We All Wore Blue was the winner of the Sports/Fitness/Recreation category of the 2022 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Emerson Robbins.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
We All Wore Blue edition published 2020.
What’s the book’s first line?
“I never would have imagined I’d someday be coaching a soccer team.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The true story of a recreational youth soccer team, the “Bad News Bears of Soccer” the worst team one can imagine, not having won a single game in their first three seasons and it’s amazing journey and transformation. The team was originally comprised of middle class white suburban boys and when a new coach took over and invited two brothers from East Africa to join the team; soon without intention, more boys from an ESL class joined the team and over the course of a season or two, the team was completely transformed. In just a few seasons, the team was included some of the original players as well as immigrant boys from fifteen or sixteen different countries, including every major race and religion.
Although the team went on to win two State Championships, the real story is how this motley crew of boys all bonded, the families as well, learning about one another and from one another and celebrating our differences incidentally becoming along the way, a true extended family
What inspired you to write the book?
I knew our teams’ story was unique and its journey interesting and inspirational; however, the catalyst was when the President at the time, made some callous and mean-spirited public comments about immigrants. These boys and their diverse families were like my own family and I felt personally insulted. I thought it might help if I could tell others how rewarding and enjoyable our teams experience was. How we loved learning from each other and celebrating our differences, spending so many wonderful times together and as a byproduct, we became one of the most successful youth soccer teams in the entire State.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character?
Originally, I was hesitant to write this book in the first person. However, all of the authors and writing experts agreed and advised me, that as the coach of the team, I was the only one qualified to tell this story. I wanted the book to be about the players and their families. Hopefully, all of these incredible boys and their wonderful families are the main characters. Isn’t this the true essence of a successful team, no one is more important than another?
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
My goal and wish is for the reader to come away with the understanding that our lives would be quite boring if we all looked the same, shared the same thoughts and beliefs. The diversity of our team was our strength. What a wonderful world this would be if we could recognize that our differences are to be celebrated, not chastised.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Doesn’t matter much, whoever “Hollywood” chooses, the character is sure to be taller, and better looking than I am.
I should add that the story told in “We All Wore Blue” has recently been picked up by a production company with plans to see it produced as an episodic TV series.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I still have trouble considering myself an author.
Is this the first you’ve written?
“We All Wore Blue” is actually my second book.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am now retired from business and I finally retired from coaching two or three years ago. I now enjoy time either playing pickleball, traveling with my wife or spending time with my children and grandchildren.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Being admittedly a bit OCD, given a task, I’m normally like a dog with a bone. Once I take a project on, I’m uber-determined to finish. However, with writing, I find I need to feel it, to be inspired. Some days, this can mean writing for as long as six to seven hours. And other days, well…not so much.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is you can write your own book and not be told how to do so. The toughest part is the actual marketing after the book is published, especially if like me, you’re not active on social media.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling?
I have no desire to have my book published by a traditional publisher, giving up my rights, having to march to someone’s orders. Not for me, no thank you.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
My motivation has nothing to do with fame or fortune. I did well in business and I’ve had some minor fame along the way. My motivation is to try to help influence change and inspire others to recognize that we are all the same, regardless of our nationality, our race, our religion, etc.. We are all just human beings, one no better or worse than another; all of us wanting the basic necessities of life, love, enough food on the table, a warm bed and a roof over our heads.
The journey of our team was a life-changing event and among the greatest experiences of my life. I made life-long friends with people I previously would have been unlikely to spend even a few minutes with and in the process of getting to know and be with all of these diverse players and families, I came away enriched beyond measure.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I grew up as a huge John Steinbeck fan. I also enjoy the historical non-fiction of Ken Follett and the list goes on… I am an avid reader, just too many incredibly talented authors to list here.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
No hesitation here: “Where the Crawdads Sing”.