Vith Homsombath Interviewed  By Veronica Lamont   To see Veronica Lamont Interview Click Here

The first question I want to know is how long have you been writing.

I learned how to write in grade school, but my writing talent or my ability to tell a story on paper was discovered accidentally two years ago, in 2002. One day while working at State Street Bank, I overheard a colleague saying that he was planning to drive cross-country to San Diego, California. Well, I thought it might be interesting to write a story about his adventures along the way. I started the story at work but finished it at home. As the story unfolds, the plot thickens. Kevin picked up a hitchhiker and ended up struggling for his life. It turned out that the hitchhiker was an escape convict and serial killer. Kevin found out too late about the current manhunt while this convict was sitting in the back seat of his car, fitting the description announced on the car radio. I wrote two versions, kind of like Gwyneth Paltrow’s movie Sliding Doors. On the second version, Kevin didn’t pick up the hitchhiker and ended up meeting the girl of his dreams at a rest stop. She came from the same town of Plymouth, Massachusetts where he grew up. She was on her way to visit mom and dad. Kevin didn’t go to California as planned but ended up escorting her back to Plymouth where she introduced him to her parents. And they lived happily ever after. Of course, the story was a huge success among my co-workers, especially Kevin Thomas who said that he was shocked at the quality of the writing. So was I. Then I started thinking about a writing career and the rest is history.

Can you remember the first time you ever put pen to paper, and what did you write about.

I can't remember exactly. Must have been in grade school. I think I was drawing a bird or something.

Who or what influences you when writing a new piece, what authors and books have influenced you and the way you write.

 I don't know exactly. I never thought about it before. This writing stuff is new to me. I try to write from my heart.

What book are you currently reading?

 My own book. I keep staring at it. I can't believe I'm a published author.

What are your favourite book/s you have ever read, and your favourite film?

I like Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms. Hmm favorite films, I like Titanic, Gone With the Wind, Love American movie classics because of the romance. My favorite adventure films are Star Wars, Jackie Chan's First Strike because he's the special effects. My favorite comedy is Naked Gun, too many to mention.

 Do you have any works in progress and if so please could you tell us.

I'm trying to promote my book. There's also a story in my head about a serial killer but it might be too controversial for mainstream so I'll keep this one to myself.

Do any of your characters/storylines resemble any “real” people or experiences?

I  like to believe that George Samaritan, the main character in my book, is real and is out there working every day to make a difference in people's lives. 

What are your interests/hobbies?

Learning about history, reading and writing, cooking, fixing things, gardening, painting, drawing, sports.

 How many books have you written and had published.

The Good Samaritan is my first ever written and published.

Tell us briefly about your experiences becoming an author, your ups and downs.

 It's unbelievable, the highs and lows. Each step of the publication process is exciting and overwhelming and the feeling you get when holding your baby, that you worked so hard for, in your hand for the first time is amazing. I hope I haven't reached the highest point yet. there's so much more I want to accomplish and to share with the world.

If you have any advice for aspiring writers, what would this be?

This is probably a cliché by now, but it's really the best advice. Keep chugging along, doesn't matter how tough it gets, believe in yourself, and never give up.

Do you think you will still be writing in ten years time?

I think so. My imagination is vivid and eager to get out. There's so much I want to share with the world.

 If your book ever came to the big screen, then who would be your chosen actor to play your main character and who would be your chosen producer and why.

We've asked this question many times at the PA board and my answer has always been the same. I would want Jennie Garth of Beverly Hills 90210 to play Samantha Becker, George's love interest, because she fits Samantha almost perfectly. Any legit producer, company can work on it. I hope this won't be perceived as arrogance, but I believe that this story will someday be made into a movie. It's a feeling I have.

What music do you listen to, what disc do you have currently playing in your CD player

Love songs are my favorites. I listen to all kinds except rap and country. I've enjoyed Def Leppard, Scorpion, Boston, Journey, Bryan Adams, Thai and Lao music, new age, classics, all kinds. Right now, dont' laugh at me but I have CDs in my car by Enya, Go-Gos, New Kids, Backstreet Boys, Bee Gees, Boston, and Jim Brickman.

Well, I have enjoyed this interview with you and I wish you and your book/s all the best in the future. We have learnt a lot about you as a person and an author. We have learnt about your books. Now please feel free to leave a comment for your readers.

Thank you Veronica for this interview and thank you readers for reading my book. I hope George will touch you as much as he has me.