Q&A with author of memoir "November Ever After"

Book author Craig T. Greenlee

Q. What excites you most about your book’s topic? Why did you choose it?

A. I’m most excited about the opportunity to present a story that’s been overlooked for far too long. It’s a story whose time has finally come. This might sound a bit strange. I didn’t choose the topic. The topic chose me.

Q. What surprised you the most about the book writing process?

A. It’s so amazing how much detail reveals itself when you let folks talk. And when they finish a train of thought, you follow up with something like “How did that make you feel?” Or, after all these years, what’s your point of view on this today?”

Q. Did you have any favorite experiences when writing your book?

A. I produced a series of video teasers for the book, all of which were well received. Writing concisely to fit a 90-second video clip is tons of fun for me. Even better is that I was able to use some photos that I shot from Marshall football games during that time when I was a graduate journalism student.

Q. What do you hope your readers will gain from reading your book?

A. My hope is that they will gain a full understanding of how amazing this story is. It’s even more amazing than what’s been presented in previously produced media projects. In the process, I’m confident that readers will be enlightened and educated.

Q: Who inspires you the most?

A: My mother, Winnie F. Greenlee—the most determined person I have ever known. Mom worked in civil service for more than forty years and retired early to help take care of my dad, who had retired from the U.S. Postal Service. After my dad died, she sold the house and moved into a newly-built home—at the age of 74. She went back to school and earned a college degree in business management at age 80. Mom, known as “Miss Winnie”, also taught as a substitute in the public school system for several years. All during this time, she always made the time to do her own yard work each and every week (mowing grass, trimming the driveway and tending to her garden of shrubs, flowers and plants). At the time of her passing (March 2010), my mother was three months shy of her 90^th birthday. Mom knew about this book and I let her know that it was dedicated to her. I had hoped that she’d still be here so I could present her with a copy.