Ask the Author: Dan Hanks
Answered Questions (9)
Dan Hanks
Hi Alicia! Thanks for the question and so sorry I haven't responded sooner, I have only just see this. I'm delighted to say that The Way Up Is Death WILL be released on audio! It's just a case of timing, as we don't have a date yet, but we're expecting it to be a couple of months most likely. I will be shouting about it as soon as I know. The narrator they've chosen is fab though, so I'm really excited to hear his take on the story. :)
Dan Hanks
Hi Chris! Thanks for asking. There are currently no concrete plans for the sequel... other than the fact I have written some of it, I know what happens, it has a title, and I absolutely plan to finish it and get it into the world as soon as I can. Captain Moxley WILL return, it's just a question of in what form! In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed the first book. And any reviews or word of mouth about the book will be greatly appreciated (and will maybe help prod the publisher to bring me on board for another). :)
Dan Hanks
Hi Duane, glad you enjoyed the book! Thanks for giving it a go - and thanks for the question!
I would truly love there to be a sequel, to the point that I'll make sure it happens regardless. I obviously set it up for one and have actually written the first act of it, but sales of Swashbucklers haven't quite hit the mark needed for the publisher to green light a sequel from them yet. A few more ratings and reviews could change that, so if you know anybody who might like it, feel free to recommend! All the best, Dan
I would truly love there to be a sequel, to the point that I'll make sure it happens regardless. I obviously set it up for one and have actually written the first act of it, but sales of Swashbucklers haven't quite hit the mark needed for the publisher to green light a sequel from them yet. A few more ratings and reviews could change that, so if you know anybody who might like it, feel free to recommend! All the best, Dan
Dan Hanks
Hey Matt, yes I am! Whether or not it comes to pass, I'll have to leave that in the hands of the publishing gods. But there is more story to tell, I know what the story is, and I even have a title... :)
Dan Hanks
1. Don't give up. Find the joy in it and keep writing, whatever your goal is. But especially if your goal is to get traditionally published, you can't give up. Everyone I know who wanted that, worked hard and kept going, over years, decades even - they got there in the end.
2. Writing is rewriting. Allow that first draft to suck if it has to, just try to get it down as quickly as possible. Once it's down, then you can go to work and have fun with it. You can't edit a blank page, etc.
2. Writing is rewriting. Allow that first draft to suck if it has to, just try to get it down as quickly as possible. Once it's down, then you can go to work and have fun with it. You can't edit a blank page, etc.
Dan Hanks
These questions are fun so I'm going to keep doing them.
I love the editing part of writing. The first draft has its moments, especially if you hit a bit of a roll and can plough through a scene with aspects that you know are special. But it's often a slog to get through the whole thing.
For me, the editing where the magic happens. You tidy up the plot, bring out the characters' personalities more, tease out the world building set decorations. Make it readable. Get to understand what exactly you've written and then make it better. That's a whole bunch of fun.
I love the editing part of writing. The first draft has its moments, especially if you hit a bit of a roll and can plough through a scene with aspects that you know are special. But it's often a slog to get through the whole thing.
For me, the editing where the magic happens. You tidy up the plot, bring out the characters' personalities more, tease out the world building set decorations. Make it readable. Get to understand what exactly you've written and then make it better. That's a whole bunch of fun.
Dan Hanks
For Captain Moxley it was all about Indiana Jones and those brilliant B-movie adventures that we've all enjoyed over time (and that we don't see enough of these days). I wrote a bit of fan fiction into an Indy 5 script, turned that into a Captain Moxley script, then adapted it into a book and it grew even more from there. I love these types of adventures. I wish we saw more of them. (If you liked this, check out Fury from the Tomb by S.A. Sidor, because that is AWESOME.)
Dan Hanks
Two books. One I can't tell you about. The other is a parenting ghostbusters at Christmas adventure with more than a dash of British folklore included. It's been a blast to write. Fingers crossed I can finish it soon and it finds a nice home somewhere.
Dan Hanks
I usually get writer's block if I don't know what's going to happen in the scene I have to write or I'm not particular excited by it. To get over this, I might stick some music on (the trailer music on YouTube is always good for this) and do something mundane like wash the dishes or take a shower, and just think about what could be fun to include. What would I like to see in this chapter if I was a reader? What interesting character beats could we see?
Usually one or two things appear in my brain that excite me and then I'm eager to get stuck in again.
Usually one or two things appear in my brain that excite me and then I'm eager to get stuck in again.
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I am so happy that it will be coming out on audio: I'm really looking forward to listening to it!.
Thank you, Da ...more
Jan 21, 2025 09:53AM · flag