Something Or Other Publishing is proud to introduce David Lutes, an international minister, pastor, and winner of the 2nd Prize in the Memoir & Autobiography category of our 1st Annual Short Story Contest.
David Lutes, minister, and author of The Little Black Book of Soyuznik.
David Lutes is an ordained minister, executive coach, and global talent management consultant and trainer. Having worked in over 30 countries and lived in 12, Dave carries a million stories in his heart and mind that capture the richness of the mysteries, beauty, colors, and humor of many cultures. His imagination in his writing is only surpassed by the true stories he tells – and the intrigue they are wrapped in.
The Little Black Book of Soyuznik is based on actual events in David’s life and spans eight former Soviet countries, a complex interplay between post-Soviet Russian generals, Swiss spies, NATO leaders, Mafia cons, secret meetings in underground nuclear missile command bunkers, and FBI interrogations. And it was all written down in three little black books.
Jesus E. Bracho, SOOP’s Director of Marketing, sat down with David to learn more about his journey:
J.B: What inspired you to write “The Little Black Book of Soyuznik”?
D.L: It’s 90% true, based on actual events in my life, and is life-changing; and when I have told the story publicly, it has inspired and encouraged and intrigued people – and made them laugh and ‘awe.’ That feels good to do that.
J.B: What was the most challenging part of writing the story?
D.L: Writing the parts that are absolutely true but, at the same time to many readers, are absolutely unbelievable – in a creative and entertaining way that captures the imagination and makes believers of them.
J.B: What genres do you personally like to read?
2nd Prize in the Memoir & Autobiography category of SOOP’s 1st Annual Short Story Contest. (SOOP)
D.L: Dystopian ‘Christian-esque’. Historical fiction. The Bible.
J.B: Do you have any other writing projects in the works?
D.L: Yes. Four other short stories. Two plays. Two screenplays. Two books (true crime, memoir). One large expert paper (OpEd).
J.B: Who is your target audience?
D.L: For this short story, anyone who dreams, even casually, of finding purpose, meaning, and direction – with a bit of adventure woven into the journey.
J.B: What do you hope readers take away from your story?
D.L: The ‘wow’ factor…and then be messengers to a public forum where I can tell even more of the story. Because of the word limit, there are so many pieces in the story that had to be left untold, un-elaborated on.
J.B: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
D.L: You can’t edit a blank page. Write, and let it pour out. Don’t overthink. Just write. Then put it down and do something completely detached from the piece. It’s possible to get too close to your work that your creative juices may leak out. Then come back and try again. Don’t edit as you write…and give the piece to people who love you to read and to 1-2 others who don’t know you to read as well…and get their feedback as impersonally as possible.
The Little Black Book of Soyuznik is part of SOOP’s upcoming anthology “Winners: A compilation of Award-Winning Short Stories“, available for pre-order through David’s customized product page right here.
Learn more about David Lutes through the links below:
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