Featured Interview With Julian Bishop
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Devon, England and lived in predominantly rural communities for most of my childhood. I have traveled the world, lived on three continents, and visited well over 100 countries.
I currently live in Atlanta, USA. My two daughters have left for college. I live with my wife, Lorna. She is one of the main characters in High, Wide, and Handsome. We also live with Dog #1, Dog #2, and Cat #1, a recurring joke from High, Wide, and Handsome.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was reading before I attended school. As there was little to do when I was growing up, I read voraciously often going to the public library more than once a day to take out new books.
For many decades, I wrote only for the companies for which I worked. When I retired, I decided that I wanted to write a book about America.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I have eclectic tastes in most things. I vacillate between non-fiction and fiction. At the moment, I am on a spy novel kick. If past experience is a guide (and it usually is), I will move to non-fiction shortly. My interests may make me yearn for travel books, history books, or perhaps another genre entirely.
My favorite authors are too many to list. I believe the greatest spy author is Len Deighton, particularly his trilogy of trilogies. I like the travel books of Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux, and Eric Newby. I enjoy the writings of many historians, but – if I had to choose one – it would be Martin Gilbert, who allows the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My book starts with me at an inflection point. My children had just left home, and my wife and I must figure out what we want to do next. We travel coast-to-coast across the USA and explore whether we truly want to be American.
High, Wide, and Handsome – An American Journey – is a witty travel book that seeks to explain American culture. It is the story of three American Journeys. The first is our physical journey coast-to-coast across the USA during a pandemic; the second, our family’s own journey in America; and the third, USA’ journey from independence to today.
In a world where America’s political leaders are widely ridiculed, the book acts as an antidote to the narrative that everything American is broken. It is an essential read for anybody interested in America. From the reviews, the book seems to be equally popular with Americans (who perhaps should have listened more during 13 years of civics classes at school); newish immigrants; and others with a strong interest in America.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles