Ask the Author: D.J. Gudger
Answered Questions (7)
D.J. Gudger
The idea for SPIN was born during my time as a special education teacher in a Denver area high school. Students did not like a particular teacher and plotted with one another to get him fired by spreading a rumor that he struck at student in class. I was so upset by how it was handled and how the teacher was treated like a criminal until he was proven innocent. But even then, he was damaged. He resigned and moved out of state as a result. It's one of those things that hits close to home and the ideas swirl around in the the brain screaming for release in the form of a book.
D.J. Gudger
From the time I could read until now, mystery and suspense novels have been my obsession. As a child, Agatha Christie inspired the mysteries I wrote using my spelling words. As a grown up, there are a number of authors who inspire me and shape my writing and technique. Brandilyn Collins, Michael Connoley, Lee Child, C.J. Box, Angela Hunt, Nancy Rue - they write stories I can't pull out of once I'm in. They also combine super mind-boggly plots with intense character arcs. The whole package. They also write tight and don't waste words. I want to write as well as they do when I grow up.
D.J. Gudger
Kill somebody.
A character...
You sillies, you think I'm a murderer or something?
A character...
You sillies, you think I'm a murderer or something?
D.J. Gudger
It's really cool to see people's reaction when I tell them I'm an author. Their faces light up and they look surprised.
I like the challenge of learning new things. I get bored easily, so learning how to sell books and reading blogs on building websites... all that stuff is fun. I love to learn. As a writer, I HAVE to be a continual learner. Or else...
I like the challenge of learning new things. I get bored easily, so learning how to sell books and reading blogs on building websites... all that stuff is fun. I love to learn. As a writer, I HAVE to be a continual learner. Or else...
D.J. Gudger
This might sound odd, but I suggest studying the publishing industry. How does it work? What is the process? What are the expectations? Doing so will save a lot of embarrassment in the future when you go to pitch your manuscript to an agent, editor or publisher. Understand traditional vs. self vs. indie vs. hybrid publication processes. One may fit your material better than another. Finally, study the craft. And have writers who are better than you, a lot better than you, tear your stuff apart. You will learn a ton.
D.J. Gudger
It's my goal to have TOSS, book #2 in the Guarded series, completed by the end of 2015. I'm also playing with ideas for suspense novels in the back of my brain.
D.J. Gudger
A long time ago I waited until I was feeling it. Now, I decide to sit down and write. Inspiration and "feeling like it" are foes of the professional writing process. Writing takes discipline and commitment. Some days are easier than others. And to be fair, there are moments when I feel inspiration. Most of the time inspiration comes from reading great prose or watching a brilliant screenplay come to life.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more