D.E. Dunlop
e-mail or follow me on:
  • Home
  • Blog
  • The Quest for the Black Dragon
  • The Legend of Kozlov
  • Kozlov: Tall Tales
  • My novels
  • Other Books at Smashwords
  • Favourite Reads
  • Your Opinion
  • Contact form

Blog Interview with William J. Benning

5/31/2013

3 Comments

 
I would like to start by saying, welcome William J. Benning, to D.E. Dunlop.


D.E.: What compels you to write?

WJB: What a great question – and, you are absolutely right (!)  It is like a compulsion, an addiction (if you will) that puts us through the nightmare of endless rejections and makes every small success feel like an Olympic Gold Medal. 

I like my writing, and now I can hardly imagine the day where I won’t be sat in front of my bashed up old laptop (with the missing keys) tapping away furiously.  But, I do like to have targets and objectives, or I just become some deranged lunatic without any focus or direction.  Deadlines are all very well and good (and, I can be quite self-motivated at time – he said confidently before his halo choked him!), but something to achieve is even better as a motivator for me.  Originally, the challenge was to get published whilst doing something that I enjoyed.  Now that I’ve achieved that, I’m setting myself greater goals for the future.

D.E.: When did you realise you wanted to become a writer?

WJB: I suppose the reality of the writing situation only really hit me about a fortnight ago when my own works arrived in paperback from Amazon.  I finally got around to buying my own books (!)  Suddenly, there was something very tangible in front of me that I had created and achieved.   And, it felt so good.  All the people who like my work enough to put their hands in their pockets (or purses) and buy my books have given me an opportunity – and, I’ll be forever grateful to them for that!   

D.E.: Do you prefer a particular genre?

WJB: I have no preference for a particular genre at the moment.  The successful “First Admiral” (and subsequent titles) was my first real stab at ‘serious’ writing and just happened to be YA sci-fi.  I am still exploring my writing and would like to branch out into other areas.  “The Gettysburg Incident” took me into the realms of historical/political-type thrillers, plus – like probably many other writers – I have a screed of half-started/half-finished projects that I keep promising myself that I will pick up again and finish on that magical SOME DAY!  

D.E.: Where do you get your motivation or inspiration from?

WJB: Inspiration comes from a whole range of sources and quite often I’m not sure where it has appeared from until much later in the writing process.

A story usually begins with just the germ of an idea – or even an image in my mind – which, I work on and then refine.  What was it Edison said – 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration?  A character is usually a combination of people that I know or have known and very often I’m unable to pinpoint who or where they have arisen from until after I have completed a piece of work.  The successful “Private Gimble” character, I realised, came from a character in the Bernard Cornwell “Sharpe” series.  I finally figured it out about three months after the short story was published – about a year after it was originally written (!)

D.E.: Tell us about your first publishing experience.

WJB: My first publishing experience was a very cheesy poem – about the local War Memorial - that was published in my School Magazine (Dumfries Academy) when I was about 16.  My English Teacher – who really encouraged me with what was then called “Creative Writing” – informed after class that my poem had been selected for publication.  No ifs, buts or maybe’s about it.  

D.E.:  How many books have you written?

WJB: At the moment, I have four on the shelves with a sequel to “Time Commander” pencilled in for release in the summer.  “First Admiral” was initially written (and re-written several times) from 2006/07 onwards and finally published in February, 2012, but every time I go back over it I can always see improvements that I could be making.  But, it’s way too late now.  I suppose we never really get our first book absolutely right.  “The Burning Sun”, “Time Commander” and “The Gettysburg Incident” were much easier to complete after the initial success of “First Admiral”.  I suppose it is a confidence/self-belief thing for a lot of writers.  How many potential literary careers have floundered and perished because someone felt that they (themselves) weren’t good enough?

Plus, I always seem to have an endless procession of unfinished titles.   

D.E.:  Are you self published or do you use a publisher?

WJB: I was lucky enough to find a publisher at the end of 2011 when Malachite Quills accepted “First Admiral”.

D.E.:  Are your books also available in print or are they primarily in e-book format?

WJB: All of my books are available as both download or in print version.  The short stories, I believe, are e-book format only.

D.E.:  As a writer is there a particular obstacle you face?

WJB: Like everyone else, I suspect, it’s working out the balance between actual writing and marketing.  It’s a tough one as I’m quite new to this writing thing and have no idea if my marketing efforts are having any effect.

I also have to be careful of the language that I use. Part of the William J. Benning ethos (some call it the ‘brand’) is no graphic sexual content or bad language, the latter of which can be tricky at times. A character lands in a situation and my own, personal, natural instinct would be to cut loose with the broad Anglo-Saxon (!)   To my mind, bad language is simply lazy writing and dialogue and it detracts/distracts from the action in the novel.

And, I think that teenagers/young adults are far more intelligent and sophisticated than many give them credit for.  I think that young people have moved on from the sniggering-behind-the-bicycle-sheds at “rude words” that went on in my younger days.  
If people want eff-ing and jeff-ing then TV, Cinema and Games will provide it aplenty. 

Just don’t look for it in a Benning book!!

D.E.: What is the most difficult for you to write about?

WJB: As previously mentioned, I’m still exploring my writing and, as yet, I really haven’t found any areas that give me “difficulty”.  Then again, I haven’t really tackled any really controversial subjects.

D.E.: Do you self edit or do you hire an editor?

WJB: I am lucky in that I have had excellent editors provided for me by Malachite Quills.


Picture
D.E.: Where did you get the inspiration for, "The First Admiral Series"?

WJB: The idea for Billy Caudwell (“First Admiral”) came from a comic book of the 1940’s/50’s about a young schoolboy (of about 7 or 8) who commanded an ‘Army’ of radio-controlled models.  He then used his toys to foil bank robbers, exact revenge on bullies and make his local community a better place to live in.   The idea of the “Boy General/Admiral” then developed into an idealistic teenager who commanded huge alien fleets in outer space whilst still trying to remain an anonymous schoolboy on Earth.  Billy’s character is built up from the teenage sons of some of my friends and guys I knew at school (back in the days when the dinosaurs roamed the planet!)   



Picture
D.E.: As a Scottish author what made you decide to use Gettysburg as the back drop for your historical fiction?

WJB: “The Gettysburg Incident” arose from my school days.   In my final year of Secondary School our history topic was the American Civil War, and, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  However a great deal of romantic mythology has arisen about the Civil War – the gallant/dashing Confederates, the stolid courageous Yankees – and, I thought what would happen if there had been a war crime and prisoners had been deliberately murdered?  If the U.S Government at the time had covered the atrocity up, how might that impact on the present day?   I like historical fiction and also speculative fiction.  The “What If’s” of life can be fascinating.

D.E.: What are you working on now and what's next?

WJB: At the moment I’m working on another “First Admiral” title; the fifth in that series, which I hope Malachite Quills will take for release in the Fall/Autumn.  Next year, publisher-willing, I’ll tackle the Earth-Invasion books; which might be three titles (I’m not quite sure yet). I’m also working on a YA adventure series set during World War One.  I have several ancestors/relatives buried in War Graves in Europe/Middle East and I wanted to use the series to commemorate and remember some of them with the 1914-18 Centenary next year.

D.E.: Do you have any tips or tricks to help keep your ideas in order or at least from being forgotten?

WJB: I actually have an astonishingly (for me) well structured filing system on my computer.  Under a file on my desktop, I keep all my ideas on individual MS Word pages.  Some pages are little more than random scattered thoughts whilst others are often well-structured ideas that just need a bit of work.

D.E.: Do you prefer pen or paper for drafts or do you stay strictly on a computer?

WJB: Actual drafts of either short stories or novels are invariably kept on the computer.  However, in the cases where I have a chapter heading outline the details are scribbled on paper with my spidery scrawl; what my late mother would have described as “a hens’ march through a midden”(!)  Unfortunately, I have the handwriting of a doctor (!)

D.E.: Do you have a favourite place to write or do you write anywhere and everywhere?

WJB: Do you mean my very expensive, luxury ‘writing facility’?  i.e. my kitchen table with the rickety chair, on my battered old laptop (with the keys missing) surrounded by the unpaid bills, draft chapters, unfinished projects and old newspapers?  Yep – it’s a pretty glamorous world that I live in these days (!)

In days of Yore, I used to write anywhere and everywhere, hotel rooms, trains, kitchen tables, in railway station Buffets. And, I suppose, I still have that particular skill; I just become so focussed on what I’m writing about that the surroundings don’t really impinge on my consciousness.

D.E.: How do your stories unfold?  Are they plotted first and then filled out or do they simply unravel as you go?

WJB: It tends to be a combination of both.  I usually try to structure out a series of chapter headings and write things up from there.  However, there are times when the chapter list isn’t fully formed and I just have to start writing and fill in the gaps as the story unfolds and the ideas refine in my head.  If I can get a prologue and an epilogue, the rest tends to sort itself out in its own good time.

D.E.: Let's hear some "Shout Outs".

WJB: Gee, now you’ve really put me on the spot!!  Who to mention??  First of all, a big, big, shout out to all the fans, the folks that support me in my endeavours and the people who buy my books out there (without who all the effort would be utterly pointless).  To my Editors (past and present) Tara and Ivan; who struggle valiantly to keep me on the straight-and-narrow and the Quality Control people at Malachite Quills who let me get away with nothing whatsoever!!!   To Brian and James at Malachite Quills who field all of my crazy ideas, suggestions and notions with the skill of international diplomats.  Then, all the guys (and gals) on Facebook etc who seem to ‘like’ my postings and who encourage me through the days when things don’t feel so good.

D.E.: Where can readers find you and your work?

WJB: To quote the old advertising cliché – available at all good retail outlets!  They tend to be most popular on Amazon and B&N.


Picture
Picture
Thank you very much, William.  It has been a pleasure interviewing you.  I wish you all the best in your writing career.  
D.E.

3 Comments

Watch for the next Blog Interview with William J. Benning.  Coming soon.

5/29/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
0 Comments

Blog Interview With Bobbie Shafer

5/25/2013

5 Comments

 
Picture
Let me start by saying, welcome, Bobbie, to D.E. Dunlop.com. 
After reading your bio on your website bobbieshafer.com I must say, you are a modern day wonder woman.

Let's get started.
D.E.: Tell us a little about yourself. 
Bobbie: Thank you, kind sir, but all women seem like modern day wonder women at times. I live in Troup, Texas on a small acreage with my husband and a cast of critters. I have four children, three grandchildren, one stepson, one step-grandson, and one great-grand daughter.  No, unfortunately, I didn’t marry young, lol. I belong to a writers group, critique group, speak at various organizations and write, write, write.
I am CEO, Editor, and Acquisitions Mgr. for a publishing company and am a published author.

D.E.: How long have you been writing, or when did you start writing?
Bobbie:  I retired in 2002 and began writing in about 2004.

D.E.: What compels you to write?
Bobbie: When I was a child my mother and grandfather told me some wonderful stories that compelled me to share.

D.E.: Do you write primarily in one genre?
Bobbie: No, I write whatever strikes my fancy. I’m not sure what or when I’ll get inspired, but whatever idea comes up, I’ll write in any genre.

D.E.: Where do you get your motivation or inspiration from? 
Bobbie: Everywhere, people’s off the wall remarks, television, magazines, characters I’ve known.

D.E.: Tell us of your first publishing experience.
Bobbie: After submitting for years and receiving nothing but rejections, I wasn’t prepared when after submitting one Sat. night late, I was informed the very next morning that my story was accepted. I was stunned and cried like a baby.

D.E.: Are you self published or do you use a publisher?
Bobbie: I, personally, do not self-publish. I use publishers.
  
D.E.: How many books have you written?
Bobbie: I’ve written about 20 books, three are available, two will be released in the next couple months, and three more by the end of the year.

D.E.: Are your books available in both, print and e-book format?
Bobbie: Yes, they are, from Amazon, B&N, www.dancingwithbearpublishing, and can be obtained from any of the book signings or organizations I speak at.

D.E.: As a writer is there a particular obstacle you face?
Bobbie: The only obstacle I am ever concerned about is wanting to live long enough to write everything I want to.

D.E.: What is the most difficult for you to write?
Bobbie: Non-fiction

D.E.: Do you self edit or hire an editor?
Bobbie:  I, of course, edit as much as I can, but my publishers have editors on their staff who edit it for publishing.

D.E.: Do you have any tips or tricks to help keep your ideas in order or at least from being forgotten?
Bobbie: I always say that my stories beg me to tell them and don’t let me rest until I write it down, so no I don’t have any tips, so far, I’ve not needed any tricks to remember…

D.E.: Do you prefer pen on paper for drafts or do you stay strictly on a computer?
Bobbie: I write strictly on the computer although I do take notes on research I do for the story so I don’t have to go back in the manuscript and remember all the info.

D.E.: Do you have a favourite place to write or do you write anywhere and everywhere? 
Bobbie: I write in my bedroom office only. I do daydream anywhere and everywhere when an idea blossoms.
 
D.E.: Do you have a writing schedule? 
Bobbie: I’ve found that I write better in the morning, but often find myself rewriting late at night when everyone is asleep.

D.E.: What sort of advice would you give to other authors out there? 
Bobbie: Have faith in yourself, don’t give up and by all means, write, write, write. Also join a writers org. and establish a critique group.

D.E.: Were did you get the inspiration for The Secrets of Eagle Creek series?
Bobbie: Secrets of Eagle Creek is the second in the series, Secrets of Eagle Creek. Loves Golden Dream, the first book, came from a television show about the discovery of a sunken ship from 1857 and I wondered what if this girl had been on board and survived. Legacy is about a family 50 years later that moves into the house that girl from Loves Golden Dream built. All the series functions around that house, Eagle Creek Manor

Picture
Picture
D.E.: Tell us a little about The Mark of the Dragonfly. 
Bobbie: Mark of the Dragonfly is about a young orphan boy who at the age of fourteen is rescued from the orphanage and taken to a fantasy world where he discovered  he is descended from a line of warriors.

Picture
D.E.: What are you working on now and what's next?
Bobbie: I have a fantasy book coming out this summer, Quest for the Sorcerer’s Staff and Miracle at Sycamore Grove, Book III in the Eagle Creek Series coming out July 4th. The sequel to Mark of the Dragonfly is recently completed and hopefully will be published spring of 2014.

D.E.: Which do you find more fulfilling to write, the short story or the novel?
Bobbie: Being a long-winded southern woman, novels are easier to write, but I do enjoy jotting off a short story now and then.

D.E.: With raising miniature horses, donkeys, goats, rabbits, and chickens, and all the while keeping your house and husband happy, how do you find the time to write?
Bobbie: Anyone can find time to do the things they love. You just have to work out a schedule that becomes a way of life.

D.E.: Where can readers find you and your work? 
Bobbie: My work can be found on Amazon.com, www.dancingwithbearpublishing.com , CaliburnBook.com Malachite Quills Publishing,  facebook, Linked In, Twitter, or at any of the dozens of book signings here in East Texas. You can contact me at bobbiejshafer@gmail.com


Thanks again, Bobbie.  It's been great interviewing you.    I wish you all the best and look forward to more great works.

D.E. 

5 Comments

Kozlov Update

5/23/2013

0 Comments

 
I have come to the realization that The Legend of Kozlov will take at least two full novels to tell.  I was telling my friend Jay-Cee I would like to create a series of exploits and adventures for Kozlov.  He pointed out there's nothing saying I need to put all my effort and attention in to one long novel.  It's quite acceptable to write a number of smaller novellas.  This conversation sealed an idea I was also toying with.  I am now working on "Kozlov, Tall Tales".  The Tall Tales will be a collection of short stories about the character according to other characters.  They are folklore type stories, far fetched and hard to believe, yet will tie in pieces of, The Legend of Kozlov which will be released afterword in it's entirety.  Also, they are going to be graphic novels with my friend Steve Mills whom I interviewed here in the beginning of the year.  Did I mention He's currently working on producing graphics for a graphic novel version of, The Quest for the Black Dragon
0 Comments

Blog Interview with Kirstin Pulioff.

5/18/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
Welcome, Kirstin, to D.E. Dunlop.  Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.


D.E.: Tell us a little about yourself. 
Kirstin: Let’s see… I was born and raised in Southern California, and later graduated from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!) with a degree in Forest Management.  I am happily married with two small children, 4 and 5.  I believe life is an adventure, and try to make every day memorable.

D.E.: How long have you been writing, or when did you start writing? 
Kirstin: I have been writing my whole life.  It has always been my creative outlet… some people sing, some paint, some cook…  I write.  I didn’t start pursuing it as a career until a couple of years ago.

D.E.: Do you write primarily in one genre?
Kirstin:  So far, my writing has focused on the fantasy genre.  It is one of my favorites, and one that my mind is naturally drawn to.  I love the idea of good triumphing over evil, Prince Charming waiting around the corner, damsels in distress, and that magic is as real as science.

D.E.: What compels you to write?
Kirstin:  It sounds silly, but there are moments that I see something, and a scene or idea just pops into my head.  In those moments, a story unfolds in my mind, and I am compelled to tell it. 

D.E.: As a writer is there a particular obstacle you face?  If so, how do you get around it?
Kirstin:  My biggest obstacle is balance.  I struggle to find the right ways to juggle writing, social networking, and marketing with my family life.  I am constantly shuffling things, and trying to find a balance that works… I am still a work in progress on that.  Ha!

D.E.: Tell us of your experience getting your first work published.
Kirstin:  A couple of years ago, I started thinking about what I wanted to do when my kids were older and in school full time.  With a blank slate in front of me, I started to think about what I truly wanted to do.  There was only one thing that popped into mind.  I wanted to write. 

With that revelation in mind, I began to do what I needed to do… I edited my book, edited it some more, queried agents, edited more, queried publishers, edited more… after a year of this cycle I received a contract from Malachite Quills Publishing.

D.E.: How many books have you written? 
Kirstin: I have written 2 books.  The Escape of Princess Madeline and its sequel, The Battle for Princess Madeline.  The third and final of this series should be ready Winter 2013.


Picture
D.E.: Are you self published or do you use a publisher?  Kirstin: Both.  My first book, The Escape of Princess Madeline is published through an independent publisher, Malachite Quills (Caliburn Books).  The sequel, The Battle for Princess Madeline is being published directly through me.  There are pros and cons to both... and I am grateful for what I have learned through both processes.

D.E.: Do you self edit or hire an editor?
Kirstin:  Haha, hire an editor!!!  I write the first draft, and the first round of edits before sending off to a team of beta readers.  They help me notice any holes in the storyline or development.  From there, I do another round of edits, and then send off to an editor.  

D.E.: Are your books also available in print, or are they primarily in e-book format?
Kirstin:  Yes!  They are available in print and digital.  Since my books are targeted for the upper elementary/ tween age, I find that having the paperback option helps.

D.E.: Do you have any tips or tricks to help keep your ideas in order or at least from being forgotten?
Kirstin:   Write them down!!!  I have a notebook that I keep in my purse, so whenever an idea, a bit of dialogue, or a new arc of a storyline hits I can write it down.  I also use the microphone option on my cell phone, if I can’t write.  When inspiration calls, I have to answer.

D.E.: Do you prefer pen on paper for drafts or do you stay strictly on a computer?
Kirstin:  Mainly computer.  I wrote my first book in a spiral notebook, and then transferred it all to the computer when I was done, and did my first round of edits in the process.  I find having it all in the computer is nice, it helps me track my word count, allows me a quick reference back to certain areas, and speeds the whole process up.

D.E.: Do you have a favorite place to write or do you write anywhere and everywhere?
Kirstin:  Yes!  I call my website “The Literary Closet” due to the fact that my main writing space is in my master closet.  It is one place that I can escape at home and have some quiet to write… on the weekends, I write in my car overlooking a wheat field.

D.E.: Do you have a writing schedule?
Kirstin:  I am trying to get better at this and more disciplined for a consistent schedule.  I try and wake up an hour before the kids and get up to have some quiet time, as well as after bedtime.  During the day, I am 100% focused mommy.

D.E.: How do your stories unfold?  Are they plotted first and then filled out or do they simply unravel as you go?
Kirstin:  I am a plotter.  Before I sit down to write my first draft, I have a clear outline of what is going to happen.  The major story arcs, conflicts and twists are all designed.  From there, I weave my words to follow the structure, but allow for sudden changes that may develop.  For me, this keeps my thoughts more streamlined and plot holes a bit tighter.

D.E.:  What are you working on now and what's next?
Kirstin:  Right now I am promoting the release of the sequel, The Battle for Princess Madeline, which releases May 29th, and am working on the first draft for the third and final book in the series, The Dragon and Princess Madeline (Winter 2013)



Picture
D.E.: How do you go from a degree in Forest Management to being an author of Young Adult Fantasy?
Kirstin:  Haha, well, I say every day is an adventure that you never know where it will take you.  This is an example where I can say I have been a writer my whole life.  I remember being in the woods on my lunch breaks, writing.  I would be out on fires, and in the evening, I would be writing a story.  I am an outdoorsy girl, feeling completely at home and at ease in nature.  What I found, for me, was that working in the forest, took the enjoyment out of it.  Having the joy removed from one of my favorite past times was too high a price… and so life took a detour, and a new career path.

D.E.: Where can readers find you and your work?
Kirstin:  So many places!!!!  I love to connect with new readers and fans.

Website:  www.kirstinpulioff.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/kirstinpulioffauthor

Twitter:  @KirstinPulioff

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6558842.Kirstin_Pulioff

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Kirstin-Pulioff/e/B00A2498Z2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

 

D.E.: Let's hear some "Shout-Outs".
Kirstin: Who are the people you would like to thank?  A big thank you to my husband, who supports me and stands behind me 100%, and to my kids.   They teach me every day to be grateful for the little things, to believe in magic, and to live life to its fullest.

Thanks, Kirstin, for taking time out of your busy schedule.  I greatly appreciate it. You've been exciting and insightful.  May God bless the release of your new book and, of course, your family.
D.E.


0 Comments

Watch for it.  Blog Interview With Teen/YA Fantasy Author, Kirstin Pulioff.  Coming Soon!

5/15/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
0 Comments

Coming Soon.  Blog interview with Author, Kirstin Pulioff

5/2/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
0 Comments

    Author

    I was born in Southern Ontario. I now live in Southern Alberta with my Beautiful wife and our three awesome boys.  I sneak as much time as I can for writing.

    Archives

    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    Categories

    All
    Interviews
    Reviews

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.