Ask the Author: Daniel P. Douglas
Answered Questions (8)
Daniel P. Douglas
Thanks for your question, Maureen. When it comes to storytelling that I enjoy, I always have to admit that my influences are cinematic, as well as literary. I came of age at a time when blockbuster films like Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and E.T. (just to name a few) seem to come out every summer. In fact, I saw the original Star Wars 45 times during the summer after its release in 1977. Yes, I'm a nerd and proud of it!
In terms of authors, without a doubt, my favorite is Charles Dickens. His characters are iconic yet very real. I try to aim for that in my writing. I also read my fair share of Dashiell Hammett, and especially enjoyed The Glass Key and, of course, Maltese Falcon. In the latter's case, you can bet I've seen the movie several times too. For some reason, I also really enjoyed -- and read many times -- Catcher in the Rye. There was something very magnetic about the turbulence of Holden Caulfield's angst and alienation. Also, I would be remiss not to mention enjoying the short stories of Edgar Allen Poe and Ambrose Bierce. Although its been years and years since I've read such stories as The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, I think of them fondly to this day.
Nowadays, I often read whatever catches my eye, which can vary from day to day. I definitely enjoy science fiction, but other genres too. Like many, I read to reflect and to gain personal insight and understanding, but I also like to be entertained, moved (to tears, joy, laughter, wisdom) or "taken away" too. Right now, I am reading your fine book, How to be Manly, and am glad to be doing so. I am not only laughing at Matty, but also myself since I see so much of myself in him.
In terms of authors, without a doubt, my favorite is Charles Dickens. His characters are iconic yet very real. I try to aim for that in my writing. I also read my fair share of Dashiell Hammett, and especially enjoyed The Glass Key and, of course, Maltese Falcon. In the latter's case, you can bet I've seen the movie several times too. For some reason, I also really enjoyed -- and read many times -- Catcher in the Rye. There was something very magnetic about the turbulence of Holden Caulfield's angst and alienation. Also, I would be remiss not to mention enjoying the short stories of Edgar Allen Poe and Ambrose Bierce. Although its been years and years since I've read such stories as The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, I think of them fondly to this day.
Nowadays, I often read whatever catches my eye, which can vary from day to day. I definitely enjoy science fiction, but other genres too. Like many, I read to reflect and to gain personal insight and understanding, but I also like to be entertained, moved (to tears, joy, laughter, wisdom) or "taken away" too. Right now, I am reading your fine book, How to be Manly, and am glad to be doing so. I am not only laughing at Matty, but also myself since I see so much of myself in him.
Daniel P. Douglas
To say the subject of UFOs is controversial would be an understatement, but that makes it all the more suitable as the topic for a novel. For decades, perhaps even centuries, people have seen these unknown craft in the sky or even underwater. There can be a sharp divide between believers and non-believers, and controversy about what it all means, especially in the context of alleged government secrecy. That tension, blended with the fundamental question, are we alone?, makes for a great storytelling opportunity.
I've seen a handful of unexplainable lights in the night sky at various locations in the southwestern United States. It's been a while though, at least 10 years or more since I've seen something like that. Maybe I'm due again. :)
I've seen a handful of unexplainable lights in the night sky at various locations in the southwestern United States. It's been a while though, at least 10 years or more since I've seen something like that. Maybe I'm due again. :)
Daniel P. Douglas
Although it includes aliens and UFO’s, I wanted Truth Insurrected to really be about this alleged, sinister government conspiracy to cover up all of that. I would ask myself, why would they do that, and what are the costs of doing that? What I arrived at was that whatever the original rationale was for secrecy, maintaining the secrecy itself – at all costs -- became the goal because of the need to hide evidence of a huge crime. Not just fraud and deceit, but outright murder and unchecked betrayal of the country.
So, how do you right this wrong? The search for those answers in Truth Insurrected comes across strongly. I would also say that given everyone’s concerns about where our country is headed and how to face that in a democratic society, Truth Insurrected makes for a timely story, one that also runs parallel to the profound implications of contact with intelligent, advanced alien life.
So, how do you right this wrong? The search for those answers in Truth Insurrected comes across strongly. I would also say that given everyone’s concerns about where our country is headed and how to face that in a democratic society, Truth Insurrected makes for a timely story, one that also runs parallel to the profound implications of contact with intelligent, advanced alien life.
Daniel P. Douglas
I love using my imagination and sharing what comes from there with others. I've always been a day dreamer and thinking up stories is just something I've always loved to do. Writing them down and sharing them with others is the best part of all.
Daniel P. Douglas
Change up the fonts some. Yes, this actually works for me. I use Eurostile to help me out of a slump now and then. For whatever reason, that font seems to eek the words out of me despite hitting a stumbling block.
Step out of the linear writing frame of mind and work on another part of the story instead. You may have a better vision of what comes later in the story than the section you are currently trying to write. So, go to that latter section and keep on writing.
Step out of the linear writing frame of mind and work on another part of the story instead. You may have a better vision of what comes later in the story than the section you are currently trying to write. So, go to that latter section and keep on writing.
Daniel P. Douglas
Keep writing as often as possible, this ongoing practice will help you. Try to take some writing courses, even if they are online. Check out courses offered by Steve Alcorn, he is an amazing teacher. If you can't take courses, pick up some good writing reference books and use them as your classroom. Steve Alcorn's book, "How to Fix Your Novel," is one of my favorites. I consider it one of my writing reference "bibles."
Learn how to write in the active voice -- avoid weak verbs and passive writing as much as possible. If you master this, you will elevate your writing to a much higher level.
Learn how to write in the active voice -- avoid weak verbs and passive writing as much as possible. If you master this, you will elevate your writing to a much higher level.
Daniel P. Douglas
I am currently working on my next set of books -- The Outworlds trilogy. The Outworlds series is comprised of science fiction adventure stories set in the early twenty-fourth century at the fringe of human civilization. The first book in the series is entitled, "The Outworlds: The Oeskone Anomaly," and I'm hoping to have it out in December 2014.
Daniel P. Douglas
So, Truth Insurrected: The Saint Mary Project, comes from my life long interest in outer space, having questions around the existence of extraterrestrial life, and from my love of science fiction, thrillers, and conspiracy stories. These life long -- or nearly life long -- interests all had inspirational inputs into the book.
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