Although the Writers-World Series is not about baseball, the summer-tinged name has attracted the interest of some baseball fans including Illinois author Tom Hernandez. I met Tom a million years ago when he was a college student and talented intern at the Joliet Herald-News. He sent me one of his more recent short stories about a baseball game he enjoyed with his daughters one Father’s Day a few years back. I figured my readers should get a chance to read this delightful story, “The Margarita Man,” because it captures so much about fans and family. Just click on the link.
And then come back and read Tom’s interview for the Writers-World Series. Happy Father’s Day to Tom and all the fathers out there!
Tom Hernandez and daughters Emma and Olivia.
Stats:
Name: Tom Hernandez
Home team: Plainfield, Illinois, by way of Joliet, Illinois
Position: Director of Community Relations for Plainfield Community Consolidated
School District 202
Batting average: Chocolate Cows and Purple Cheese and other tales from the homefront
(essays); Abundance (poetry); The Edge of Middle – thoughts from the top of the hill (essays, fiction
and poetry)
Website: tomhernandezbooks.com
Blog: tomhernandezbog.wordpress.com
Opening Pitch:
My writing explores the many complicated facets of life — marriage, family, parenting, faith and politics. The world is not black and white – we live in a thousand shades of gray. My writing reflects all of it.
Considering the positions on a baseball team — such as catcher, shortstop, left field, etc. — which best describes the way you write and why? Pitcher. I throw out thoughts to get the game going.
Tell us about your third game of a series: My first book illustrated my life as a young dad, husband, etc. My poetry reflected the bonds between us – emotional, spiritual. My third
book is all about the journey to, and through, middle age. The game of life goes on…
No one wins a game alone. Who’s on your team? I have been lucky/blessed to work with, learn and steal from a number of truly talented people, including Sue Merrell, who was my very first professional newspaper editor at the Joliet Herald News. I am a proud and grateful member of the WriteOn Joliet writers group. Every writer needs a gaggle of like-minded people to bounce ideas, seek HONEST (constructive) feedback, learn from, laugh with and grow together in his/her abilities and perspectives. Chief among these is Denise Baran-Unland who has taught me more about the process of non-journalistic writing (most especially fiction, which is not my
greatest strength.)
So what’s your game plan? Love to do readings/signings as
fundraisers for groups. Just did one for a local library’s foundation. Always great fun.
COMING WEDNESDAY: Bibi “On-The-Ball” Belford is about to release her fourth book for young readers. She joins our Writers-World Series. Don’t miss it!