Interview: Buzzy Martin

  Today I have Buzzy Martin, author of Don't Shoot! I'm the Guitar Man!, visiting The Life and Lies!

This is the story of lifelong musician Buzzy Martin, music teacher to the hardened criminals inside the walls of San Quentin Prison-and what he learned, note by incredible note.

This interview is reprinted with permission.

1. Buzzy, I know after reading your book that you didn't  set out in the beginning to write a book about your experience working in San  Quentin   Prison, so can you tell us why it became so important to share your experience?

  After teaching and working in Juvenile Hall with at risk youth who want to go to prison, I felt it was very important for me to bring back real information about prison.
 

2. When you visit juvenile halls or detention centers now,  and you share the stories and the reality of what it is like behind bars, do the
  kids listen? Have you ever thought, that one of the kids in class actually "got  it"?

yes and yes

3. What can parents and guardians do? Or, are the children  who are most affected by this the children who don't have anyone? If so, what  can
  educators do to help these children?

Get in involved and show them guidance.

 

4. How did you manage to go into San Quentin for 3 years?

The power of helping people

 

5. Did you ever have one of your juvenile students come into the "Q" while you were there?

No

 

6.  From the moment you conceived the idea for the story, to the published book, how long did it take?

6 years

7. How was your experience in looking for a publisher? What words of advice would you offer those novice authors who are in search of one?

I didn't look for one, they came to me.

 

8. What type of book promotion seems to work the best for you?

Self-publish your own book, believe in your self and never give up 

 

9.  Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you
  and your work?

yes, Facebook

 

10. Do you have another book on the works? Would you like to tell
  readers about your current or future projects?

Yes, I'm writing another book right now and I'm involved with the movie that is being made based on my book.

11. As an author, what is your greatest reward?

Having my book available around the world. 

 

12. Anything else you’d like to say about yourself or your work?

I'm living a dream.  Education Not Incarceration