I have known Mel since 1990, when I was hired as a freelance graphic artist for his agency the AdSmith. From this one-on-one relationship our friendship grew to the point that Mel became “family.” I was amazed to hear he was writing a book. Not that I didn’t feel he was capable, but I knew his limited time schedule. I am completely impressed at his dedication; taking what little time he had each day and accomplishing what many, including myself, have not — he finished.
Below is a short interview with Mel about writing The Sultans of Swat. In the near future, Unruly Guides plans to have him as a guest on our Blog Talk Show.
What compelled you to write your story?
I love historical fiction and have been a fan of Michener, the Sharra’s and Hermann Wouk. I have always wanted to see a historical fiction novel written on Vietnam; it’s the one Vietnam novel I would want to read. I guess if it’s not there you have to write it yourself. That’s the simple, short answer and why the novel is historical fiction. I have been bothered for years by how our generation has been treated by the ones before us and after us. I’ve heard spoiled, selfish, uncommitted, lazy, and a lot of other tags applied to us that are born of ignorance and are unfairly applied, especially regarding Vietnam Veterans. Consider this: ours was the first generation to stand in mass and basically say to the establishment and our parents’ generation, “this is bullshit”. We were better-informed, independent thinkers, who were not afraid to stand on principle for what we believed. You’d think maybe our parents would have been proud of that. It’s a profoundly American ideal. Also, hundreds of thousands of kids in the late sixties and seventies went to Vietnam to serve, even though they were not committed to the war and did not believe in it. They fought bravely and many died – not for “freedom” or “our way of life”, but simply because they were Americans and thought serving their country was the right thing to do. The cultural and societal pressure that brought this about are a big part of The Sultans of Swat. The novel is about the Vietnam War, beginning to end, but it is also about commitments, patriotism, culture, Vietnamese history and the fundamentals of American society (with a little romance thrown in).
How did you keep motivated to write your book to completion?
I wanted the story of our generation told… and for those generations before and after ours to understand how the most powerful nation on earth could be beaten in war by a third world country. I have heard opinions that losing the war was our generation’s fault; that we didn’t fight hard enough. The truth is there, in the book. I spent eight years writing this book and wrote it a half-hour here, two hours there, the middle of the night, weekends when everyone else was out having a good time. I thought I had a great story brewing and I was driven to complete it. I can honestly say I enjoyed 80% of the effort.
Are experiences in your novel based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Yes, many of the experiences are of my life or of those I interviewed while researching the book. Mike Uphus, a decorated Army Vietnam Vet was a tremendous resource for his experiences in battle. There were also many books and websites used for background. The history represented in the novel, unlike the characters, is real. One thing about the story, I try to keep true to the reality of the times and places. The language used is true to that thrown around in the service. The feelings are real, as told by veterans. To “water down” the language, the fear, sweat, etc. would be to lie about the experience. The situations and times are presented as best they can. I wanted the reader to get a “full dose” of the Vietnam Generation’s youth and this war.
Are the names of the characters in your novel important?
Not really.
Are they based on real-people?
Very loosely. I had in mind many kids from my neighborhood, and the physical neighborhood itself. But the names were changed and the lives presented, fiction. JJ Johnson was a real person I knew in the Navy and his dad did run a golf course in Fullerton, California – but everything else about the character JJ in the book was total fiction.
Did you research your novel?
Exhaustively. It’s totally based on historical records (such as they are with communist Vietnam) and personal interviews. I wanted the representation of events, people, and places to be as real as possible. Anyone reading this book would have a very thorough knowledge of the Vietnam War.
What were the challenges in bringing your novel to life?
The time it took to do it. With a business to run, a home to take care of and three kids to raise, it took commitment. I had a hell of a time finding out anything about PBRs**. When I started the book in 1998, the web wasn’t nearly as developed as it is now. Finding information was hit and miss. I spent a lot of time at the library. I never wanted anyone to say “that didn’t happen”. There are some things in the book that are based on best guesses (even by historians), but most of it is factual knowledge. I did make up division names, boat numbers, and place outfits where they weren’t to satisfy my storyline, but I think these are kinda white lies. The one thing I regret is never finding a PBR veteran who would talk to me. I tried to find that person but he wasn’t available. The best I could do is a couple factual books on PBRs that I located at Barnes and Noble.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Starting is hard, but finishing is much harder. Be prepared to spend all your extra time on it if you’re serious. Be organized. Do a thorough outline. If you’ve never written a book, you’ll discover a ways in that you can’t see the forest for the trees. You get lost. At that point, you need someone you trust to read it and give you some advice with the bark off. The best advice I received was from my brother-in-law who read the book when it was about 50,000 words. He came back and said I had totally over-written the book. Write only things that really matter to the story. If you don’t, you’ll lose the reader.
What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?
Not enough people have read the book and those who have are friends who wouldn’t say anything bad even if the thing stunk.
How do you react to a bad review or comment of one of your books?
I’ve been in the advertising business for thirty years. I’ve had good clients tell me I’m a lousy copywriter and I’ve had a lot of stuff ripped. It doesn’t bother me. I have confidence in what I do. My book is pulp fiction; it’s not Hemingway. Nor did I ever intend it to be. I wanted to tell the story, the best I could. I’m sure the book could be totally ripped by an English professor, a nasty reviewer, etc. It won’t bother me. I find after my ego recovers there is usually something of value to glean from criticism.
Do you plan to do more books?
No plans, though I have an outline for a very interesting sci-fi novel.
Would you consider writing your autobiography or memoirs?
Are you kidding?
Has the dog ever eaten your manuscript?
A dog would have a hard time eating my hard drive, now wouldn’t they? Actually, I have the manuscript saved on four computers and a couple hard copies.
**Patrol Boat, River (also referred to as Pibber), or PBR, is the United States Navy designation for a small rigid-hulled patrol boat used in the Vietnam War from March 1966 until the end of 1971. (Wikipedia)
