A Life Through Books: Virtual Book Tour: Scattershot by Larry Chrysler #blogtour #interview #memoir #nonfiction #giveaway #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

My Journey from the Projects to Paris to Rodeo Drive

Memoir

Date to Published: September 10, 2024

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Larry Chrysler’s life takes a dramatic turn when a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger disrupts his day. From that moment, the son of a bipolar mom and a homophobic dad decides he must follow his heart and forge his own path to success if he is to achieve his fashion design dreams. Armed with only a high school diploma and “angels on his shoulders,” Larry befriends wayward princesses, dresses A-list actors and rock music royalty, and embarks on jet-setting adventures his younger self hardly could have imagined.

Scattershot: My Journey from the Projects to Paris to Rodeo Drive tells the unforgettable story of a Jewish gay boy who leaves the oppressiveness of the Minneapolis projects to pursue a glamorous career in design among elite fashion circles in America and Europe. At times funny, wise, and heartfelt, this is a story of coming out during the repressive 1950s and of eventually finding true love. In this wryly candid and inspirational memoir, Larry proves that no dream is impossible with a little daring and panache—and, of course, a fabulous wardrobe.

INTERVIEW

Can you tell us a little about the process of getting this book published? How did you come up with the idea and how did you start?

Over several years, I wrote memories as anecdotes. I then worked for about four months with a freelance editor to turn them into a manuscript and submit it to four hybrid publishers. Friends have always told me the tales I said were so fascinating that I should write a book, and I began to write and write and write.

What surprised you most about getting your book published?

All four publishers wished to work with me and publish my book. The long publishing process was surprising, from the manuscript to the finished book.

Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t writing

I am an accomplished classical pianist still studying with a Belgian concert pianist.

As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?

That so many people are interested in reading my life story.

Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?

My ideas are about the life I have led and the characters I have encountered.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

I was not writing in my voice; it took a while to discover how to do that.

What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?

To get my book published worldwide.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I am writing a children’s book series comprising six individual books. I have completed two books and am in the process of writing the remaining four.

About the Author

Larry Chrysler was raised in the bi-racial projects of 1930s Minneapolis before pursuing a career as a dress designer in New York and Los Angeles. He eventually established himself as a distinguished menswear clothier on the iconic Rodeo Drive. Currently, Larry lives in Beverly Hills with his husband Matthew. Scattershot: My Journey from the Projects to Paris to Rodeo Drive is his first book.

Contact Links

Facebook: Larry Chrysler

Purchase Links

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