Ask the Author: Daniel Charles Ross
Answered Questions (6)
Daniel Charles Ross
My hybrid crime/military thriller grew from my desire to compete with authors in this category. I read them all to see how they are doing their things, and then I try to do it differently and, hopefully, better. My first novel is a slightly more literary take on the genre.
Daniel Charles Ross
I've always been a good idea man, triggered in part by the power of what I hope is a great title. I'll have a general idea for a book, but I don't get truly excited by it until I devise a title.
I think about what kind of title would grab my attention in, say, an airport bookstore, one that perfectly fits my novel's narrative. Then I sit down and start banging it out.
I think about what kind of title would grab my attention in, say, an airport bookstore, one that perfectly fits my novel's narrative. Then I sit down and start banging it out.
Daniel Charles Ross
My first book, a hybrid crime/military thriller titled "Force No One," is currently being queried to agents.
I'm finishing a Young Adult (YA) science fiction book about two boys from my high school who discover a pathway from 2018 to 1967 just before the Detroit riots. They use it to bring back to the present brand-new ultra-collectible muscle cars for fun, profit ... and girls.
Separately, I'm blocking out the sequel to my first novel, this one titled "Force Majeure."
I'm finishing a Young Adult (YA) science fiction book about two boys from my high school who discover a pathway from 2018 to 1967 just before the Detroit riots. They use it to bring back to the present brand-new ultra-collectible muscle cars for fun, profit ... and girls.
Separately, I'm blocking out the sequel to my first novel, this one titled "Force Majeure."
Daniel Charles Ross
Getting back to my previous momentum comment, and quoting a guy I worked in a car factory with, "Ain't nothin' to it but to do it."
This is one of the few occupations where you can learn it OJT—on-the-job training. Unlike some observers, I do believe writer's can be trained. A good creative writing curriculum can keep a new writer from developing bad habits we don't even know are bad. After that, it's the punchline to the old joke where the New York tourist asks a New Yorker how to get to Carnegie Hall.
His answer? "Practice, practice, practice!"
This is one of the few occupations where you can learn it OJT—on-the-job training. Unlike some observers, I do believe writer's can be trained. A good creative writing curriculum can keep a new writer from developing bad habits we don't even know are bad. After that, it's the punchline to the old joke where the New York tourist asks a New Yorker how to get to Carnegie Hall.
His answer? "Practice, practice, practice!"
Daniel Charles Ross
There are few substitutes for the joy of creativity. Making something I like, first, and then molding it to ensure it's the best it can be for readers, is an accomplishment that I crave. This isn't to say it comes easy! Sure, sometimes it does, but most often it's a process that begins with the idea and progresses to a full story.
Daniel Charles Ross
I find momentum is helpful—just sit down and start banging it out. If I later want it different, that's what revision is for. Getting over that initial crippling speed bump is the only chore. After that, momentum keeps me going.
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