Author Interview – Craig Storti – The Hunt For Mount Everest

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed author Craig Storti about his life and writing career, what inspires him, and the writing of his latest book; The Hunt For Mount Everest.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I am almost 74, a native of Vermont, graduate of George Washington U., Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco from 1970-1972, worked at Peace Corps headquarters in Wash DC for six years, met my wife in Kathmandu in 1980, lived in Nepal for two years, directed Peace Corps trainings in Nepal, Morocco, Tunisia, Sri Lanka and started my ow cross-cultural training business upon returning to the US in 1986. Wrote 8 books in the intercultural field.

When did you first WANT to write a book?

From a VERY early age, maybe 10 or so. Loved reading.

When did you take a step to start writing?

I started writing/selling travel articles in my late 20s (Washington Post, LA Times, Chicago Tribune etc)

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

Three years or so including research.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

Two years.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Hunt For Mount Everest?

Living in Nepal, reading everything I could about the Himalayas and esp. Everest, I thought it was curious all the books began in 1921, but I knew Everest was ‘discovered’ in 1852. What took so long?

What were your biggest challenges with writing The Hunt For Mount Everest?

None really; had to travel to the UK for research at the Alpine Club and the Royal Geo. Society

What was your research process for The Hunt For Mount Everest?

Lots of online, esp. journals, above-mentioned research in London. Bought  lots of books.

How did you plan the structure of The Hunt For Mount Everest?

Chronological but had to weave together LOTS of disparate threads to create a story with momentum; I wanted a page turner. I knew the ending first

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Hunt For Mount Everest need?

Needed VERY little editing but what I did get was from one editor, Joe Zigmond, at John Murray who only made a few suggestions but they were brilliant.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Keep it moving; pace is everything

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

I am now writing a book about another famous mountain, Annapurna and plan another book about Everest after that in time for the 75^th anniversary of the first ascent in1953.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

This is my 10^th or 11^th book and I am more proud of it than any other. But the runner-up is my book just before this one: Why Travel Matters.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

My website is craigstorti.com. I am on linked in. Al, my books are in Amazon. The paperback of The Hunt for Mount Everest comes out in the UK in May and in the US probably in October.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Craig Storti

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