A triple threat writer, Theo is an award winning novelist, a critically acclaimed songwriter and a poet. But, first and foremost, Theo considers himself a storyteller. A true Renaissance man, Theo also performs professionally as a musician on Piano, Guitar, Bass, Saxophone and Harmonica. In the world at large, Theo has served time as a counselor, a canoe guide, a social worker, a sculptor, a teacher, a pauper a poet a pawn and a king (well, not so much the king). Reared on the back street blacktop of Detroit, Theo has settled in Oregon and spends his time mulling the green of the great Northwest with his wife, Pi, and their pup, Paisley. With 2 novels, 4 CDs and 2 books of poetry under his belt, Theo is always looking for the next mountain to climb.
How would you classify your latest work, what inspired its inception?
THE BLACK BOTTOM: The Measure Of Man is a Psychological Thriller Novel Noir.
With novel writing, as opposed to songwriting/poetry, I strive to dig deeper into a theme then a 3 minute song allows. My protagonist, suffering from amnesia, gave rein to exploring what makes man man. With this novel I was allowed to explore the world of jazz in its infancy, the Roar of the 20s, gang wars, union wars, and the best and worst of this thing called mankind.
How long did it take you to complete? .
About 4 years.
Who are some of your top 5 authors or writers you look up to & admire?
Kurt Vonnegut
Mark Twain
Raymond Chandler
John Stienbeck
Dashielle Hammett
Why do you write?
“Because I have something to say,” would be the easy answer. But it is more than that. And less than that.
What’s the biggest take away you want your readers to come away with after reading your latest work?
Enjoying the ride. Although I delve into big issues, I consider myself, first and foremost, a storyteller.
How is the writing/reading scene in your locale?
I write on a card table in my garage. My office and music studio offer way too many distractions. (“Oh look at the shiny guitar.”).
What’s the best book you’ve ever read?
To Kill A Mockingbird
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
Maybe 10 years old. In the dirt under the front porch. I just knew.
How have you evolved as a writer over the last year?
Past year? Hard to say. Over my lifetime? I do not write unless I have something to say. 2 novels, 4 CDs, 2 books of poetry later … I guess I have opinions.
If you could meet, have dinner, have a drink with anyone (writer/non-writer) (dead or alive) who would it be?
Jesus or Hitler. I’d have tons of questions for either.
What’s next for you?
I don’t know. Wherever my curiosity is piqued, most probably.
URL: http://tedczuk.com/
PURCHASE LINK “THE BLACK BOTTOM”: https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-BOTTOM-Measure-Man-ebook/dp/B07VRB3HG5
End of Interview
