Author interview with Robert Rave, author of “Spin”
1. Tell us about your latest book.
The book tells the story of Taylor Green, a corn-fed young man from the Midwest who stumbles into New York without a clue, a contact, or the proper wardrobe. Through true serendipity (or possibly misfortune), he is hired by the outrageous Jennie Weinstein, the sleepless city’s most notorious public relations diva.
As he morphs into her most trusted assistant and confidant, Taylor is sucked into a whirlwind of restaurant openings, gossip, and fashion shows. Taylor is thrust into the center of a world he never knew existed: a world of sex, greed, power, drugs and famed ruled by Jennie Weinstein herself. Under Jennie’s guidance, Taylor quickly discovers that there isn’t a catastrophe, betrayal, or personality that can’t be spun to suit a client’s needs.
The stakes only get higher, for as Taylor rapidly climbs New York’s social ladder, Jennie’s assignments become increasingly bizarre.
The perks are definitely sweet, but like all swag, it comes at a price…
2. How did you get started as a writer?
I’ve been writing stories ever since I can remember. However, I wasn’t sure what to do about it. When I was growing up in Illinois, writing professionally didn’t seem like a viable option. When I moved to New York and began working in public relations, I started writing for my personal enjoyment as a creative outlet. When you’re publicizing everyone else’s passions, it makes you wonder why you aren’t working on your own.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
It always starts the same way—my two French Bulldogs waking me up around 6:15 a.m. to go outside. This is immediately followed by a double espresso. I’m self-admittedly an espresso addict.
I hit the gym, catch up on the news/read blogs, stare at my Twitter page, and respond to emails. I’m the type of personality that has to have all of the minutia complete before being able to sit down and write.. I also can’t write if my house is a mess. So I guess you could say I need a clean house and a clean mind in order to create.
4. Describe your workspace.
My desktop is pretty minimal. My iMac, an espresso cup, and a bottle of water. Hanging on the wall in front of me is a framed print that reads “Get Excited and Make Things” and right below it is a vision board. (I can almost see the eye rolls from my desk while typing that.)
5. Favorite books (especially for writers)
Lately, I’ve really been enjoying Jen Lancaster and Caprice Crane—these two women are incredibly smart and funny. I also enjoy David Sedaris. I still love Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar and The Hours by Michael Cunningham. Different books speak to you at different points in your life—so my favorite book five years ago may not even make my top five today.
6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you
While working as a publicist I always maintained a level of professionalism and never had any gaffes with celebrities. It wasn’t until I left pr and was asked by a friend to be a volunteer celebrity escort at an awards dinner that I royally embarrassed myself. I was assigned to Cynthia Nixon and David Eigenberg. So instead of calling them by “Ms. Nixon or Mr. Eigenberg,” I referred to them as Miranda and Steve—their characters on Sex and The City. I was horrified. They were super gracious and didn’t even bat an eye or bother correcting me—I’m sure they could see the embarrassment on my face.
I was raised a meat and potatoes kid from a small Midwestern town and I recently became a vegetarian. When I told my mom that I’d stopped eating meat and dairy she told me that I’ve been living in LA too long.
I’m obsessed with the NY Times Real Estate section.
7. Favorite quote
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.
8. Best and worst part of being a writer
Best Part: Telling the stories that you want to tell.
Worst Part: Re-writing—of course!
9. Advice for other writers
Keep at it. We are in an age where there are so many ways to tell a story. Most importantly, stay true to yourself because at the end of the day it’s your name out there and your story.
10. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
I wish I had some crazy story to relay about the writing of SPIN, but the reality is I worked extremely hard on it. I never gave up, even when it looked as though the book would never see the light of day. Something told me to keep going and that it would happen.
Where can people buy your book?
Please, please, please add me on Twitter. http://www..twitter.com/RobertRave
I’m incredibly neurotic and need validation from total strangers to get me through the day. Only kidding, sorta. 🙂
You can purchase SPIN at your favorite local bookstore or online at places like Borders, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, etc.
Ask Wendy-The Query Queen 
Sounds like a great book Robert!
You are doing a wonderful job and I love the idea of your vision board. Your favorite quote is one of my favorite ones as well. How’s that for validation from a total stranger? Looking forward to reading your book.