Norman L. Bernauer

Norman Bernauer received his BA Degree from the University of Wisconsin in Speech with emphasis on Radio. He continued his education at the School of Radio and Television Technique in New York City, studying Television Production. He is married to Barbara J. Hands Bernauer who is an award-winning author in her own right, having written and published a book, now in its second printing. Her field is history. They have two grown children. He worked for 15 years as a television producer/director, first for one short contract period with the Ford Foundation at WOI-TV in Ames, Iowa and then with WDAF-TV Channel 4 in Kansas City, Missouri. During that time, he wrote, produced and directed over 50 TV documentaries. Making a career change, Bernauer became a partner in an advertising agency where he wrote many press releases, brochures, radio and television commercials. He was published in several trade publications both about the agency and it’s clients. Now, in semi-retirement, he has turned his hand to writing fiction.

 

"Redmond is the best book that I have read in a long time. I couldn't put it down. I read it in two days."Lucile Kill Overland Park, KS

"Redmond is the most interesting novel I have read in many years. Each chapter left me spellbound and eager to read the next. I can vision this novel as an exciting and unusual mystery movie." Clifford Gaston Roland Park, KS

"Redmond! What a read! I'm just about through and I'm still trying to figure out who is trying to get him killed. Great job on the flying information, and his terror and confusion during the amnesia period is especially enthralling. And nobody can say you don't make strong women characters." Lavina Fielding Anderson Salt Lake City, UT

 

Pageonelit.com: Where did you grow up

Norman L. Bernauer: Pittsburgh, PA and was reading and writing a part of your life? Reading was part of my life. I did not begin writing until after military service. I was in the South Pacific for 15 months during WWII, mostly on the Island of Saipan. My job was Criminal Investigation.

 

Pageonelit.com: Who were your earliest influences and why?

Norman L. Bernauer:My parents, of course. My mother's brother & family lived next door to us. They were like 2nd parents. Their daughter was more a sister than a cousin. My church relationships were very important. Our congregational Pastor had a great deal on influence on my life.

 

Pageonelit.com:Why do you write?

Norman L. Bernauer: I spent 14 years of my life as a producer/director for television. During tha time, I wrote, produced and directed over 50 documentaries. When I left TV, I became a partner in an advertising agency. Wrote radio & television commercials, all types of print ads, brochures, etc. and was published several times in trade publications. Now I write for fun and relaxation.

 

Pageonelit.com: In your novel REDMOND, you have plotted a very interesting story of the first successful brain transplant -- Where did this story come from?

Norman L. Bernauer: Totally from my own imagination. I have read and seen movies dealing with brain transplants. Most of them were of the horror gnere or else the idea of a great second chance at life. I began think what it would really be like, what the down sides would be and what problems would be faced by the recipient. It grew from there.

 

Pageonelit.com: Is REDMOND your first novel? What was the easy part of writing this book? What was the hard part?

Norman L. Bernauer: Yes.I am not a writer who plots out the entire story before beginning to write. I get an idea and begin to write. I let the characters develop themselves. I write for relaxation and the enjoyment of telling a story. The easy part was the development of the plot as I wrote.

What was the hard part? - The hard part was to discipline myself to write. I will write for a while and then get busy with something else. It may be a month or more before I get back to it.

 

Pageonelit.com: What has been your feedback from readers?

Norman L. Bernauer: "The book Redmond kept me in suspense to the very end. Once I began reading I couldn't put it down. The red herrings (so subtly written into the chapters) kept me off the trail of the real killer. I never fathomed who-done-it, and was totally shocked when the killer was revealed. It would be nice if Hollywood picked this book up and made a movie." Pam Mathena Platte City, MO

"Thanks for a "good read!" You had me fooled; I never once suspected who did it."
Mary Lou Zimmerman Blue Springs, MO

"Thank you for writing Redmond! Have not had a "could not put the book down" read in a long time. Took Redmond to the beach and found myself reading under the covers with a flashlight at midnight. One fleeting moment did I think it was whodunit, only to say to myself, "No way," only to find myself going WOW at the end! This is a definite two thumbs ups and speaking of "two thumbs up", this would be great on film. I am looking forward to your next book. Thanks again!" Kay Coffman Atlanta, GA

"When I finished Redmond, I suddenly had a sense of loss! I have been so wrapped up in it! I can't possibly tell you, how I appreciated it! Things I liked? The short chapters. I went through so many emotions with the characters--felt like if I met them on the street, I would know them. The ending was a surprise. The book had no unnecessary tangents--I hate that! I could have followed the directions to the roads and areas, even if I had not been somewhat familiar with them. The love stories were beautifully and TASTEFULLY presented. I loved the description of the plane and it's activities. I didn't know you had flown that much. Needless to say, all of the O'Neal clan will enjoy the book. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a thrill!" Jean O'NealLee's Summit, MO

"Redmond is the best book that I have read in a long time. I couldn't put it down. I read it in two days."Lucile Kill Overland Park, KS

"Redmond is the most interesting novel I have read in many years. Each chapter left me spellbound and eager to read the next. I can vision this novel as an exciting and unusual mystery movie." Clifford Gaston Roland Park, KS

"Redmond! What a read! I'm just about through and I'm still trying to figure out who is trying to get him killed. Great job on the flying information, and his terror and confusion during the amnesia period is especially enthralling. And nobody can say you don't make strong women characters." Lavina Fielding Anderson Salt Lake City, UT

 

Pageonelit.com: Who are your favorite writers and why?

Norman L. Bernauer: I am a science fiction and fantasy fan. Favorites? Arthur Clark, Robert Jordon - Wheel of Time Series; Robin Hobbs - I've read two of his series; Terry Goodkind - The Sword of Truth Series; George R.R. Martin - he is a fantastic writer even though he kills off most of his heros.

 

Pageonelit.com: What's next?

Norman L. Bernauer:I have two books which are slowly developing. One is a ghost story that I've given the working title, "The Mirror." It will take the reader back into the slavery period and the "underground" railroad. It will be my first attempt where the main character is a young woman. The idea for this book came from a tour of a ante-bellum home and a hallway mirror.

The second is a science fiction dealing with alien abduction, but for a helpful purpose. The idea for this came from the old classic Sci-Fi movie, "Forbidden Planet."

 

Pageonelit.com: What was the last book you read?

Norman L. Bernauer: "The Fifth Sorceress" by Robert Newcomb

 

Pageonelit.com: Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How do they enhance your writing?

Norman L. Bernauer:Photography and writing. At this time, I am the Executive Secretary of the John Whitmer Historical Association and write their quarterly newsletter. I am also the Chairman of the Executive Council of Camp MITIOG, a camp for children with Spina Bifida.

What are they? I guess the best explanation I could give would be that I have always been a dreamer and a story-teller.