“You should write a book!” How often is this advice doled out to a person who has been through a tough time and made it out the other side. For David Ritter, his inspiration to write a book came from his history of addiction, and the format that he chose to tell his story in was poetry. Below is my interview with Ritter about his book of poetry, Bottled Memories, and the inspiration behind it.
About the author and book
Author Name: David Ritter
Author Links (links open in a new tab)
Book Title: Bottled Memories: A Journey through Addiction and Early Recovery
Genre: Christian Poetry
Book Summary
This book chronicles the madness of addiction, as well as the peace, hope, and joy of recovery. This collection of poems will not only help others who are where this author once was, but also family members. This little book will be a treasured addition to anyone’s personal library.
Book excerpt
One day I chose to put the bottle aside
and searched for joy that tried to hide
I promised myself I’d do my best
and not lose heart in my quest
I started first by changing my life
by removing all that caused me strife
Like drinking, drugging, and some people too
and asked Jesus to help me through
I then visited some of my family
realized how much they meant to me
They loved me and forgave me for the past
that strengthened the bond that would last
I then searched for all my friends
those who were real and did not pretend
But what I discovered for me to be true
the number of good friends was just a few
I said my prayers and took a long ride
through the city to the countryside
When I took the time to look all around
Peace, joy, and love was easily found
After the pursuit, it was easy to see
that joy wasn’t trying to hide from me
But it was me all along that had to decide
to first choose to put the bottle aside
Review excerpt
As a recovering addict (even when you’re sober you’re always an addict, always recovering), this book of poetry really hit home. It’s a well-executed examination of addiction and the road to recovery. Really well-written and as I was reading it, I kept feeling twinges of lingering guilt and doubt as I remembered similar moments in my own recovery. For anyone who’s never suffered addiction, this book might be eye opening for you; if you have suffered addiction, this book can let you know you’re not alone and you don’t need to be. I recommend it.
Talking Shop
What do you want readers to take away from your books?
There is hope for the person addicted to alcohol or drugs.
Name a fact or detail about your story that readers will never know is there.
Because the poem “The Plan” evokes so much emotion for the reader, I feel it is necessary to point out that it is fiction.
What’s the best review/compliment that you’ve received about your book?
This book contains great poems about the conflicts associated with alcoholism. While it talks about the depression and destruction of alcoholism, it also relates the peace, hope, and joy of recovery. It’s a great, relatable, and beautiful read for those struggling with alcohol or are on the road of recovery. The author surely has amazing talent in composing poems. It definitely kept me engaged.
What is a fun or strange source of inspiration that ended up in your book?
The humorous poem “Slipped Up” really happened!
I’d slip out the house
And slip into the car
Then slip down the street
And slip into the bar
I’d slip into my pocket
And slip out a ten
Slip it to the barmaid
As I slipped up again
I’d slip back home
And slip off my shoes
Slip into the fridge
And slip out more booze
I’d slip into my room
to slip into bed
but I slipped on the floor
and slept there instead
How long did it take to write your book from the day you got the idea to write it to the day you published it?
6 months because it was still being written as I was putting it all together. I had lots of material for the first half of the book about addiction because I’ve been writing about that my whole life. But the 2nd half of the book on recovery was, and still is, a work in progress.
How long have you considered yourself a writer? Did you have any formal training, or is it something you learned as you went?
No I don’t consider myself much of a writer but I’m a poet. I wrote my first poem around the age of 15. Although I haven’t had any formal training, I like to think my poetry got much better over the years with practice and advice from other creative writers.
“What If” Scenarios
If your book ever becomes a movie and you get final say over the cast, which actors would you hire to play your characters?
Matthew McConaughey, because we look so much alike!
If you could have one person that you admire, living or dead, read your book, who would it be?
Keith Whitley
In 1989, rising country music star, Keith Whitley was found face-down in his home, dead as a result of alcohol poisoning at the age of 34. By sharing my experience strength and hope, I like to think my little book could have helped Keith. I love his music!
You’re offered a contract to rewrite your book in another genre. Which genre do you choose and why?
Memoir, because I feel that my whole story can help others who are struggling with drugs and alcohol.
You’re given $10,000 to spend on marketing for your book. How do you spend it?
I would buy thousands of copies of “Bottled Memories” and hand them out for free to local AA and other recovery groups.
What is one thing you would give up writing to have (or to have back)?
My family. The happiest I’ve ever been in my life was when I was married and raising two little girls. We went to church, worked, and drank very little. The divorce nearly destroyed me. Don’t misunderstand me, I’ve moved on, but I surely would be glad to give up years of emotional pain in writing for those few years of happiness. Today, I have a better understanding of my life, both past and present, and I’m happy and content.
Just For Fun
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
That my poems touch the hearts of “all” people and that they can see God’s love in the words.
One bucket list item you’ve completed and one that’s still on your list.
Writing a book is now scratched off my bucket list, but I always wanted to go to a Detroit Red Wings hockey game
Favorite time of/part of your day.
I love the peace and serenity that comes in the morning while I’m reading my devotionals and praying to my Higher Power Jesus.
Favorite place you’ve visited/place you want to visit.
I love visiting any lake or river.
Despite not being much of a gambler, I always wanted to visit Las Vegas and play in a pool tournament with some of my buddies.
The topic you can’t shut up about and the topic you wish everyone would shut up about.
I can talk about my kids and grandkids to no end.
I’m sick and tired of politics and wish everyone (including myself) would keep their opinions to themselves.
A talent you have and a talent you wish you had.
I write rhyming poetry, but I wish I could sing.
When time travel is achieved, do you go forward or backward?
Backwards so I can right some wrongs and visit with lost loved ones once again.
Buy it!
Buy a copy of Bottled Memories here, and help support local bookstores! This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a commission on any sales.
Pin it!
So inspiring. Nothing is impossible under the sun. Bottled memories might be on my list of ” books to read in 2021″ Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for checking it out! Let me know what you think once you’ve finished reading.
Awesome author interview. You asked some thoughtful questions. Also, thanks for including that exceprt. Makes me wanna read the book.
Thanks for the comment! Hope you pick up a copy!
This is a great interview and super inspiring. I am going to check into this book for sure.
Thank you for the opportunity to do the interview, I’m all smiles! I’ll be sure to share on all my social media sites as I will your blog. This was so much fun!
Thanks so much for participating, and good luck with your book!