#TuesdayTalk with Jeff Rud. His new novel, Centerville, is on shelves now.
Tell us about your book.
Centerville is the story of a keen, young basketball player, Jake, who attends a prep school far away from home with the hopes of landing a college scholarship. The problem is, he discovers the prep school isn’t as advertised and the coach is operating a shady business. Jake has to make a decision — does he stay and keep quiet in order to further his basketball career or does he do the right thing?
What was the catalyst for your story?
I coach basketball and prep schools are a controversial topic.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My favourite books were a series, Chip Hilton Sports, written by Claire Bee.
In your opinion, what makes a compelling story?
Good characters, conflict, good dialogue, and humor.
Does your book have a niche or specialty market?
My book targets students between ages 10 and 15 who are interested in sports. Boys who are reluctant readers also might find special interest in the subject.
Do you gravitate toward a certain genre or type of writing? Why?
I was formerly a sports writer and am now a high school coach, so my writing has been a natural progression.
Tell us a little known or interesting fact about yourself.
I was a journalist for 25 years!
Jeff Rud was a print journalist in western Canada for twenty-eight years, twenty of them as a sports writer. He is currently executive director of communications and strategy in British Columbia’s Office of the Representative for Children and Youth. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with his wife, Lana, and likes to coach high-school basketball in his spare time.