Friends in Low Places

Vince Wetzel’s debut contemporary fiction novel was published this April. Here’s a brief synopsis:

How strong are the bonds of friendship? Four lifelong buddies go on their annual trip to the lake, but this time to spread Jim’s ashes and read his ragged notebook, chronicling every adventure of the past 20 years. Over the course of their final trip together, they will read Jim’s journal through his uncensored eyes, reliving their shared laughter, life moments, revelations, and regret while coming to accept their grief. Friends in Low Places is a funny, poignant, sometimes heartbreaking portrayal of male relationships and the support they provide as boys mature into men.

You can find out more about this contemporary fiction author on his website or at Goodreads Author Vince Wetzel. He’s also on Twitter at @wetzelv.

Vince’s Interview

Do you consider yourself (1) an introvert OR (2) an extrovert?

I am an extrovert who also sees value in quiet time. In my regular job, I interact, make presentations, connect people and it brings me a lot of energy and excitement. However, I love the time when I can just sit by myself with some music and a beer and look at a firepit or a body of water and just be.

An extrovert who also enjoys quiet times!

Your novel brought you fame and fortune. Do you spend approximately $2 million on (1) an expensive car OR (2) a Hollywood-style RV?

I definitely get a nice RV, though I hope I can also hire a driver for it to remove that stress. I’ve thought that in retirement it would be great to travel to different spots on the northern West Coast and just watch the waves crash across the rocks in the cool crisp air. I would wake up with my coffee, sit outside amongst the seagulls and the marine layer of fog, and it would be the best way to write.

Driver hired for you!

Are you a person who (1) makes and follows New Year resolutions OR (2) never bothers with resolutions?

I don’t think of them as resolutions, but rather goals. Resolutions are made to be broken. Goals are made to be achieved. I usually set yearly goals, then break them down into quarterly and then weekly goals. It helps to keep me accountable for what I want to achieve. I think the key is creating process and habit, which brings you to achievement and results.

Goal achiever!

Are you (1) a morning person OR (2) a night owl?

When I was younger, I was definitely a night owl, partially because I was a sportswriter and worked 3-midnight and by the time I came down from the deadline rush, it would be 2-3 a.m. Twenty years later, I’ve adopted morning mystique. Perhaps it comes from my father, a farmer who was out the door by 6 am. But there is a peace and open-ended energy that comes from pre-dawn.

Interesting perspective!

What is your (1) favorite book quote OR (2) favorite movie quote?

“When a defining moment comes along, you define the moment or the moment defines you. I did not shrink from the challenge, I rose to it. If I had it to do all over again, I’d still hit that shot.” – Roy McElvoy, (Kevin Costner in the movie Tin Cup)

Of course, this quote is followed by another “Greatness courts failure, Romeo.” While he rose to the challenge, he always let his ego drive him. There are moments where you can’t move forward by being reactive. You have to be proactive and define the situation. Of course, sometimes that may mean failure, but you can’t be afraid of failure. You can try to mitigate the impact or find alternatives, but understand how failure is a part of success and achievement and you can define your life. I believe that if intentions are good and pure and rooted in the right things, good outcomes are more likely to be achieved.

Defining the moments!

Thanks for being interviewed, Vince!