An Interview with Allen Wyler

Allen Wyler is a neurosurgeon and successful author. He has written books and articles on the subject of epilepsy. He has also published two medical thriller novels. Allen Wyler uses his real-life experiences in the medical industry for his novel ideas.

How did you get into writing? At what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

All my life I enjoyed reading fiction (The Hardy Boys as a child) and flirted with the idea of trying it myself. Although I always intended to become a physician (I am a neurosurgeon) I majored in English Lit while in pre med. One day I decided I would write a novel.

What was your first book or story that you completed? Did you ever get it published?

My first completed novel had a great premise but (rightly so) will never see the light of day.

How did you finally get published? When were you able to write on a fulltime basis? Please explain your success story?

I just kept submitting query letters to agents until I found one who liked my work. The process took an embarrassing number of years, actually. I think my experience is not too different from the majority of writers. You just need to keep at it and believe in yourself.

How do you stay motivated to finish a novel? How do you stay focused?

What is your writing schedule like? Do you write in the mornings, evenings, and for how long?

In the mornings.

How do you get your ideas?

Every day I see or hear about events - the lottery winner, some senseless murder, a condemned building - that trigger interesting "what if" questions. I put these in a Tomorrow File on my computer to revisit at a later time.

99% are eventually discarded, but some become the nidus to a larger story.

How do you get over writer's block?

All the time. Mostly when outlining a story and find I've backed myself into a corner with no exit.

What piece of advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a writer? What is a good starting point for them?

I have no advice. I write because I have to, not because I want to. If you want to, you will. But once you start, keep faith in what you're doing. Oh, was that advice?

To learn more about Allen Wyler, click here.