When did you know your wanted to be a writer?
That was probably in my early thirties; although, I always enjoyed
the creative outlet of writing. I wrote my first real manuscript in a time
before laptops and email queries. Submissions were sent by snail mail with
return postage included. The life stepped in and raising a family delayed my
next manuscript for a couple of decades. I'm glad I came back to writing, or
maybe it came back to me.
What genre do you write and why?
Fiction and some historical fiction. There is a certain freedom in
writing fiction, as the author can explore emotions and motives that one might
have to assume in nonfiction characters. I don like to incorporate some
factual, historical accounts in my stories, as I find the things people
actually did to be fascinating.
Tell us about your latest book.
Blood on the Pen is the story of an
unpublished author who receives one rejection letter too many and starts
killing literary agents. Jack Harden, a modern-day Texas Ranger, is called to
the case. Jack lost his wife last year to a drunk driver. He struggles with his
desire to kill the man who cost him Jenny and the desire to just kill himself.
Then he meets a young, Hispanic reporter named Elsie Rodriguez. She is pushy
and aggressive, and she always want the things she can't have. Theirs is a
complex and stormy relationship that develops in ways neither of them expects.
It's a crime drama/thriller, but it is also a story of redemption and hope.
What marketing methods are you using to promote your book?
I've appeared on radio talk shows, distributed free copies of my
book to major book stores, bought radio advertising, provided an excerpt to a
magazine, and, of course, social media and my web site.
What formats is the book available in?
Paperback, pdf, html, epub, LIT, PRC, MOBI
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Think about writing. Just kidding. :) :) I like sports, and my
wife and I enjoy the theatre, both live and film.
Who are your favourite authors?
That's a difficult question for me. I appreciate good writing,
whether it comes from a best-selling author or someone I am just coming to
know.
What advice do you have for other writers?
Perhaps I should be asking for their advice, but I suppose it
would be persistence. Writing itself isn't a tough business, but publishing is.
Before submitting a manuscript to an agent or publisher, get feedback from
someone who isn't afraid to offend you. Read about the craft. Some very fine
stories can sit idle because the gatekeepers can't get past problems
with point of view or redundant phrases. Trust me on that.
What's your favourite quote about writing/for writers?
Barry Eva, the delightful host of Book and a Chat, says stories
are actually written by aliens that inhabit our bodies. What he means is that
we lose track of ourselves when we really get absorbed in writing the story.
You see that when you proofread and don't remember having written the text you
are reading.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
It's such a great outlet for all that creative crap you have
stored in your head, those ideas that gnaw at you. But, undoubtedly the best
thing is when some tells you they were touched by what you wrote. For one of my
stories to resonate with a reader is very special.
Where can people find out more about you and your writing?
My web site is davidhuffstetler.com
Anything else you'd like to add?
Just that it has been my pleasure to be part of this blog and I'd
love to hear from folks with their questions and comments.
David and Wild Child Publishing will be awarding a $10 Wild Child Publishing GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so I encourage you to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
advice for writers
author interview
Blood on the Pen
David W Huffstetler
interview feature
Wild Child Publishing
3 Comments
Interesting premise for the book.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thank you for hosting today.
ReplyDeleteI tried to post earlier today, but I don't seem to be very proficient at that. I do appreciate your hosting this day for Blood on the Pen. And, thanks to bn100 for your kind comment.
ReplyDeleteI love to hear from you. So feel free to comment, but keep in mind the basics of blog etiquette — no spam, no profanity, no slander, etc.
Thanks for being an active part of the Writers and Authors community.