We periodically feature guest input from impactful authors we’ve worked with. Please enjoy this Q&A about the writing process with author Joe Serio.
SPIRITUS BOOKS: Tell us a little about your book and why you wrote it.
JOE SERIO: My book, Vodka, Hookers, and the Russian Mafia: My Life in Moscow, is a telling of my time investigating the Russian mafia. I was the only American to work in the Organized Crime Control Department of the Soviet National Police and later was the director of the Moscow office of the world’s leading corporate investigation and business intelligence firm.
First and foremost, I wanted to capture those years of my life. It was a unique experience and uncertain time. Conditions in Russia were worse than those of the Great Depression in the U.S. Second, it was a way for me to interweave my personal life and experiences with the Russian experience. For example, I met the deputy chief of the Soviet Organized Crime Control Department eight months after my father passed away. The deputy chief’s son had died at 17 years of age. In the context of the Russian mafia explosion of the 1990s, I could explore my relationship with my father and this unexpected surrogate Russian father.
How has writing a book helped you personally or professionally?
Writing Vodka, Hookers was a dream come true. I had always wanted to write a lengthy, detailed account of my Russia experience. More so, from many years prior to going to Russia, I had wanted to be a writer. The reactions and reviews I’ve gotten for Vodka, Hookers showed me that I was a competent writer and that people of all stripes are interested in things Russian. Writing the book helped me recall and crystalize thoughts, ideas, and events from my time there that I use in my conference keynote presentations and training classes. The book helps set me apart from most other speakers.
What was the best or easiest part of the process for you?
The easiest part of the process was coming up with the title! ;-) The other easiest part was working with Jocelyn Carbonara as my editor. She gave me so much encouragement and support. She was emotionally and linguistically invested in the whole story. Writing a book about my life with so many pages (440) is difficult. Period. There was no easy part except working with Jocelyn.
What did you find the most challenging?
The most challenging part was dredging up memories that were not always so pleasant. While the title may sound like a frat boy romp through the Evil Empire, it involved deaths, suicide, gangland battles, and a lot more. Having to relive some of it was the biggest challenge.
What surprised you, or what do you wish you had known ahead of time or done differently?
I would have written a shorter book and limited the scope. I would have written just about Russia, for example, without interweaving so many threads of my personal story.
What advice would you give to first-time authors?
Write the book you want to write. A successful creative-type once said to me: “Don’t pursue art for commercial reasons. Follow your heart.” I have found that a very satisfying approach, and it’s given me a life I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Second, write. When you’re tempted to procrastinate, keep writing. When fear arises, keep writing. When you think it’s no good, keep writing. As some famous authors said, talking about writing isn’t writing; doing research about your writing isn’t writing, etc. The only thing that is writing is when you sit down and write.
Decide: Are you going to be a writer or are you not going to be a writer. Writers write.
And finally, write as if there’s nothing at stake, because most of the time, there’s not.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
If you’re a reader who wants to be a writer, do it!
If you’re a reader who loves to read, please keep doing it!
Joe Serio, Ph.D., was the only American to work in the Organized Crime Control Department of the Soviet National Police. Later, he was director of the Moscow office of the world’s leading corporate investigation and business intelligence firm. He’s the author, co-author, editor, or translator of more than 20 books. Joe has written books on fear, emotional intelligence, resilience, and others on culture and leadership. He is currently a conference keynote speaker, trainer, and author.
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
