Pacific Book Review   

Author Interview Erna Mueller

A New Leash on Life

Today we are with Erna Mueller, author of the novel A New Leash on Life.  Erna, thank you for taking some time for us.

EM: Thank you for your interest in my new novel.

PBR:  First, let me say how much we enjoyed your new book, and frankly I was quite impressed with your wordsmithing; your use of alternative meanings – you know, original slang as I may call it.  Tell us a bit, please, about how you come to construct your writing.

EM: I love using phrases and the jargon of the younger generation. They have their own language.  Can you speak tween?

PBR:  Obviously, this kind of talent isn’t developed overnight.  What are some of the prior highlights in your writing career?

EM: This novel is based on an original screenplay I wrote, it won numerous awards but I was having difficulty finding a production company. You know Hollywood, they won’t film it unless it’s familiar or from a well known book. A William Morris agent suggested I adapt the screenplay into novel form. I didn’t think I’d take to novel writing so well. The generous amount of words you can use is liberating. You can develop your characters and go on and on for pages. What freedom! Screenwriting seems restrictive to me now.

PBR:  Your book’s appeal is, in my opinion, for the mature young adult – as well as the “young adult” in all of us.  Was this your intended audience?

EM: It is young adult although at the same time it’s not adult repellent.

PBR:  Where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?

EM:  I was born in Austria and my family immigrated to Chicago when I was four years old. After Grade School my family returned to Salzburg Austria. I was very unhappy there and missed the friendly USA. I couldn’t go back since I didn’t have my green card.  Eventually I was able to return and I now live in Seattle,Washington. I love the U.S.  I hope North American women appreciate their rights here, they’re not as lucky in the rest of the world.

PBR:  Here’s a bit of a heavy question, but I ask because the basis of your book deals with a person reincarnated into a dog.  Can you kindly share with us some of your personal views on this subject?

EM: Personally, I don’t believe in reincarnation. My point is that sometimes you have to live in someone else’s shoes (or paws) in order to grow and become a better person.  We tend to view life subjectively so we need to widen our horizons. I believe in the redemption of a character and if it doesn’t come internally, some external events can change a person’s outlook. In this story it’s a spiritual event. Humility can turn a self-absorbed jerk into a stronger caring individual.

PBR:  You have a unique writing style, but I am curious, who are some of your favorite authors?

EM:  Mark Twain, Ephraim Kishon, Margaret Mitchell,  John Steinbeck, Groucho Marx (yes, he was a writer also)

PBR:  Now I am quite the dog lover.  Tell us, please, about your life with the K-9 clan.

EM:  I love dogs and cannot pass one on the street without smiling, but I don’t own a dog now. I hope to get one soon. I’d love a Corgi.

PBR:  Are you presently working on another novel, if so, can you give us a hint as to what’s it about?

EM: Since I would like A New Leash on Life to be a series, I’m working on the second book now. Justin, Spencer and Shahla get involved with video games, lots of mystery, adventure, a little romance and lots of laughs.

PBR:  We certainly wish you the best of success with A New Leash on Life and look forward to reading your future work as well.  Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts.