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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author Barron Ryan shares the inspiration behind his new adult picture book, Honey, If It Wasn’t For You, about love songs co-written for widow’s wife.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed musician and author Barron Ryan about his life and career, the inspiration behind his new book, Honey, If It Wasn’t For You, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I’m an author and musician in whose work Classic Meets Cool. My career began in music, but I knew I might work in other media too. So instead of trying to find a category of art I might fit in, I just created my own.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
The idea to write a book first took hold in the spring of 2022. Originally, I thought Honey, If It Wasn’t for You would be a short documentary film, in the style of Chef’s Table or Formula 1: Drive to Survive.
Even a ten-minute video would require expertise from many people besides myself, so there was a problem to solve: How do you give an elevator pitch for a story spanning 40 years? My answer was to write the tale as an illustrated storybook, and since that was much more feasible than a film, I decided just to do that instead.
When did you take a step to start writing?
Almost immediately! As an artist, I can go from idea to action as quickly as my schedule allows. I had the idea while driving to a meeting, so as soon as I got back home, I got to work.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
My book is short (about 700 words), so the text was finished within three months. But good illustration takes time, so it was a year and half until the book was ready for publication.
What made you want to write Honey, If It Wasn’t for You?
Honey, If It Wasn’t for You is about a love song that I co-wrote with a man who died six years before I was born. I had already put the lyrics to music, and needed some way of explaining why the song was so special. An illustrated storybook for adults seemed like the perfect way to do it!
What were your biggest challenges with writing Honey, If It Wasn’t for You?
My biggest challenge was deciding on the perspective from which to write. The book has three characters: Don Feagin (the lyricist who died of a terminal illness), Linda (Don’s wife and my close friend), and me.
Should the book be from my perspective? Should it be narrated by a third person? My solution was to write a prologue and epilogue in my voice, and the rest of the book as an outside observer.
What was your research process for Honey, If It Wasn’t for You?
Thankfully, minimal! The book is a true story, so I could consult my friend Linda about its portrayal of real life events.
How did you plan the structure of Honey, If It Wasn’t for You?
I wanted to read the book in concert as a way to introduce the song, “Honey, If It Wasn’t for You.” That guided its length, structure, and tone. The book takes about five minutes to read, then audience members can purchase it at the merchandise table!
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Honey, If It Wasn’t for You need?
Definitely, and it needed a lot. I didn’t know how to present the story in book form, so first I just wrote it as completely as I could. My editor and I then went through two rounds of revisions, honing the book’s structure first, and then finer details. She did about as much work in the writing process as I did!
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Start. Putting words on a blank page is the hardest part, so just write something. With further refinement, who knows what it can turn into!
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’m tempted to write a focused memoir on a musical composition I’m about to record. But there’s still a lot of work to do just to get that project released, so another book won’t come for at least a little while.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I’m honored to have brought Don Feagin’s legacy to the public’s attention. It was completely worth the effort, and I hope that the book has only begun leaving an impact.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/48v1Wqr
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/49psFGr
You can buy the book at book.barronryan.com.
Learn more about me at barronryan.com.
Find me on your favorite social media platform:
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