From Corporate Life To Literary Success
Ron Lamberson discusses his journey from HR to writing, the inspiration behind his novels, and his creative process, offering advice for aspiring authors.
Ron Lamberson is a storyteller whose journey from the corporate corridors of human resources to the imaginative realms of novel writing is as compelling as the tales he weaves. An award-winning author with five novels to his name, including A Grave Invitation and The Poachers of Immortality, Ron has carved a niche for himself in the literary world with his action-packed narratives and richly drawn characters. His background—a BA in Creative Writing paired with an MBA—hints at the unique blend of creativity and discipline that underpins his work.
A self-professed Disney enthusiast, avid traveller, and unapologetic fan of bands like Nine Inch Nails and Toto, Ron’s eclectic interests infuse his writing with a sense of adventure and authenticity. Having explored over thirty countries across six continents, he draws inspiration from his travels to craft vivid, exotic settings that transport readers to far-flung corners of the globe.
In this candid interview, Ron opens up about his transition from HR professional to full-time novelist, the inspiration behind his Kilimanjaro Club Adventure Series, and the art of balancing multiple genres within a single narrative. He also shares invaluable advice for aspiring writers, offering a glimpse into the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the literary world. Whether you’re a fan of his work or an aspiring author yourself, Ron’s insights are sure to inspire and entertain.
Transition from HR to Writing: Your journey from a career in human resources to becoming a novelist is quite remarkable. What inspired you to make this significant career change, and how have your experiences in HR influenced your writing?
I stumbled into my career in HR in the early 90s. When I graduated from college, I had a vision of living and working in New York City while I made a career as a writer—that did not happen. I went back to school and eventually landed an HR position at Walt Disney World. I was writing off and on throughout this time. I published a short story in a small literary magazine at one point but didn’t make a serious commitment until around 2009. That’s when I wrote the original version of “A Grave Invitation,” then titled “The Kilimanjaro Club.” I committed to writing at least 250 words in the evenings and on the weekends, and within a year, I had a first draft.
I pull from many of my professional experiences as I create characters. Most of the villains are amalgamations of some of the worst people I experienced along the way. I witnessed some horrific behavior, so I have an almost unlimited pool of examples for inspiration. My corporate experience also helped me build some of Stuart Mancini’s (the main character in The Kilimanjaro Club series) world. I participated in board meetings and dealt directly with CEOs, attorneys, and senior executives. All of those situations and personalities have proven valuable.
Inspiration Behind ‘The Kilimanjaro Club Adventure Series’: Your series, including titles like A Grave Invitation and The Poachers of Immortality, has been praised for its action-packed narratives and vivid descriptions. What inspired the creation of this series, and how do your personal travels influence the exotic settings depicted in your books?
The idea of The Kilimanjaro Club was inspired by the now-defunct Adventurers Club that operated at Walt Disney World when I worked there. I wanted to write a story based on the people who might belong to a similar club—adventurers who might be a bit different than the traditional stereotype. I had a fascination with African countries and their mystique. I also wanted to share a part of the experiences I had from visiting Rome, Paris, Morocco, and China. It’s a great way for me to relive those locales. I love visiting new countries and am always looking for ways to incorporate them into future novels.
Character Development: Your novels feature a diverse array of offbeat characters. Could you share your process for developing such unique personalities, and are any of them inspired by real-life individuals you’ve encountered?
Creating characters is what it’s all about. The process is difficult to articulate. It may sound strange, but I almost immediately begin to embody each character as they come along. I conjure their backgrounds, their interests, their quirks, and it all comes together. As I mentioned, I definitely base my villains on some of the horrible people I’ve met or worked with. They’re the most enjoyable to create, and as evil as some of my villains are, they are no worse than some of the real people who inspired them.
Balancing Genres: Your work blends elements of mystery, adventure, and romance. How do you approach balancing these genres within a single narrative, and what challenges do you face in ensuring each element complements the others?
The basic plot of each book is grounded in the combination of mystery and adventure. What answers are the characters seeking? How can you make it enigmatic? What challenges would they naturally face? Those elements drive the rough outline. And these are humans. Romance, or romantic experiences, are often a part of who we are. I like that it can add another dimension of tension and mystery, too.
I’d love to say I have a complicated formula that provides the balance between these elements, but I don’t. As I write, and rewrite and rewrite, how the story unfolds needs to feel authentic and balanced. I can usually sense when something is missing or overshadowed. At least, I think I can!
Advice for Aspiring Writers: Having successfully transitioned into a writing career and published multiple novels, what advice would you offer to individuals looking to make a similar shift into the literary world?
If writing is your passion, don’t give up. It’s daunting, but there are now so many ways for people to share their creations. To me, traditional publishing can feel like playing the lottery. You have to search for and find the right agent who’s touched by your work, and then that person has to find a publisher with a similar, particular interest. I would encourage aspiring authors to, first, write every day, if possible. Then connect with those who have already published books. Most people love to talk about themselves and their experiences. I would also encourage them to listen to the excellent podcasts that guide writers through their journey, such as The Creative Penn and The Self-Publishing Show. They offer some outstanding advice.
