The Dan O'Brien Project: Interview with Alan Dale

I am happy to have Alan Dale, author of Dead Nations' Army: DNA: Code Flesh (Part I), on the blog with me here today. He talks about his novels and his writing process. Let's hear what he had to say.

Me: Tell us about Dead Nations’ Army Series: DNA: Code Flesh (Part I).

Alan: Well I decided that instead of hurrying to get DNA out I wanted to slowly introduce it to the mainstream. Then I consulted some other writers and asked them of the idea to produce a book serial of novellas to slowly get the brand out. I got a thumbs up so I went with it. It will be two books, four parts each. It basically is a political piece wrapped in zombie colors. According to some of my Facebook page fans, it is “highly politically charged,” and asks a lot of social/political questions we should be asking ourselves today. Is our educational system brainwashing us? Are we allowing the elite, wealthy, silver spoon kids wanting all of us “normal” people to die? Just look at insurance rates, medical, groceries, etc, etc. We have more elite kids in charge that come from silver than from dirt. DNA explores a more gruesome, yet realistic view at the lengths a totalitarian government would do to take over the world. The problem is that the zombies in DNA are not your garden variety, are the victims in essence, and offers, what will shock many, the perfect solution to solving the human race’s ills. Is it definitely an ending I believe will surprise many.

Me: What sets your most recent release from other books of the same genre?

Alan: It is a story that tells a story of where we are headed. Three years ago I wrote the script for DNA first and was approached by a few independent movie companies. All went under in the “crash” but they all agreed that DNA is more than just a simple horror tale, it is basically a propaganda piece to alert the world that something has to be done and sooner than later. Also, I try to debunk some common inconsistencies seen in zombie films. Ever wonder why the star gets bit, dies, and rises in 10 seconds? But that exta playing a chomp victim lies dead and NEVER rises? Yeah, me too.

Me: How is the book doing so far?

Alan: Well I have been promoting through Kindle KDP and doing mostly free promotions. Have almost 1,000 free downloads and about 10 purchases for a low price in the first five days. I have a team – artist, IT guys, film friends – who are trying to whip this up. We believe DNA could be a franchise if given the time and respect to be given a look. I just hope the writer – me – doesn't screw it all up!

Me: Any future releases reader should be aware of?

Alan: Part II of Code Flesh should be on Amazon within the next 3-4 weeks. Part III we will aim for around late June and Part IV maybe September. I hope to charge no more than $2.99 for each 80-100 page volume but then ONLY charge $6.99 or $7.99 for the entire volume of all four. I may go lower. I want to take care of my original followers. Maybe $8.99 for new and free for all originals? No idea. I also am working on a Vampire series (isn’t anyone) with its own twist. Think Sci Fi Fantasy meets Underworld meets Buffy meets Romeo and Juliet. I also have a young adult series about a basketball team in the works and a few other novella-series type books regarding the supernatural and other political/sci fi ideas coming out. I think novellas could get big again. Look at Tarzan, Conan, John Carter, etc. Small books, many volumes, STILL huge a century or more later.

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

Alan: Too many! Right now reading 11/22/63 by Stephen King. Also working through Sookie Stackhouse. Just finished some good non-fiction works. I like it all.

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

Alan: I love music and it guides my drive. I listen to much – industrial, gothic, old punk, symphonic metal, trip hop, trance, and classic rock. I could easily listen to some Rammstein then go to the Bauhaus onto Dead Can Dance, over to Within Temptation, and wrap it up with a dose of Led Z and ATB. Oh and of course, Skinny Puppy.

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

Alan: Stephen King, Karin Slaughter, Charlaine Harris, Preston and Child, Jared Diamond, Robert Howard, Edger Rice Burroughs, Phillip K. Dick, Tana French, the boys from Zombie Apocalypse Preparation, Jon Krakauer, and a few others I am sure I am forgetting.

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

Alan: I love movies and good shows – Seven, Memento, Usual Suspects, The Chaser, I Saw the Devil, Romero films, and shows like Walking Dead, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, South Park, Buffy, Angel, The Tudors, Modern Family, Arrested Development.

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

Alan: When I was five and wrote a 23-page story about microscopic mice wanting to find a new field for their annual baseball game since their normal field got rained out. I am originally from Chicago and it rains a lot. =)

Me: Tell us about your writing process.

Alan: I conceive an entire story or series, usually in a dream, or finish it when I awake. Script it out by timeline. Then go. I can write a normal manuscript, with no interruptions in about a month per 100,000 words. Sadly, too many distractions these last two years.

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

Alan: Yes, but the story is what drives a read to me. I’d want the readers to remember the story, the message, not a name they’d use on their kid, although that would be awesome!

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

Alan: Completing a book first and foremost. Getting the audience you want to read it to read it. I believe as a journalist I have been very successful being printed over 10,000 times and getting much respect. This is another challenge. But if I write 20 books that sell 14 copies on Kindle I will be proud that at least I took the time.

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?

Alan: Never quit, be a great self-critic, avoid cliché, don’t plagiarize (like many millionaires today), and truly find people who will rip the crud out of you.

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

Alan: They were entertained, educated, mad, sad, hopeful, and proactive. The world needs change and people willing to buy a 2.99 book is probably more likely to want change than those who don’t.

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

Alan: I appreciate any and all support and to trust me that in the final product I will not let you down. All DNA needs is that one break, that one believer. Trust me it is worth it. Much kudos as well to James Powell, artist on Part I and potentially more to come.

More about the author:

Bio: Sports journalist, news journalist for a good part of 25 years. Lives in Portland, Oregon. Has a cat, named Kid Kat. I will name any publications company after her: Kid Kat Publications. Loves sports like rugby, cricket, soccer, basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse. Loves music, sports, movies, reading, writing, travel, and wine.