Where awesome book readers meet awesome writers
Meet Author Mitchell Waldman
Mitchell Waldman is an accomplished novelist, short story writer, and poet whose work examines the intersections of human connection, alienation, and identity. He is the author of two novels, The Visitor and A Face in the Moon, as well as the acclaimed short story collection Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers. His fiction and poetry have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies.
Beyond his own writing, Mitchell also serves as the Fiction Editor for Blue Lake Review, a literary magazine known for its thoughtful storytelling and commitment to emerging voices.
A native of Chicago, he earned his B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, attended the University of Texas at Austin, and later received his J.D. from Southern Illinois University. After spending 27 years as a writer and Attorney-Editor for a legal publishing company, he retired in 2022 to focus fully on creative writing.
He now lives in Rochester, New York, with his partner, Diana May-Waldman, an award-winning journalist and poet, author of A Woman’s Song. Together, they share a large and loving family of six children and six grandchildren.
When not writing, Mitchell enjoys baseball, cycling, reading, and a good ale.
The Inspiration Behind The Visitor
Mitchell’s latest novel, The Visitor, begins with a striking line: “He wakes up in a different body.”
This simple sentence launches readers into an intricate, speculative narrative exploring identity, reincarnation, and what it truly means to be human.
The story follows Ash (Pin Asher9919), who wakes up on a hospital bed believing he has been transported to Earth after the death of a human named Edward Fleishman. Told that he survived a brain injury, Ash suspects something far deeper his spirit has replaced another’s.
“It started with an idea about reincarnation,” Mitchell explains. “I had previously written about a man who thought he was the reincarnation of Hitler, which made me wonder why should reincarnation be limited to souls from Earth? If spirits are limitless, could they cross between worlds?”
This idea blended with his fascination for Starseed mythology the belief that certain souls originate from other planets or dimensions and his appreciation for classic dystopian novels like 1984, Brave New World, and Fahrenheit 451.
“Mix all of that with today’s political climate,” he says, “and The Visitor was born.”
The result is a thought-provoking exploration of consciousness, control, and belonging, described by readers as both emotionally rich and philosophically daring.
Writing Habits and Creative Process
Years of balancing a full-time career and creative writing taught Mitchell the art of discipline.
“I used to write during lunch breaks and early mornings,” he says. “I still tend to write in short bursts and come back later to edit and piece everything together.”
This habit of crafting in segments requires extensive revision but allows him to refine every detail until his work feels complete.
Authors Who Have Influenced Him
Mitchell’s influences are as diverse as his stories. He draws inspiration from classic and contemporary literary voices including Joseph Heller, Philip Roth, Dorothy Allison, Ernest Hemingway, Larry McMurtry, Richard Russo, and Michael Chabon.
He also credits Diana May-Waldman, his partner, as one of his greatest creative influences.
“Like many writers, I’ve been shaped by everything I’ve ever read good or bad,” he reflects.
What He’s Working on Now
Mitchell is currently developing a new collection of literary short stories. These works continue his recurring themes of family dysfunction, alienation, and the search for meaning.
He also hints at exploring more speculative and experimental forms, merging literary realism with philosophical imagination.
Promoting His Books
In today’s digital world, Mitchell continues to adapt his promotional approach.
“Social media has become essential,” he says. “I use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, Medium, and Substack. It’s a learning process, but it helps connect me directly with readers.”
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Mitchell’s advice to new writers is simple yet profound:
“Don’t give up. Writing is a long road, and ‘getting there’ can mean different things for everyone. Ask yourself why you write whether it’s to share your voice, make a living, or simply because you must.”
He encourages emerging authors to embrace the journey rather than focus solely on outcomes.
The Best Advice He Has Ever Heard
One lesson has stayed with him throughout his career:
“Writers often bury their heads in their work. Sometimes you have to lift your head up and live. Experience life, don’t just write about it.”
That philosophy shapes the emotional authenticity and lived texture that define his fiction.
What He’s Reading Now
Mitchell is currently reading Our Story Begins: New and Selected Stories by Tobias Wolff, a collection known for its sharp observations of human behavior and emotional depth.
What’s Next for Mitchell Waldman
Looking ahead, Mitchell plans to publish his new cross-genre short story collection, which blends literary, speculative, and psychological themes.
“I’m moving toward stories that take more risks,” he says. “I want to keep challenging myself as a writer.”
Books He Would Take to a Desert Island
If stranded on a desert island, Mitchell would bring a mix of humor, tragedy, and poetic beauty:
- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
- Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- A Woman’s Song by Diana May-Waldman
- The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
Each of these books represents an essential part of his literary journey.
Learn More About Mitchell Waldman
Connect with Mitchell Waldman and explore his work through the links below:
- Website: Mitchell Waldman Website
- Amazon Author Page: Mitchell Waldman Amazon Profile
- Goodreads: Goodreads Profile
- Facebook: Facebook Profile
- Twitter: Twitter Account
- Pinterest: Pinterest Account
With The Visitor, Mitchell Waldman delivers an unforgettable exploration of the human spirit part speculative fiction, part philosophical journey, and wholly original. His writing invites readers to question what it means to live, to believe, and to truly belong in a world that may not be what it seems.
