Q: What gave you the inspiration for the Running with Roselle?
[‘[[[ Michael Hingson]]]] After writing and seeing published my #1 NY Times Bestselling book, “Thunder Dog: the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the power of Trust”, I wanted to create something that would inspire children and youth. Thunder Dog told adults my story and discussed many aspects of the true nature and realities of blindness, not what people think. I wanted to find a way to also approach younger with the same kind of information. I teamed with a children’s book author, Jeanette Hanscome, to create “Running with Roselle”. The book tells my story and Roselle’s story. Roselle was my guide dog in the World Trade Center.
Q: When did you start writing this book?
[‘[[[ Michael Hingson]]]] We began writing Running with Roselle early in 2013. I believe it does portray guide dogs and blind people in an accurate and appropriate way. Blindness, for example, is not what people think. A guide dog doesn’t “lead a blind person”. The dog guides and keeps me safe as we travel. I have to be the one to give the dog commands and I am the one who knows where to go and how to get there. We work as a team.
Q: What themes will readers find in this new book?
[‘[[[ Michael Hingson]]]] Readers will learn the value of Trust and Teamwork. They will learn that “disability” does NOT mean a lack of ability. They will discover that blind people are real people too and can work, live and love in society just like everyone else.
Q: Who are the main characters in this book? Is this book based on true events?
[‘[[[ Michael Hingson]]]] The main characters are Michael Hingson, me, and my guide dog from 1999 to 2007. Yes we are real characters. I was hired by Quantum Corporation in 1999 to open, staff and run a sales and support office for the company. We opened the permanent office on the 78th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center on August 1, 2000. Roselle and I were there preparing to run sales seminars on September 11, 2001. We escaped and have been telling our story in speeches and workshops ever since.
Q: How would you describe your writing style?
[‘[[[ Michael Hingson]]]] Conversational and informative. Also, I love to teach.
Q: Are you a panster or plotter?
[‘[[[ Michael Hingson]]]] Some of both. I like to plot the generalities and some essentials of what I write. However, I do like to let the characters help shape the story as I go along.
Q: Where can readers find you and your work online?
[‘[[[ Michael Hingson]]]] www.michaelhingson.com.
Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/mhingson
https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker
https://www.facebook.com/Roselle911GuideDog
Twitter, https://twitter.com/mhingson
LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson
Youtube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCx2L9OVN38Dv4mX6udP8g
The AR Critique 