Post date: May 18, 2017 3:52:11 AM
David Knop interview with David Alan Binder
Bio from his website: As a life-long student of Native America and a career Marine, he is uniquely qualified to tell the often violent yet spiritual stories of the American Southwest. His books explore the beauty of the land, the people, and the violence of the hunt for threatened Aztec, Anasazi and Apache treasures. Readers of Tony Hillerman and Margaret Coel will agree, David Knop’s novels are an exhilarating adventure into the heart.
· https://davideknopbooks.com/
· https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6142427-dave-knop
1. How do you pronounce your name?
The K is silent, so my name is pronounced as NOP, sort of like STOP.
2. Where are you currently living?
I live in San Diego, CA.
3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? So far? Good question. I’ve learned several things:
a. There are no rules in writing. There are a thousand rules in writing. All of them apply, or none apply, depending on how the sentence/paragraph/page works.
b. Your writing group is your best writing resource.
c. I’ve learned what is truly important to people by writing for them.
d. I’ve learned a lot about myself by forming characters in my novel. Somehow, my characters always reflect me in some way.
4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?
When writing, I always strive to express a thought with the fewest words possible. In writing, there is strength is paucity.
5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
I self-publish through BookBaby.com. available on line. Their offices are in Pennsauken, NJ. Publishers are hard to break into as are agents. I have the rejections to prove it.
6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
I am a fan of eBooks, especially for travelers or those who have little space to store books. The demise of bookstores, however, was predicted prematurely and are reviving. My only insight to book stores, is that they seem reluctant to accept books from indie authors in my experience.
7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
No secret, self-publish. One caution: buyer beware. Some self-publishers charge exorbitant rates. Do your research and shopping around. Google scams for writers for guidelines and warnings. There are plenty.
8. How did you or would you suggest acquiring an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
The best advice I can offer is go to writing conferences and pitch to editors and publishers attending the conference. They are there to discover writers and buy books.
9. Do you have any suggestions or help for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?
a. Join a writing group. They are your best resource AND your audience.
b. Do not ask loved-ones to critique you. They will love your work because they love you.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned with your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?
I think the most surprising thing I’ve learned is the creativity of my imagination. Just let things roll around in your mind for a few days and the most interesting results appear. Create challenges for your main character. The crazier, the better. Don’t let your sense of sanity get I the way.
11. How many books have you written?
I have three on the market, I’m working on a fourth, now.
12. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer (please be as specific and information as you possibly can)?
Keep an open mind and listen to your writing group!
13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?
The best advice I ever received as from Michael Connelly who said, “It’s all about character.” Readers only care about how your main character survives your story. Expose his/her travails and disappointments to the reader. They will travel, cry, and fight alongside.
14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd? How well do your reader empathizes with the main character?
A good question. My writing hero is the late Tony Hillerman, so I try to emulate him and his love for the Southwest. I think my readers empathize with my main character, Peter Romero, because he is honest and not totally aware of his power. As a modern Native American, he has learned to sublimate his spiritual heritage. Fortunately, for my readers, he is unable to do so and finds himself struggling through a belief system that has nurtured mankind for millennia.
15. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
I have a great webpage, https://davideknopbooks.com/ Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/DavidEKnopBooks/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel and Goodreads, too (see above). They were created by my daughter (shameless plug) https://molotovink.com/category/welcome/. I also recommend contests and paid reviews.
16. What saying or mantra do you live by?
Never give up.
17. Anything else you would like to say?
Never give up.