Jukebox Time got a chance to interview author Brett Preiss in regard to his book The (un)Lucky Sperm – Tales of my bizarre childhood. We got insights into the book, his source of inspiration and much more!

 Q1. Welcome to Jukebox Time! How are you doing?

I am doing well and very excited to be sharing my book, ‘The (un)Lucky Sperm – Tales of my bizarre childhood’ with you and your readers.

Q2. Please tell our readers about your wonderful book The (un)Lucky Sperm – Tales of my bizarre childhood.

The book is a funny memoir, not a misery one!  This book of tales gives an insight into the reality of growing up as the “odd one out” in an outback mining town in Australia called, Broken Hill. Living in the outback of Australia can make or break you.

Until I was 17, I lived in the dusty outback of Australia, where I was one of four siblings in a dysfunctional family. I learned how to survive under the most bizarre and extraordinary circumstances. In this book, I share the trials and tribulations of my youth through anecdotes that will leave you in tears of joy or sorrow. Travel back to the ’60s and ’70s and watch me transform from a sperm to an adolescent. Follow me having my first piano lesson, first sewing machine, first kiss and first ejaculation. It is moving and disturbing, brutal yet hilarious. I share my struggles and triumphs until I leave the desert and heads off to college.

The (un)Lucky Sperm is full of vignettes, every chapter a separate story. The book is a collection of honest, harrowing and absurd accounts. If you like stories full of sarcasm and observational humour, then you are going to enjoy this book.

Q3. What inspired you to write this book?

I published two books for children, then I thought it was time to write one for grown-ups!  I love telling stories, especially funny ones. My childhood was full of bizarre experiences, some joyful, some tragic. I learnt from a very early age to use humor to cope during times of adversity and help pull you through harsh times. Humor is a great survival tool. My book is a tale of innocence lost, self-value and perseverance, wrapped in humor. I wrote this book in hope of not only encouraging others to seek humor to cope with terrible memories and difficult situations but also to entertain readers and give them a few giggles.

Q4. Any tips or advice for aspiring writers?

One of my favourite quotes is from an English author, Humphrey Carpenter who once said: ‘The nice thing about being a writer is that you can make magic happen without learning tricks’. My advice is to not only just write and discover your own voice, but also write what an audience wants to read. I figured; we all enjoy a good laugh!

Q5. What’s next? Which project are you working on now?

I am now working on the sequel to ‘The (un)Lucky Sperm’ which covers bizarre tales of my early adulthood, from my university days until thirty years of age. Life has been an amazing rollercoaster full of adventure and surprising experiences! There are a lot more stories where The (un)Lucky Sperm came from.  As well as writing and entertaining readers, I enjoy my favorite aspects of life: a bath, my husband’s chili con carne, and fresh sheets.

Q6. Finally, as we ask all our guests on Jukebox Time, do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share with the world and our readers?

Every time you find some humour in a difficult situation, you win.

About the author: Brett Preiss was born in a mining town called Broken Hill in the hot, dry outback of Australia. When he discovered there was a world beyond Down Under, he packed his bags, and for the next thirty years taught internationally in Japan, Germany and the Netherlands. He is an author, ESL teacher, musician and mindfulness instructor. He also loves to tell jokes and tap dance (not at the same time!). Brett entered the writing foray with his first book, ‘Go, Percy! Go!’, which was published in English and then in Dutch as ‘Hup, Peter! Hup!’ His second book, ‘I’m Crazy About Holland Because . . . ‘, was a chance to share his love for cows, cheese and clogs. One of his favourite quotes is from an English author, Humphrey Carpenter: ‘The nice thing about being a writer is that you can make magic happen without learning tricks’.

The book is now available on Amazon!