Ask the Author: David Cariens
Answered Questions (6)
David Cariens
My most recent book is a glossary of crime and intelligence terms. The inspiration came from my career as an intelligence analyst. My career also inspired me to write a textbook. That book will be out later this year. The two books that mean the most to me deal with school shootings and desire to tell the truth and expose lies and cover ups. Hopefully I will make some contribution to stopping the killings on our school grounds and college campuses.
David Cariens
Inspiration comes from a many sources: the people I have encountered, my work, and what I read. The piece of fiction I have begun to outline comes from Thomas Mann and his writings.
David Cariens
Every writer has to deal with writer’s block. I have to cope with it all the time. To get over writer’s block I sit down and start putting ideas down on the subject as they come to mind. I don’t worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation—I just want the ideas. From the ideas patterns begin to form. I also keep a list of words and sentences. When I read I make a list of the words or sentences the author uses that inspire me. I take notes on all books that I read. Words are a wonderful inspiration and I re-read my list frequently for inspiration. I hope this helps.
David Cariens
There are so many things that are great about being a writer. My whole life I wanted to write. From the time I was six (and used my father’s typewriter against his orders not to touch it), I wanted/knew I would write. Every stage of my writing life has been fulfilling—they have been different and each stage has been fulfilling. What is best? Well, the honor and thrill of knowing that someone thinks enough of what you have to say to read your words, and in some cases they find inspiration. Creativity is a marvelous think, and as writers we are creative. For me, creativity (writing) is the essence of the meaning of life. And, perhaps in some small way some of my words will help someone or enrich someone’s life—nothing can be better than that.
David Cariens
Don’t be discouraged; don’t listen to the naysayers; listen to yourself. Don’t be discouraged by rejection—learn from it. Seek candid criticism of your writing and take that criticism to heart. Finally, think about your message before you write. To date my books have been textbooks and true crime. I used the principle of “know what you want the reader to take away from what you write.” Once that is clear in your mind, your writing will be easier—not easy, but easier. I am in the early stages of piece of fiction and I am using that principle—I know what I want the reader to take away from my story.
David Cariens
I am working on a new textbook and a recipe book. I always have other ideas for books and have a chapter outline for my autobiography (my youngest son wants me to write this) and I am working on the characters for a piece of fiction set here in rural Virginia.
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