Authors Answer: Henry Woodman
Author interviews almost always focus on questions regarding an author’s latest publication (and that’s great because it’s how readers discover new books!) but sometimes it’s fun to ask authors to talk about their lives beyond the book they’ve just written. Authors Answer (started as a blog in 2020, moved onto Substack in 2025), is an attempt to give authors space to wax eloquent about the other influences on their writing. The questions posed here move beyond the formulaic classics like, “What books are on your nightstand?” or “What book inspired you to be a writer?” and even “You’re having a dinner party….which three authors (dead or alive) do you invite?” There are 20 standing questions. Authors pick FIVE that they want to answer.
Are you an author? Visit the Questions page to learn more about participating.
Today’s post features Henry Woodman
Henry Woodman has worn many hats: Explorer in Search of a Lost City, Emmy Award-Nominated Producer, Tech Entrepreneur and trilingual MBA graduate. His life has been an odyssey of creativity and innovation. From co-founding WoodMark Productions in 1984 to producing the vibrant Chilean game show Machos, and revolutionizing the travel industry with IcePortal, Henry’s journey reflects his passion for storytelling in all forms. Now, with the publication of The Reincarnation of Marie, written by his father, Jim Woodman, he steps into a deeply personal and creative mission. Jim Woodman’s illustrious career as an entrepreneur and writer spanned decades. He wrote numerous travel and adventure books for esteemed publishers and earned a reputation as an icon of Latin American travel. His work included hosting documentary specials and holding senior roles at Pan American World Airways and Travel Advertising International. He even founded Air Florida Airlines. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of achievement, he nurtured a creative spirit that led to the writing of The Reincarnation of Marie, based on his acquaintances and experiences as a US veteran. With the book's successful publication, it is now being developed into a streaming series for TV.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_n_e_m_o_i_a_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henry.woodman
Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself?
It’s a bit of both, but my Go To would have to be popcorn. I make it myself with coconut oil in a popcorn popper and fine sea salt. What is not eaten gets stored in the fridge for the next day and, ironically, it seems a bit tastier on day two.
Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?
OMG, absolutely. I think that’s part of life. There was a time when I was starting my tech business and I was invited to present to a group of business leaders in S. Florida, and around the room were MBA students there to learn from “business leaders” – as I looked around, impostor syndrome slapped me in the face. I imagined the students around the room knew more about running a business than I did … “what a fraud” it thought. It motivated me to return to school, in my early 50s, to get an MBA in entrepreneurship to help me build and scale the business. It worked.
Vacation druthers… City or Rural destination? Why?
Both … I love to travel and experience other cultures, foods, sights and sounds. I have positive and memorable experiences in big cities, with the hustle and bustle, as well as connecting with nature, and star filled skies of rural areas. As long as I am mentally stimulated, I’m good.
What do you worry about?
Humanity – the next generations. It feels like we’ve lost touch with being human, to live with humility, awe and gratitude.
Do you speak a second language? Do you think differently in that language? Does it influence your writing?
Yes, I speak Spanish and French. There was a time, living in Chile, that I would often think and even dream in Spanish. There are certain words and phrases in other languages that better define a concept or idea more completely than English. My father, the author, also spoke Spanish and I believe knowing other languages helped influence his writing, as the book is also set in Paris.
