Q&A with Secrets of the River authors
DAP Books sat down with Larry Gottleib and Katherine Knickerbocker, authors of recently released Secrets of the River: A Parable for Our Times. Take a behind-the-scenes peek inside their creative process and learn what they hope readers take away from their book.
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DAP Books: Can you share any insights into your creative process? Do you have any particular rituals or habits that help you get into the writing flow?
For me, Larry, this process is all about intention. If it is my intent to communicate something in writing, I trust that the ideas will come. However, they don't come on any particular schedule. So I have to pay attention and recognize them when they do. Keeping my mind clear and open is the next step, and getting them down "on paper" when they do come is the final piece. For Katherine, she feels she has "writing guides" who inspire her.
DAP Books: How do you hope readers will perceive your novel, what are your hopes and expectations for how readers will connect with your story?
We hope our readers will see our novel first as a good, enjoyable story and then as a source of ideas for living more joyfully. We believe these ideas are universal, and we are confident that those who are open to questioning what they already know will do so.
DAP Books: What does your writing/working space look like?
Our writing/work space is a special room in our house called the office, with photos of our family and artwork surrounding us. Katherine and I share it back-to-back at our desks but sit side-by-side when we work together, as we did on this novel.
DAP Books: How do you handle feedback and criticism from readers or editors during the writing and revision process?
Here again, we trust that those who come forward to edit and proofread are those best suited to the task at hand. However, we go over all suggestions and criticism to see how they feel. In our experience, this results in a great partnership in which both parties, we and they, bring forth our best work. We also work to keep our egos at bay!
DAP Books: As an author, what do you believe sets your work apart from others in your genre or field?
Each of us has a story to tell, and each of us brings a unique voice to the writing process. If the partnership among writer, editor and publisher works well, the result is a fresh, new viewpoint to share with others.
DAP Books: Is there a book that you’ve read multiple times? What is it, and why do you keep going back to it?
For me, Larry, the book that best fits that criterion is Tales of Power by Carlos Castaneda. Every time I have read that book, I have come away with new insights as to who I am and what the world really is.
DAP Books: Share one fun fact about yourself, something that your readers would never guess.
Fun fact: Katherine has visited over twenty countries. Fun fact: fifty years ago, Larry had the opportunity to perform on the "big-time" concert stage with John Denver and then with Steve Martin, as well as on several television shows, as a pedal-steel guitar player.
DAP Books: Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment or detail about the creation of your book that readers might find surprising or intriguing?
Every occurrence in this story is something that at least one of us has experienced. And every conversation in the book is one that at least one of us has been involved in. Finally, except for the crew, every character in the story contains a piece of Larry.
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In Secrets of the River: A Parable for Our Time, five city-dwellers, seeking more than just thrills, venture into the untamed wilderness under the guidance of an experienced river guide. As they navigate the river’s challenges—both physical and emotional—the group confronts personal fears, uncovers hidden strengths, and forges deep connections. The river’s powerful currents become a metaphor for the unpredictable journey of life, leading each traveler toward clarity and self-discovery.
Click here to purchase a copy of Secrets of the River.