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Author and punk music expert Ryan Cooper says that living as an expat has presented him with a new way of thinking.Name: Ryan Cooper
Nationality: USA
Country of residence: Netherlands
Reason for moving to new country of residence:
For work, and to start over.
Titles of books:
Read by Dawn Volume III
Punk Rock Saved My Ass
When was your last book published?
May 2008
Why did you start writing?
I'm not sure. Looking back, it seems like I always was writing something. Before I knew it, I was doing it for a living.
What do you write about?
Anything. Life. Nonlife. Music. Things that happened, things than can happen and things that should happen.
What do you like most about writing?
It allows me to present myself in a way that I could never eloquently present verbally.
What aspects about being a writer do you find difficult?
Getting ideas, and making those ideas work.
How has living abroad influenced your work as a writer?
It's presented me with a new way of thinking. When the routines of your day all of a sudden become difficult, you look at what routines mean in a new light.
Are writing groups/courses easy to find in the country you live in?
So far, no.
Which writers have inspired you the most?
Jack London, Hunter S. Thompson, Ernest Hemingway.
What hurdles, if any, have you encountered on your path to becoming a published writer?
Rejection.
How do you deal with rejection or harsh comments?
You decide if it's worthwhile and constructive. Sometimes it is (usually it is), and you learn from that. Sometimes, it carries no weight at all. You have to learn to ignore it.
What advice would you give to budding writers?
Write. Write some more. If you think your first draft is great -- it's probably not. When you think you can't write anything more, that's when you write your best work.
Would you like to add anything that we haven't addressed in the questionnaire?
The key to being a writer is writing. It's not publishing, and it's not saying you're a writer. If you wrote a book, but you're not writing now, you're not a writer -- you WERE a writer. It's all about evolution of self and of thought.
Anyone can be a writer.
Anyone can be a good writer.
If you have the time and dedication, it's an easy thing to be.
According to his Twitter page, Ryan Cooper is a 'professional debrouillard'. Read more from Ryan on his Guide to Punk Music and in an interview about his book "Punk Rock Saved My Ass". You can find his book on Amazon here.
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I also wanted to add that I'm doing a blog of my adventures here in the 'Dam: http://blog.amsterdamtourist.com/
Hey Ryan, how did Punk Rock save your arse (I'm English) exactly? Or do I need to read the book... :-)
Maximillion: Not to butt in, but whether or not one enjoys Punk Music, "Punk Rock Saved My Ass" is a worthwhile read. Although there are some common threads, each story is as unique as it is uniquely told, and each deserves to be read. Highly recommend.
Hi Ryan,
Although his ass needs no saving (I hope), this and the Medusa's Muse interview, made me decide to order your book "Punk Rock Saved My Ass". It'll be a birthday present for my 16-year-old son (but 17 soon) who enjoys punk rock a lot. He and some friends started their own punk rock band only a couple of weeks ago.
I also wanted to add that I'm doing a blog of my adventures here in the 'Dam: http://blog.amsterdamtourist.com/
Hey Ryan, how did Punk Rock save your arse (I'm English) exactly? Or do I need to read the book... :-)
Maximillion: Not to butt in, but whether or not one enjoys Punk Music, "Punk Rock Saved My Ass" is a worthwhile read. Although there are some common threads, each story is as unique as it is uniquely told, and each deserves to be read. Highly recommend.
Hi Ryan,
Although his ass needs no saving (I hope), this and the Medusa's Muse interview, made me decide to order your book "Punk Rock Saved My Ass". It'll be a birthday present for my 16-year-old son (but 17 soon) who enjoys punk rock a lot. He and some friends started their own punk rock band only a couple of weeks ago.
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