Ask the Author: David King Dunaway
Answered Questions (6)
David King Dunaway
Years ago, I read a quotation from a nineteenth-century feminist writer: "I don't look for inspiration, I go after it with a stick." Writers who rely solely on inspiration are subject to whims and moods. A professional writer writes most every day, carefully developed work plan. I do.
David King Dunaway
Four Eyes: Glasses, Contacts, and You is my eleventh book, the first book on the experience of wearing glasses, a device that most of us use daily but rarely consider. It's time we took a look into how eyeglasses shaped our work and daily lives. It's the first thing many reach for in the morning and the last we touch at night. They frame our existence and remind us of our imperfection; our eye glasses and contacts.
David King Dunaway
Yeats reminded us that a style "is made of sedentary toil, an imitation of the great masters." Both of these require great concentration and discipline.
David King Dunaway
Every writer has his or her own way. Mine is to realize that I am not writing a book, but a set of chapters; not a chapter, but a few pages; not a few pages, but one; not a page, but a paragraph; get started.
David King Dunaway
A Route 66 Companion: After many years of researching Route 66 (which runs in front of my office); I decided readers needed a gateway to the wondrous words historians and novelists have written about what's arguably the world's most famous road. I found Sylvia Plath, Thomas Wolfe, Raymond Chandler had written about 66. Clearing rights lost me two years, I see why so few anthologies are published today!
But the collection, I believe, was worth it. Only readers can decide.
But the collection, I believe, was worth it. Only readers can decide.
David King Dunaway
The best thing about being a writer is the free range of the imagination the job offers. I've travelled in time in London and on Route 66; dug in the history everyday folks tell, oral history; harmonized with Pete Seeger sailing the Hudson. Even when the work brings little financial reward, it's worth it to give someone a joy ride in time and place.
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