John Daniel interview with David Alan Binder

Post date: Jun 12, 2016 3:11:55 PM

John Daniel interview with David Alan Binder

Note to my Dear Readers and Dear Writers, I have started including any comments that the author may make after the interview in the last few. This gives you additional insight into the real character of the author and the ad lib comments they may make; all of which are unsolicited.

My web page as an author: http://www.danielpublishing.com/jmd/index.html

…as a publisher: http://www.danielpublishing.com/index.html

…as a blogger: http://johnmdaniel.blogspot.com

and as a free-lance editor: http://www.danielpublishing.com/litserv.htm

1. How do you pronounce your name (only answer if appropriate)?

“John” is pretty easy. My last name is easy (“Daniel,” like the name, but note there is no S at the end of my last name).

2. Where are you currently living?

I live in McKinleyville, California. That’s in famous Humboldt County, on the rocky north coast of the state, where we grow two famous plants. One of the famous plants is the Redwood Tree. I forget the other one.

3. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far?

Be honest, even when you’re writing fiction. Be entertaining, even when you’re teaching or preaching. Write because you must write. A story without conflict is like a meal without food.

4. What would you say is your most interesting writing, publishing, editing or illustrating quirk?

I’m not sure this is a “quirk,” but I rely heavily on dialogue and on irony

5. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?

I’ve done both. I’ve been published by established, traditional publishers (Running Press, Poisoned Pen Press), by an independent POD publisher (Oak Tree Press), and by my own company, under my Fithian Press imprint. I’ve been satisfied with all three avenues to being in print. OF course being granted a contract from an established, traditional press is more prestigious and, in my case, most successful financially.

6. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?

I prefer printed books, but have published a number of books as eBooks. I own a Kindle, and I like it more than I expected it to. But a Kindle ain’t a real book.

7. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?

I coach writers, and am a professional mentor, but I don’t have any secret tips on getting published. (If I told you secrets they wouldn’t be secrets.) Seriously? If I knew any sure-fire way to get published by the big time major leagues, and if I sold that information, I’d be rich. I don’t and I’m not. But I can guarantee satisfaction with this advice: write for your own pleasure, and look upon publication as gravy.

8. How did you or would you suggest acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?

If you want to be published by the New York Literary Establishment, you need an agent. You find and meet agents at writer’s conferences. But remember, agents are interested in only one thing: earning money. So the real answer is write something they can sell. But stay true to yourself.

9. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers (please be specific and informational as possible)?

Establish a routine that requires you to sit down and write a certain number of pages or words per day, or week. If you don’t do it regularly, you won’t get into the rhythm, the Zone that makes it all worth while.

10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned your creative process with your books, editing, publishing or illustrating?

As a professional, free-lance editor, I’ve noticed over and over that the best writers are the ones who know they need an editor.

11. How many books have you written?

I’ve written 24 books, of which 19 were published. I’ve also ghostwritten half a dozen, which were also published.

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)?

Join a writers group and listen to the criticism and praise you hear from your peers.

13. Do you have any suggestions for providing twists in a good story?

Don’t be reluctant to take chances. If it doesn’t work you won’t be stuck with it, but you’ll be surprised at how often risk pays off.

14. What makes your or any book stand out from the crowd?

Style! Style is what makes your writing your own. Style gives wings to your words. Style will give you pleasure and pride.

15. What are some ways in which you promote your work?

I’m terrible at self-promotion, although as a publisher I know how important it is to the success of an author’s work. Yes, I’m on Facebook and Goodreads, but I don’t enjoy them that much. I was raised to be modest.

I do enjoy book signings, and I do a couple of them for every book I get published. But my greatest success has come from review attention in the local and industry media. I write a good press release and send out dozens of review copies. Two of my books, The Poet’s Funeral and Hooperman: A Bookstore Mystery, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, which translated to sales, royalties, and respect.

16. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing or editing or publishing or illustrating) and why?

I have no regrets. When I was a young writer I didn’t know how much I had to learn before I would get to be a good writer. But if I had known, maybe I wouldn’t have gone on writing. I’m satisfied by how thing turned out: I’m not famous or rich, but I’ve been able to make a living working with words (as a writer, an editor, a publisher, a bookseller, a teacher of creative writing).

17. What saying or mantra do you live by?

Show ’em, don’t tell ’em.

I think I’ve said enough. Thanks for giving me a chance to spout off!

Donations are appreciated. You may be the only one that gives. Do be an angel, please.

(Just think of me as the poor man’s PBS or NPR, LOL!)

Please contact me at dalanbinder at gmail dot com or ab3ring at juno dot com

If you a published author or in a band with or without a book or an up and coming celebrity and want to garner following or get your message out there then I’d like to interview you and feature you and your book(s) or message on this web site in one of my blogs.

Of course, I’m always looking for authors to interview. If you know of one, send them to me, please.

Write Coach service (Donations accepted) - Contact me at dalanbinder at gmail dot com or ab3ring at juno dot com