Fred Funk

While I don’t think I’ve yet read a Fred Funk book, I understand he is an immensely popular historical author.

Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.

I grew up in Denton, Texas, the son of a Methodist minister and an accountant. My oldest sibling spent twenty-seven years in the Navy. He was the rebel. My younger sister, the librarian sometimes is a little too critical of my writing. Two months after graduating high school, I married my sweetheart. I reckon it worked out since after sixty years we are still in love. We have been blessed with three great kids, seven wonderful grandchildren, and six fantastic great-grandchildren.

It was always expected that I would follow in my father’s footsteps and be a minister, but after several years serving in that capacity I changed my educational and career path to accounting. My thirty-five-year career with a major retail furniture company in accounting and finance ended when I experienced a life-threatening health issue. Thankfully, an elite medical team fixed me up.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Work with Kiwanis Club where I have served as president of our local club and as Lt. Gov. over clubs in North Central Texas and southern Oklahoma. I am currently on the board of our free children’s clinic.

We also enjoy travel, especially to historic sites.

If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?

I do like to read, but I would not consider myself as an avid reader.

What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?

I write because I enjoy telling my stories. Selling more books would be nice.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I have always been a teller of tales. The program chairman of Kiwanis called me at the last minute and asked me to fill in the next day for a speaker who cancelled. I told my stories of my time as a young minister in East Texas. After the meeting folks surrounded me insisting that I should write a book. A retired professor from the University of North Texas offer his assistance in an editing capacity. My first book, Ministry and Moonshine was born.

How do you decide on the title of a book?

Consultation with a professional editor, formatter, cover designer.

How much of your books is realistic and experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

Although fictionalized, all my books are based on real people, places, and events. My first one contained about 90 percent factual events, but by the time I got to number 10, it is more like fifty-fifty.

Is there an author, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

Earl Hamner. I’m a big fan of The Waltons.