Categories

Antonio F. Vianna has authored over a dozen published books (fiction and non-fiction). He holds a B. S. Degree in Biology from Union College (Schenectady, New York), a M. M. from Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), is a former Officer in the United States Air Force, and has over 25 years of professional Human Resources experience. He is frequently on television and radio offering practical tips for taking charge of your career, and is available for speaking engagements, and ghost writing projects. 

Mr. Vianna is on-faculty with multiple universities teaching graduate level and undergraduate level business and management courses; he also conducts workshops on “Re-Careering at any Age,” and “How to Write a Book and Get Published.”  He is V.P.-Treasurer/Membership of Publishers and Writers of San Diego, and a founding Board Member of Read Local San Diego. He lives in Carlsbad, California. His books are available almost everywhere. Go to viannabooks4u.com.

Thank you Antonio for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

I am currently writing the draft for the 3rd installment of a vampire trilogy. I am surprised that I am writing in this genre, fantasy, since I usually stick to mystery/suspense/thriller novels for fiction. However, after I wrote "Stranger On A Train," I couldn't think of another topic for my next book. So, I re-read "Stranger..." and discovered the last chapter allowed me to create a sequel, "The Hiding." Then, "The Hiding," allowed me to create a vampire trilogy. I haven't yet decided on a title for the third installment.  It is amazing how creativity works! I also write non-fiction on the subjects of "re-careering" and "leadership."

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I conduct workshops on "How to write a book and get published," and "Re-careering at any age." I am often interviewed on San Diego television offering careers tips and ways to find jobs. I speak to companies about ways to invest in their workforce. As a faculty member with several San Diego based universities, I teach undergraduate and graduate level business and management courses. I am V.P.-Treasurer/Membership for "Publishers and Writers of San Diego" and a founding Board Member for "Read Local San Diego."

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

I have 14 books published (12 fiction and 2 non-fiction). The fiction works are mystery, suspense, thriller, fantasy genre while the non-fiction subjects are on topics of "re-careering" and "leadership."

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Since I regularly teach with several San Diego based universities, I am in constant contact with working-adult students. Further, I speak on cruise ships about the profession of writing and how to write a book. Also, I showcase my books on my website, at city street fairs, and many other non-traditional places where there are readers and buyers such as coffee shops, hotels, movie theaters, just to name a few. I post on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and EzineArticles.

What will your next project be?

My next project could either be an update (3rd edition) of "Career Management and Employee Portfolio Tool Kit" or it might be another mystery novel. One of the most difficult aspects of writing is identifying a topic that I care about and would be interested in reading myself. Sometimes it takes me 3 months to identify a relevant and interesting topic.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

My sister is very encouraging. She too is a writer.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

I write about topics that push my creativity and make me think, regardless of the genre. For example, a mystery novel is essentially a puzzle/problem. So, I present the puzzle/problem in the first chapter, take the reader through several possible solutions to solve the puzzle/problem in the middles chapters, and then arrive at a reasonable solution in the final chapter. Even if the topic has been discussed many times previously, I am interested in offering my own interpretation.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

For anyone who is starting out or thinks about becoming a professional writer, they should ask this question, "Why am I writing?" This question directs the writer/writer-wannabe to a central issue of motivation, purpose, and intent. If the answer is to make a lot of money, then I suggest doing something else ... over 88% of books published in the USA do not make a profit ... there are over 200,000 new English-titled books that are published in the USA each year ... bookstores only carry on stock about 20,000 different book titles!

The second key question is, "How will I promote/sell/showcase my book?" Most writers do not market their works very well ... they want to write. This is unfortunate because if the reader/buyer doesn't know your book exists, it will not sell. The third key question is, "Who is the target market?" You must identify the market who will buy your book ... this is the buyer, not the reader. Not all buyers read, and not all readers buy. So while the writer writes to a reader, s/he sells to a buyer.

How did you get started as a writer?

In 1997-98 I was conducting an outplacement program for a company where I was the V.P. Human Resources. One employee told me he was impressed with the content, organization and writing style of the workbook and then asked me if I had considered getting it published. I told him I was not a professional writer, but a professional Human Resources executive. He persisted with his notion, and eventually I took his opinion more seriously. He had not realized that Ms. Little, my 9th grade English teacher, as well as other high school teachers, had encouraged me to study the sciences, not the arts. I dutifully obeyed them and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Chemistry as a Pre-Medicine major, and later during my business career a Master’s in Management from Northwestern University.

Then, after 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as an officer and with over 25 years as a successful Human Resources professional, I decided to change my career. My plan was to leverage some of my Human Resources competencies, specifically in the areas of teaching and writing, into a new career. I worked full time as a H. R. professional while I taught a few courses with a university, and began to write. I was rejected 300 times from agents and publishers ... "come back to us when you're published." I quickly learned that persistence pays off ... I had to believe in myself and my work ... I was not going to take 'no' for an answer ... I was going to invest in myself.  After two years working three jobs, I decided to take the plunge ... the only way I was going to get to second base was to take my foot off first base. Now I am an author, educator and speaker.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

I do not have one favorite published work. I am delighted to see an improvement in my own writing over time, something that encourages me to continue writing. I know I have untapped capabilities ... this by itself is motivating.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

I kick start my day with a healthy breakfast and then check my e-mail correspondence. The rest of the day pivots around several criteria since I teach at universities, write, and speak. However, I carve out at least two hours per day (could actually become six hours or more for any given day) for four days within the seven day week to devote to some aspect of writing. This could mean planning, organizing, writing the draft, revising, editing, discussing with the publisher, marketing, or selling. I treat writing as a business, and as such, I devote adequate resources (time, money, energy, materials, etc.) to it. Otherwise, it is a hobby.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

Today I read books to learn about authors' writing styles, not about the content. Since I learn from almost any author, I often read books by obscure authors.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

The last song I sung when I was by myself was "I only have eyes for you," by The Flamingos ... Wow, am I that old!

Thank you Antonio! We wish you great success with your latest book in your vampire trilogy!