Our Founder Wade Fransson is an Author Too!!

Our founder Wade Fransson is on the verge of publishing his third book, Rod of Iron. When not authoring and publishing books, Wade manages technology negotiations for Kohl’s Department Stores. He holds an M.B.A. from Keller Graduate School of Management and has focused on the integration of technology into business strategy and operations, including his experience performing strategic planning for Countrywide’s Administration and Real Estate Division. Wade previously worked for the Worldwide Church of God, using German, French, Swedish, and Russian language skills to develop global education programs across Europe and behind the Iron Curtain. Wade lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife and two children, Read more….

An Interview with Wade

What inspired you to write this trilogy of books?

My life’s experience was so far out of the norm that I’ve had people tell me they thought I was lying about my experiences. This was a starting point for wanting to write it down. But the main reason is that the crazy events of my formative years led to an intense desire to understand Why?  Why at a macro level. Why are we here? Where do I fit in? Does my life have meaning? Consistently asking these questions, at every twist and turn, rather than accepting partial answers, led to amazing discoveries I simply had to share

What made you decide that this was the right story to tell?

That’s possibly not the best question. The big question to me was, “How do I tell this story?” I wanted to create an intoxicating brew, a compelling mix, an intricate and fascinating weave of elements, all true, but written in such a way that the unfolding of events, and the secrets that were revealed, were almost unbelievable, and that the dense topics were made not only accessible but interesting.

What is your process when you are writing a book?

Since I have so many other responsibilities, I have to write in spurts. Many inputs are collected and woven into the final manuscript. Then I rewrite and rewrite it, adding, subtracting, and polishing. I also like to include Beta readers who help me finalize the second to last draft before going to the editor. I have a fairly elaborate process of sharing out, chapter by chapter, to the Beta readers, and capturing their answers to key questions in my final rewrite to the editor.

Do you listen to music when you are writing?

Sometimes, but not usually. Because lyrics speak to me deeply, and so I can’t shut the music out. Instead, I have incorporated music into my work. Every chapter title and subheading in my trilogy is the title of a Beatle’s song. Snippets of song lyrics are woven in to express the feelings and emotions of the material, as well as to add layers of meaning. Most importantly, music is a universal language – and I feel that these elements enhance the ability of the reader to derive a unique, personal meaning from what they are reading.

Who inspired you to become an author?

Dr. Suess probably, if I go back far enough. As a preteen, it was Science Fiction – Bradbury, Isamov, Heinlein, and Frank Herbert – Author of Dune. The single book that probably inspired me the most was Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert Pirsig. The way he told his story was so amazing, and I aspired to approach it in a somewhat similar, if also markedly different, fashion.

Do you plan to write more books than this trilogy?

Yes – but I’m not committing to any timeline. I need to take a break, after working on this trilogy for the last ten years, and hopefully, find the time to reach out and connect with my readers through book tours and speaking engagements.

Where do you see yourself as a writer in ten years? My aspiration would be to continue learning and growing so that I would have material I wish to share, and that I would have an audience eager to hear more.

What do you do in your free time?

I love nothing more than spending time with my kids. With my 10-year-old daughter, it’s usually arts and crafts, cooking, reading, and helping her with a book she wants me to edit for her. With my seven-year-old son, it’s sports. Football, Soccer, Basketball – anything in which you can keep score and win. He already wipes me out in running, but for now, I can still win, if I want to, at most of the ball sports.

Do you have a hobby?

Any chance I get I’m reading. Magazines like Rolling Stone or Scientific American, or making a dent in the 30 or so books currently in my stack of what to read next. I’m currently working my way through a book on Zoroaster.