Interview: James J. Kaufman

Mr. Kaufman is visiting The Life and Lies today. He recently released his fictional debut, The Collectibles.

About the book: In his debut novel, James J. Kaufman delivers a gripping and unforgettable story of two strong men from separate worlds - one touched by tragedy, the other by greed - brought together with unexpected results. In chronicling how their lives and those they touch are dramatically changed by their encounter, Kaufman reveals the power of relationships, the nature of love, and ultimately the meaning of life.

Why and when did you begin writing?

I have been a storyteller all my life. I began writing in my 20’s, starting with “Noise: A Problem to be Heard”. As my career in law developed I wrote several books on legal issues and related business issues, including “What To Do Before The Money Runs Out”. The Collectibles was my first foray into fiction.

What inspired you to write your book?

My idea for The Collectibles formed in my mind when considering the amount of interest, energy and effort people put into collecting things (dolls, figurines, coins, cars, stamps, boxes, and the like). I wondered what would happen if the same amount of intensity was put into building relationships with other people.

How did you come up with the title?

When I refer to the collectibles, I’m not speaking of people as things, items or objects, but rather about the enrichment of the lives of people to whom we reach out to help. The Collectibles is at its core, a principle, a philosophy – a way of approaching life. In creating the collectibles in the story I drew upon my life experiences with a variety of people, each of whom were challenged in some way – all of whom had intrinsic worth.

How do you go about researching for your books?

I employ the skills I learned during the summers of my college years working as a private investigator, 45 years of legal research in connection with my law practice, and my natural curiosity, combined with great respect for focus, discipline and hard work. These skills combined with a lot of reading, looking and listening, are my approach in researching for my books.

What’s the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

The most exciting part is the opportunity to speak with men and women about subjects dear to my heart, and theirs as well. In the process, relationships are built around a positive outreach and approach – designed to discover the intrinsic worth in others. I don’t see a hardest part, I see the opportunity and feel the commitment is worth making.

Do you have any other books planned in the future?

Yes, I am working on Book 2 now.

 

Which of your characters is your favorite? Do you dislike any of them?

All of my characters are my favorite. Like people in general, they are imperfect and diverse. The important thing is to separate their conduct from them as a person, and focus upon bringing out their better side. I may dislike the way some of the characters act at times, but I do not dislike them.

What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

Follow your dreams and be prepared for a lot of work. Never quit.

 

Just for fun: 

What are your ten most favorite things?

Spending time with my wife, family and friends, helping others sort out their lives and reach their goals, walking in the woods, driving a boat through the British Virgin Islands or the Greek Islands, scuba diving, fast cars, reading good books, writing, photography and ice cream.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Spend time with my family, help reconstruct other businesses through The Kaufman Group, LTD, and enjoy a multitude of interests.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, my dog Charley!

 

Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

I write in my office – a quiet place, set up just for that purpose.

 

If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

Greek islands and Tuscany, Italy

 

What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

I liked every subject except statistics and dissecting cats. My favorites are too many to list.

 

Thanks Mr. Kaufman! An attorney, businessman, and former judge, James J. Kaufman has published several works of non-fiction.

His fiction debut, "The Collectibles," draws heavily from his experiences in law, his dealings in the business world, and his interactions with people from widely different backgrounds.

In addition to his writing, Kaufman is CEO of The Kaufman Group, Ltd, a company that assists financially troubled businesses across the United States through strategic turnarounds. Mr. Kaufman is also a member of the Board of Imaging The World (ITW), a not-for-profit health care company delivering ultrasound services to Uganda and other underserved populations, and in the process saving many lives.

Kaufman lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with his wife, Patty. He is currently working on a screenplay for "The Collectibles" and has begun writing his second novel.

 Click here to learn more about The Collectibles.