I knew from the early years with the Dept. of Health the prospect of writing a book regarding an esoteric occupation that as far as I can recall had not been covered in literature had possibilities along with incessant proddings from clients suggesting I do. When AIDS entered into the conversation the book took a darker turn. There was an Oscar winning film (Philadelphia) and a Pulitzer Prize Play (Angels in America), fine works of art but they were fictions, mine is not. I won’t pretend to say I have the writing chops of the authors of the works mentioned above but I think an argument can be made through my work and experience that I present a more honest reality of that historically significant period that would soon be swept off the front pages by the 9/11 attacks, the memory of the disease’s unchecked ferocity soon distant.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I can only speak for this first one, a creative non-fiction prose poetry historical memoir. The one I’m working on presently is following the same style but is historically insignificant.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Given the reach of the disease I discuss, society in general, though “boomers” can relate to that anxious era probably more than most. I also feel it might be a useful classroom tool for the uninitiated, where it might double up in debate as both a health an historical issue with students who think it is their parents generation problem. It’s not, a cure remains elusive and people continue to be infected.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Given my casual approach to most things I had to discipline myself to focus and to bring structure to the work to finish it. Constant review, frustrating typos, sudden changes in lines to (supposedly) long, completed pieces etc. Then again I kind of expected this; the fun’s not in the writing but the finished work.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Commit and tighten up your work habits. Create a schedule, avoid distractions and temptations of sunny days. I didn’t and the work took far longer to finish, though I do not regret those sunny days.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as possible but like my writing style my promotion style is even more laid back. Amazon and Barnes&Noble are selling the book, I have it in one book store and I’m donating copies to local libraries.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My aversion to marketing.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

C

When do you think you will write your next book?

Presently working on one (early stages).

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I self published through Outskirts Press.