We recently connected with Steven Manchester and have shared our conversation below.

Steven, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

When I was young, my grandfather was an amazing storyteller. Although he never put pen to paper, I was awed by the power of words—to make people laugh or even cry. I knew then that I wanted to be a storyteller too.

Fast forward 20 years: I’m a US Army Sgt., serving in Iraq during the first Gulf War. It was already a brutal experience when my life hit a crossroad and I flipped my HUMVEE in the desert. While I was waiting for either the Americans or the Iraqis to come claim me, I made a decision: Life’s way too short to pursue mediocrity. My dream was to be a storyteller, an author, and I made a promise to chase that dream when I got home. (97% rejection rate).

I’d just returned home from Operation Desert Storm, and was working as a prison investigator in Massachusetts. Needless to say, there was great negativity in my life at that time. I decided to return to college to finish my degree in Criminal Justice. During one of the classes, the professor talked about police work but nothing else. I finally raised my hand and asked, “The criminal justice system is vast. What about the courts, probation, parole – corrections?” He smiled and told me to see him after class. I thought I’d done it! In his office, he explained, “There’s no written material out there on corrections or prisons, except from the slanted perspective of inmates.” He smiled again and dropped the bomb. “If you’re so smart,” he said, “why don’t you write it?” Nine months later, I dropped the first draft of 6-5; A Different Shade of Blue on his desk. From then on, I was hooked. I was a writer.

Fortunately, I kept that promise and 30 years, I have 17 published works, with 7 national bestsellers, a feature film and a list of national awards.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Dubbed New England’s Storyteller, I am the author of the soul-awakening novel, The Menu, as well as the ’80s nostalgia-series, Bread Bags & Bullies; Lawn Darts & Lemonade. My other works include #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin’ Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award winning novels, Dad and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie, The Thursday Night Club (NYIFA & LAFA winner). My work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show and CBS’s The Early Show; in Billboard and People Magazines. Three of my short stories were selected “101 Best” for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. I am a multi-produced playwright, as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, 2018 New York Book Festival, 2020 New England Book Festival, and 2021 Paris Book Festival. When not spending time with my beautiful wife, Paula, or our children, I’m busy promoting my works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

After my difficulties in the desert in 1991, I believe that we are never alone–not ever–and that we’re all connected. My writing is focused on proving this, so that others may never feel alone, either.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Integrity! I’m not sure there’s anything more important than being honest with your audience–and yourself. I learned early on that the only person I have to be is me. When building my reputation, I only had to allow others into my world to see my process, my passions, my failures, and my victories. When others feel like they have a vested interest in your journey, they’ll be with you every step of the way. Be transparent. Be approachable. Be willing to help when possible. But most importantly, be yourself!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stevenmanchester.com
• Instagram: @authorstevenmanchester
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/steve.manchester.3
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/steven-manchester

Image Credits

Paula Manchester