Thoughts From the Dan O'Brien Project

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Amalgamation and Life

General Nonsense

A lot of my posts have been primarily about other authors and Empirical. I figured I was due to write a post that spoke more to what was going on in my world regardless of some of the more professional aspects of my life. So where to start really? The semester is over and in many ways I couldn't be happier. I found myself disillusioned with academia this semester. There is a song and a dance associated with that sentiment, but I certainly won't air that in great detail here.

Working at Empirical has been going swimmingly. There is a great deal that goes on behind the scenes at a magazine, and it has been tremendously informative to be a part of that. Olav and Tara, the owners of the magazine, are wonderful people who are tremendously supportive. We are forced to sift through so much wonderful fiction, especially genre fiction, that I was struck by a wonderful idea.

A few friends and I, mostly other indie authors and entrepreneurs, are thinking of creating a free, digital journal that I am calling amalgamation. I created a Twitter account for it already, as well as another blog and Tumblr. I really don't know what will come of it, other than some inexpensive exposure for other indie authors like myself. Networking is our greatest tool as relatively invisible beings in the publishing world. However, networking has a threshold, a tipping point beyond which the endeavors only become recycled once more.

That being said, this is the first call among my indie author friends who might be interested in having some content in the inaugural issue. I am looking mostly to highlight genre fiction that is woefully underrepresented in most literary journals. I can't really say much more than that right now because it is still in the conceptual stages.

Slightly Less General Nonsense

My Boston Celtics, despite looking beat-up, managed to outrun the 76ers and steal a Game 7 (though statistically it seemed a foregone conclusion). Now they face a Chris Bosh-less Miami Heat team that is coming off of Herculean games owned by James and Wade. Historically, Boston gives Lebron James and the Heat fits. If you look at the regular season record, and I realize how little that means in the playoffs, you see a Boston team winning three out of four games against the Heat.

I would love to see a Spurs/Celtics NBA finals, but beyond sunny, unwarranted optimism, the Heat have to be favored to win. I think that the Celtics offer some interesting match-ups that will require some rotation issues for the Heat, but in the end too much Wade and James might be more than Boston can handle. But with fingers crossed, I will watch in the vain hope of the experience and physicality of Boston winning out over James' dogged pursuit of his first title.

Even Less General Nonsense

I am hard at work getting more novels done, as well as a modest rewrite of Ocean and the Hourglass, which I hope to finish soon. So if you are interested in being on the blog, contact me. Perhaps you are interested in my new endeavor, contact me. Want to be on the radio show? Contact me. Maybe advertising is what you are looking for: digital, national, on the blog, on the radio. Contact me.

The Wonderful World of Morgan Koda: A Brief Glimpse

Morgan Koda and the Mask of Noesis by Juls Duncan

Morgan Koda has landed in a world full of magic; now she must survive it. He’s The Dark Emir. He’s deadly and he’s out there waiting for her.

Thirteen years old, Morgan Koda has never had an adventure in her life until she hands her letter to a fabled old man. This mythical man leads her into a new world full of adventure, where magic is typical, and danger is the norm.

Discovering there’s an ominous object, a golden mask that has the capability of controlling or destroying a wizard’s power is one thing. Being hunted because she’s the last in her line with the ability to control it, is quite another. For within the shadows of her new home a horrifying opponent prowls and The Dark Emir will stop at nothing to control her abilities with the aureate mask.

With the prospect of success Morgan travels through time in pursuit of the ancient artifact. Running afoul of a T-rex, a crazed band of war painted natives, and coming across a talking polar bear might seem a little strange. But to Morgan it’s all about the balance of power.

Morgan Koda Adventures Series Website

Morgan Koda Adventures Series Blog

Where the books can be purchased: XOXO Publishing

How I got into writing was kind of an accident.

My daughter loved bedtimes stories, but not the typical ones, like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, or Sleeping Beauty. She wanted one of her own, one that we made up. So the character Morgan Koda started more than twenty five years ago as a bedtime story. My daughter learned that only in a book could she go to different worlds where she could be the hero. My daughter is now in her thirties and is a devoted reader to her own young readers. In 2006, I remarried and my new husband came with a six-year old son. And Morgan Koda came alive again as she had before - in a bed time story. But this child was different. He wanted his new step-mother to add something new to the story every night. So Morgan Koda grew as my new son did. When my step-son reached seven years old, he told me that he didn’t need to learn to read, because reading wasn’t fun, nor was it important. So I started writing down Morgan’s story. The one story he enjoyed more than any other. I, however, was a little resourceful, at night when my step-son wanted his bedtime story, I would read up to a really good part, and then I handed him the pages to read. Though tears, fits, and just plan angry outbursts, he learned to read. In June of 2010, I was arranging my files, and to my great surprise, I found that I had over a hundred pages of Morgan’s story. And just four months later, Morgan Koda and the Mask of Noesis was born. The series now continues with Morgan Koda and the Forest of Carren (Book Two), Morgan Koda and the Other Island, Book Three, and Book Four, Morgan Koda and the Plight of Indy is nearing completion.

Juls Duncan lives in Montana with her family, and a yellow lab named Sonny JR. She is the author of the Morgan Koda Adventure Series. Morgan Koda and the Mask of Noesis, published 2011, by XOXO Publishing. Juls has always felt the need to tell a story, whether it was a bedtime story or a short story given as a Christmas present for family and friends. Her education includes a Bachelor's degree in anthropology from Oregon State University. Juls is continuing her education with a Masters degree, and then a PhD in anthropology from University of Montana.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Talking with Jeffery Kosh

I have Jeffery Kosh with me on the blog today to talk about his novel, Spirits and Thought Forms: Tales From Prosperity Glades, as well as his experience as an indie author.

Me: Hello, Jeffrey. Thanks for being here. Tell us about Spirits and Thought Forms: Tales from Prosperity Glades.

Jeffrey: ‘Spirits’ was my second release and a companion to my debut novel ‘Feeding the Urge’. After its publication I felt there was more about my fictional town of Prosperity Glades than I’d shown in the novel. Being a perfectionist, I had drawn a map of the place with some special locales and settings. More, there were some parts in which I hadn’t explained completely my ‘Spiritual Cosmogony’, so I decided to return once more to that weird hamlet. However, once I wrote all five stories I realized there was another common thread underlining them: masks. Spirits, especially possessing ones, do wear masks in my fictional universe, hiding under different guises and luring their prey to danger. Spirits, by their nature, are formless beings; in a way they are just memes. Each spirit represents something about human nature and wishes made into flesh - or almost flesh.

Me: What sets your most recent release, Spirits and Thought Forms, from other books of the same genre?

Jeffrey: It’s a collection and an anthology. The stories are all set in the same town, but in different times. Each story is narrated in style with the era’s genre. For example ‘Niyohonteh’, set in 1647 is written in H.P. Lovecraft’s style, while ‘Kamp Koko by Night’, set in 1984, has the kids-facing-monsters feeling of the eighties. Another special feature is that some of the tales expand on events which were narrated in ‘Feeding the Urge’ giving opportunity to the readers to revisit some chapters and see them from a different angle.

Me: How is the book doing so far?

Jeffrey: Well, Spirits is my bestseller, with more paid copies for Kindle than my other books. Weirdly, it just received one review.

Me: Any future releases reader should be aware of?

Jeffrey: Absolutely. I’m working on something completely different now. After four books in the horror genre, I decided to try my hand on an erotic thriller. Not too much blood in it, but a lot of hotness. I’m also writing a high-tension thriller based on six people besieged into an abandoned gas stop in Nevada. But ‘Thrill of the Hunt’ (working title), the erotic thriller, will be out soon.

Me: Are you reading anything right now, or have you read anything recently that is worth mentioning?

Jeffrey: I’m reading some novels by Billie Sue Mosiman and a short stories collection by Jaime Johnesee titled ‘Oh, the Horror!’ I really encourage your readers to snatch anything from Mrs. Mosiman as she’s an exceptional writer who almost won the Bram Stoker Award this year. Johnesee is a newcomer, but she’ll surely rock because her stories are full of twists and psychological horrors.

Me: Does music inspire or motivate you to write? If so, what kind of music?

Jeffrey: Nope. I love music (country, rock, blues, soundtracks, metal, and gothic rock), but do not get inspiration by it.

Me: Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite novels?

Jeffrey: Mary Shelley, Michael Slade, Michael Crichton, Thomas Harris, Jeff Lindsay, Billie Sue Mosiman, Jaime Johnesee, Douglas Adams, and many more. My favorite novel is ‘Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus’ by Mary Shelley. It’s my paragon for everything in my life.

Me: Are you one of those people who don’t own a TV? Do you have any favorite TV Shows? Favorite movies?

Jeffrey: I do not have a TV set in Thailand, but I use my large screen laptop for everything. I watch movies, series, news, play videogames, write, and work with it. Two favorite series: Babylon 5 and Dexter. Movies: Too many, but should I pick one I’m going to chose ‘Frankenstein’ by Kenneth Branagh.

Me: At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Jeffrey: I have always written. Yet, last year I had the boldness to publish a six-part short story on my Facebook page. Soon, it became a success and an amazing test for my skills.

Me: Tell us about your writing process.

Jeffrey: I’m neatly. I want to know everything about my story. First thing first, I write a script and a flowchart, then divide them in chapters. Last, I write one chapter at a time following ideas in the script.

Me: Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

Jeffrey: Absolutely. Axel J. Hyde is a clear example of an evocative name. Axel summons immediately the image of the axe tool, something I often featured in ‘Feeding’. J stands for Jeffrey, my pen-name, indicating a mask. And Hyde, well, he acts like a double personality has taken hold of his mind, so that reminds me of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Me: How do you define success as a writer? Have you been successful?

Jeffrey: Success comes from the fans. If you receive feedback you’re successful. Too early to say I have success, but fans are growing so…

Me: Do you have words of wisdom about writing that you want to pass on to novelists and writers out there who are starting out?

Jeffrey: Do not let nobody put you down. Never respond to negative reviews and be always professional.

Me: What should readers walk away from your books knowing? How should they feel?

Jeffrey: I don’t know. If they like the genre they should give it a try. I have set up different previews of my books on various sites, so readers can read a long excerpt before buying.

Me: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Jeffrey: Yes. Check out my blog (http://jeffreykosh.blogspot.com/), here you’ll find all information about my whole books selection, me, and some funny posts, reviews and interviews of fellow authors of all genres, not just horror.

Bio: Jeffrey Kosh (born October 28, 1968) is the pen name of an author now living in Thailand. He had various art experiences, before discovering his love for writing fiction. His different careers have led him to travel extensively worldwide, causing a passion for photography, wildlife, history, and popular folklore. All these things have had a heavy influence on his writing. He is also a social animal; spending much of his free time to ‘boil the ears away’ to anyone he has at range. Extroverted in public, he is very private in his work, preferring complete isolation to ‘tune’ his mind to the ‘Great Tales Radio’. He believes that stories are already out there, waiting to be put on paper. Jeff currently lives in Thailand, with his wife, four cats, and a lot of geckos.

Links:
Lulu: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/JeffreyKosh
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0074F2VGU
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/JeffreyKosh
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5763856.Jeffrey_Kosh
Also look for Author Jeffrey Kosh Fan Page on Facebook.

Friday, May 18, 2012

An Empirical Update: The Pitch Edition

As many of you know, I am an editor at Empirical magazine and we go national this June. We will have a projected readership of almost 200,000 and will be in every Barnes and Noble store. Empirical will be in additional chains as well, including Books-a-Million, Hastings, and Chapters. The magazine will also be sold to the US military overseas, and will be in stores in Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, Finland, Canada, and Germany. Additionally, we are about to release our own app for the iPhone and iPad.

Be sure to take a look inside our magazine:

http://empirical.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vemp12/i1/p1

So why am I talking about this? The answer is quite simple: I think that advertising with Empirical could be beneficial for you. We have created THE EMPIRICAL COMMUNITY, a collection of people – many just like you – who want to be a part of our literary and current affairs magazine. We want this to be a community endeavor, to build a relationship with the people who have treated us so well. This campaign is two-fold: it provides readers from around the world a forum to find wonderful books and products, and it allows for local businesses to be visible to more people than they ever have before. THE EMPIRICAL COMMUNITY will be a dedicated page on our website where we will host 200x200 pixel ads from people and businesses who would like to take advantage of being a part of the Empirical movement. This is ideal for indie authors, as well as for businesses with aspirations of reaching a national audience – more on that in a moment; the breakdown is fairly simple: 1 month - $50; 6 months - $275; 1 year - $500; Lifetime - $2000.

Perhaps you have a national product, or an online presence that would benefit from a more robust audience - like my fellow indie authors out there. The advertising in the print and online versions of the magazine are more expensive and designed for businesses with an eye for a regional, national, or even international population. If you think this might be you, then contact me to get a media kit that will outline the price scheme. Feel free to contact me for further information or call us here at the Empirical office, (530) 899-8077.

And here comes the national sales pitch:

"In order to gain your business, we would like to offer you three months of discounted rates, including $1774 for an inside full page ad in our August, September, and October 2012 issues. If you would like another size or placement, please know that we would like to extend you a 20% discount off “In-Print & Digital 12-Issue Rates” on the 2012 Rate Card page within the media kit (please see page 4). This offer is also for three months. We are confident you will enjoy our pages and find them to be a good match for your audience."

We recognize that a national advertising campaign is not plausible for most people, hence the creation of THE EMPIRICAL COMMUNITY. If you haven’t had a chance to check us out yet, please do. We appreciate every person who buys a copy. We would like to invite you to become part of the Empirical family. Subscribe if you are able. If you have a waiting room at your business, Empirical would be a wonderful addition to any office, with fresh perspectives, fiction, poetry, and a little something for everyone.

I have started a radio station, and am looking for guests as well as anyone who would like to underwrite for the show. I was thinking of 30-45 seconds spots that would play during every show, in addition to dedicated spots for particular shows that you might be interested in. I have as well created a Supporters page here on the blog, so contact me if you have any interest in that. And I will be accepting solicitations for sidebar ads for novels, or whatever product you be interested in advertising, on a monthly basis.

Email me at dan@empiricalmag.com if you have any interest in being on the radio show or the blog, and especially if you would like to advertise with Empirical - or with me on the blog or radio station.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

My Twitter-View hosted by Emily Hill

Emily Hill, author and publishing coach, was kind enough to interview me on Twitter. It was a tremendous amount of fun, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a way to reach a new audience. What follows is a transcript of the aptly named Twitter-view:

Emily: BEGIN!! Dan, How would you like to introduce yourself to those who will be reading this Twitter-view?

Me: I am an author, editor, philosopher, and mostly a human being. You can find out more about me at my blog. Mostly I love writing and want to share it with the world

Emily: You list in your bio many interests, which one do you expect will take you to global notoriety?

Me: I really hope it is writing, that is my first love. But I am committed to making Empirical a success as well.

Emily: How would you like to be perceived in the eyes of those who follow your fiction writing?

Me: As someone who loves what he does, and someone who is willing do go out and get what he love. Living honestly.

Emily: With what writing exercise, or experience, did you realize you were going to be a writer?

Me: It all started when I was about seven and I made a play for my cousins, complete with a set and a story. From the moment I started telling stories, I was hooked. Life has a narrative, every life.

Emily: Where can we go online to find out more about you?

Me: Head over to my blog or check out the Empirical site. Be sure to check out my new radio show as well.

Emily: Do you consider yourself reserved and solitary: why, or why not?

Me: I recharge alone, but I am a people person. I love discourse and meeting new folks, learning from them. It really depends on the situation. I love making people think, challenging them to see the world differently.

Emily: What is the philosophical viewpoint that is center-front in your life?

Me: The Socratic method and the radical empiricism of William James; live honestly and tell true stories, examine everything, question that which can be questioned, be curious. The only way to live honestly is to examine life and consider the lives of others.

Emily: What will be the topic line-up and 'vision' of your radio show. And BTW 'Thank you!' for the invite to be on!

Me: Excited to have you! It is going to simply be the examined life, from sports to books, philosophy to science. I have great hopes for the radio show. I want to highlight those who are with me on this journey. We are all in it together; one world with many voices, but one journey.

Emily: What the hell inspired you to create the world portrayed in The End of the World Playlist?

Me: It was a whim! Everyone in the novella is real, friends who I imagined at the end of the world. It is actually part of a much longer series, told in reverse, with the second book taking place before The End of the World Playlist. Plus, who doesn't love zombies?

Emily: That's is interesting, actually. Readers LOVE series! When can we expect the next forward-thinking installment of The End of the World Playlist?

Me: I am hoping sometime this year, or early next year. It is tentatively titled: San Francisco Dreaming. Right now it is a trilogy in my mind - I hope it stays that way. (laughs)

Emily: What is a zombie’s greatest strength, would YOU say?

Me: Fear of the unknown and mortality, the threat and fear of an unclean death. Mindlessness is a strong component as well, beyond the metaphorical notions.

Emily: What do we need to know, re:Lonely, to compel our fascination? (Your main character in The Journey)

Me: The Journey is highly metaphorical, but as well painted with broad strokes. It is a journey of human understanding.

Emily: Hmmm, metaphors. The Journey - I sense a strong thread running through your writing, yes? Not so much?

Me: Honestly, most of my novels have a strong philosophical base, a fable element that I enjoy. If you enjoyed Hesse or Gibran, you might want to take a look.

Emily: I could recite Gibran to you. Most of your readers would probably celebrate your inclination toward Kahlil ;D

Me: Gibran was important for me growing up.

Emily: Do these philosophical fable elements appeal to your fans in a way other writing doesn't?

Me: I would like to think so. A lot of people say I have a distinct writing style, old world - sprinkled with fantasy, horror, and science fiction, of course :)

Emily: "Sprinkled with fantasy, horror, etc" totally gets 'Favorited Tweet' status, thank you! ;D Switching gears a little: What audience is the academic forum, Empirical magazine, written for?

Me: My first response would be: anyone who wants honest, thought-provoking discourse. Empirical is strongly rooted in telling it true, examining life through fiction and nonfiction alike. My hope would be everyone would at least pick up an issue and decide for themselves.

Emily: We have three listeners, one asks: What can your fiction audience expect from you (WIP) over the next 12 months?

Me: More releases, a stronger voice in the indie world, and more fan and audience interaction. I will hopefully put our four or five more releases before 2012 closes :) And definitely a Lauren Westlake sequel, I have received more than a few emails about a follow-up to Bitten.

Emily: Dan, we've been asked this: From your perspective, what is the greatest benefit of independent publishing?

Me: Control and peace of mind: indie authors, for better or worse, are in charge of where they go from here. If you want something, you have to go get it. Independent publishing allows for that, if you're strong enough.

Emily: Whew! That was Fast! LAST QUESTION: What are your news sources, and why have you chosen these media outlets?

Me: I am a consumer of a broad net of news - I have a tendency to visit Reuters, but I cruise the major papers. Big fan of the New Yorker, which technically isn't news, but I get most of mine from the 'net. I like how Reuters has everything just laid out, so I can read things from all over the world. Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart are the list as well, they crack me up. I've been known to watch Rachel Maddow as well, she's cute, what can I say, and I like her delivery.

Emily: Reuters, I applaud your perspective of the world, and global issues. Thank you, Dan, for an exciting Twitter-view! Oh! My! Gosh! Colbert and Stewart are SO TOTALLY on the top of my list too! ;D

Me: Thanks for having me!

Be sure to tune into some of the upcoming episodes of my radio show:

Tomorrow: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/musings-from-the-dan-obrien-project/2012/05/13/an-opening-salvo
Next Saturday: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/musings-from-the-dan-obrien-project/2012/05/19/a-discussion-with-emily-hill--ghost-chaser-and-indie-author

Read some sample chapters or a short story to get an idea of my writing style:

http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/2012/04/free-zombie-chapters-what-would-be-on.html

http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/2012/04/do-you-dream-in-cerulean.html

http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/2012/04/new-twist-on-werewolf-mythology.html

http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/2012/04/leprechauns-and-loose-change.html

http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/2012/05/glimpse-of-widow.html

http://thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/2012/05/ask-frozen-man.html

Friday, May 11, 2012

An Empirical Update: Contest Edition

Since the deadline is quickly approaching, I thought I would make one more attempt at alerting everyone to the Empirical Spring Writing Contest. You can find out more details below and at: http://www.empiricalmagazine.com/contests.html

DEADLINE: MAY 15th

Send in up to three short stories no longer than 5,000 words apiece or up to four poems no longer than two pages each to tara@empiricalmag.com. Include in the body of the email a bio, phone number, and mailing address. Save writing as .doc or .docx. You will receive an emailed confirmation of receipt.

FICTION
First Prize: $1,000 and publication in Empirical magazine and A Torn Page 2012 Summer Anthology. Winner will receive two copies of the magazine and two copies of the anthology.
Second Prize: $500 and publication in Empirical magazine. Winner will receive two copies of the magazine and two copies of the anthology.
Twenty additional stories will be published in A Torn Page 2012 Summer Anthology. Winners will also receive a digital copy of the anthology.
Entries will be judged by a panel of Empirical editors. Special guest judge for finalists are Joe Abbott and Molly Emmons, novelist.

POETRY
First Prize: $1,000 and publication in Empirical magazine and Latitude on 2nd 2012 Summer Anthology. Winner will receive two copies of the magazine and two copies of the anthology.
Second Prize: $500 and publication in Empirical magazine. Winner will receive two copies of the magazine and two copies of the anthology.
Forty additional poems will be published in Latitude on 2nd 2012 Summer Anthology. Winners will also receive a digital copy of the anthology.
Entries will be judged by a panel of Empirical editors. Special guest judge for finalists is Troy Jollimore, poet.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Indie Author Interview: Derek Edward Keeling

I am happy to have Derek Keeling, author of The Umbras, with me on the blog today. Derek has a short story coming out in the July issue of Empirical. He talks with me about his novel, his writing process, and his experience as an indie author.

Dan: Tell us about The Umbras?

Derek: The Umbras is the first novel I've ever written. It stemmed from I nightmare I had as a kid. I dreamt that there was a killer taking out random people with needles. I wouldn't see any of them except there shadow. I would see a person standing in front of me then I would turn away for a second and when I looked back the person would be laying on the ground dead with a needle next to them. I could see a shadow of a man leaving the area. I woke up from the nightmare sweating and extremely frightened. It was probably the only dream I've ever had like that. The novel itself is about a private detective who is hired to investigate a murder case that has already been closed. The case has been closed for suspicious reasons, and no one, including the police, seems to know why it was closed. It’s rumored that the murderers are a group of government assassins that a hell bent on silencing anyone that gets in their way. As he gets closer to the truth he starts to realize that he is now the target of the assassins. There are a lot of twists and turns, and things you won’t really expect to happen in the story.

Dan: What sets your most recent release, The Umbras, apart from other books of the same genre?

Derek: The Umbras has a sort of dark and mysterious, almost horror-like quality to it. It keeps with the noir genre quite well, but at the same time kind of delves into the detectives mentality toward being hunted by an unknown group of assassins. The description is one thing that I’m very proud of. A lot of mystery books kind of leave out those intimate details that make a noir mystery novel fun and exciting. I’ve made sure to include as much as possible. You’ll have the opportunity to notice the fine details that make the story unravel.

Dan: How is the book doing so far?

Derek: It’s doing a lot better than I expected. I have sales all over the world including: USA, UK, Germany, France, and Australia. When I first published the book I didn't think it would do very good just because I self-published it and didn't have much money for promotions. But I learned a lot about online advertising and it has truly paid off.

Dan: Any future releases reader should be aware of?

Derek: I actually have two novels I’m currently working on. One of which at not at liberty to talk about due to the originality of the subject. I will say that it has a kind of Brave New World mixed with a little 1984 feel to it. It should be a great story. The second novel I’m working on is very new to me. I’m going to delve into the mind of a travel writer that is addicted to sex. It’s sort of his goal in life to have relations with as many women as possible, and he pays a dire toll for it. Both books should be released, with any luck, by the end of this year, or the beginning of next year.

Dan: Are you reading anything right now, or have you read anything recently that is worth mentioning?

Derek: I’m in the midst of reading Chuck Palahniuk’s 2008 novel, Snuff. It’s a great book about the disgusting and ridiculous in’s and out’s of the porn industry, no pun intended. It kind of inspired to me write the book I’m working on about the sex-crazed travel writer. I haven’t finished it yet, but so far it’s a great book. Adult only of course.

Dan: Does music inspire or motivate you to write? If so, what kind of music?

Derek: Music does inspire me to write. I’m actually a musician, so music is a huge part of me. I listen to Beethoven when I write. I don’t know how it started, but there’s something about Moonlight Sonata that really relaxes me and allows my brain to just open up and let the words fall onto the page.

Dan: Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite novels?

Derek: My favorite author of all time is the late Hunter S. Thompson. His writing has influenced my writing more than any writer. I love his in your face style of writing. My favorite books from him include Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Rum Diary, and The Curse of Lono. Another great writing that I’ve loved since I was a kid is Clive Stapleton Lewis. I got the book set of The Chronicles of Narnia when I was very young and I loved them. I've probably read The Voyage of the Dawn Treader over ten times. The description in that book in mind blowing. I can picture every scene with such intensity it’s like watching a movie.

Dan: Are you one of those people who don’t own a TV? Do you have any favorite TV Shows? Favorite movies?

Derek: I personally don’t own a TV, but there is one in my house. I try not to watch too much television but sometimes I can’t help myself. I am a huge fan of a couple of shows. The Walking Dead being my favorite. It really is a zombie lovers dream show, and I am a huge zombie lover. I've been on since I was a kid when I first saw Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead, two of my favorite movies. I’m also heavily addicted to Californication. The main character, Hank Moody, played by David Duchovny, is such an intense character that has an extremely hard head when it comes to writing and searching for a sense of stability in his life. He never seems to get it, but he also never gives up at trying. Besides that, the show is a riot of laughter, sick as it may be at some times.

Dan: At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Derek: It started when I was fourteen and was forced to go to summer school to make up a writing credit that I missed in high school. We had to write a story, of our choosing, and present it to the class in order to receive our credit. I wrote a zombie story called Matchbox Zombies. It was about a kid who woke up and found that his world was over run by zombies and everyone he knew was gone. I didn't realize that the story was as good as it was. I ended up getting an A+ and the teacher sat me down after class and told me that I should continue writing. I was very proud of that moment and I kept writing since that day.

Dan: Tell us about your writing process.

Derek: I've been experimenting with writing processes with the two novels I’m writing right now. For The Umbras I wrote a few pages and then realized that I didn't know where I was going with the story. I knew the basics, but the twists and turns were a blur. So I wrote an outline and a character summary and went from there. My newest works I've been taking it on in a different way. I decided that I was just going to write the story and then edit and make the changes as needed. It was different trying to write a mystery novel, there’s too much that needs to be noted to just plow through with no guide. But with the stories I’m doing now, I've kind of already worked out the major details in my head so it’s easier to just write. It’s been working so far, so I think I will continue. But you never know, I might get to a point where I need a guide. When that time comes, I’ll make one.

Dan: Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

Derek: I think so, to an extent. For The Umbras I wanted classic noir sounding names. I chose Detective Walter Pierce and Marcia Darden. I really think that having a noir-ish name for the characters adds the the ambiance of the story. It wouldn't have been as good it I would’ve name him Bob or something similar.

Dan: How do you define success as a writer? Have you been successful?

Derek: Success is something that every writer strives for. Most of the time they just want to make lots of money and be known as the greatest writer in the world. While I would also like that, I’m a little more realistic about success. I would honestly be happy with seeing my books in a store or a library. It would make me the happiest, most successful writer in my eyes if I overheard a conversation where someone was recommending my book to another. It makes me smile just imagining it.

Dan: Do you have words of wisdom about writing that you want to pass on to novelists and writers out there who are starting out?

Derek: Don’t give up and don’t get discouraged. There are a lot of times where I sit and stare at my computer screen with a blank face and still fingers. It can be trying on your spirit. But no matter what the words will eventually start to flow. A little trick that I've found that makes me inspired to write is to watch a movie or show about a writer. Every time I watch Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Throw Momma From the Train, or the recently released The Rum Diary, I get a serious itch in my fingers and I can’t help but to start beating away at the keys until I get blisters.

Dan: What should readers walk away from your books knowing? How should they feel?

Derek: I hope that readers walk away from my book the same way I walk away from a good book, with a sensation of completion and satisfaction. It’s such a good feeling to complete a book, especially when the books was really good and you just sit there for a minute holding it and all you can think is wow.

Dan: What is your End of the World Playlist?

Derek: Now that’s a hard question. I love so much music that pains me to have to choose just a few artists for my End of the World Playlist. Thrice would be my number one though. I've loved Thrice since the day I first heard them. I would have to go with something heavy considering it’s the end of the world, so maybe Slipknot. At the same time there would be a lot of reflection time at the end, so I would also have some of Beethoven’s Sonatas. So some heavy rock and some calm classical should suffice for me at the end.

Dan: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Derek: Thank you. I really do appreciate all your support, and I hope that it will continue with my coming works. Stay tuned, you haven’t seen the last of me yet.

More About the Author:

Bio: Derek E. Keeling is an author that lives in Portland Oregon. He have been writing for many years. He currently has one finished book out entitled The Umbras. He am working on multiple other books. He is also a producer for a local Portland Oregon recording company called SouthEast Production.