Ask the Author: Tom Van Dyke
Answered Questions (5)
Tom Van Dyke
The writing process for me is sitting down every day and writing. . . .
A writer uses their creative ability to fully mine the levels of our existence — a wonderment of imagination forming a communal bond of writer and reader. A storyteller opens the door through inspired thought—the alloy of the mind’s eye—a galaxy of perception with an endless vault of words. A craftsman energizing their pen from the marrow of their creative thought. They begin a profound bond between reader and writer forging inspired exploration of the best kind . . . a work authentically rendered is truly a gift of full-circle.
A writer uses their creative ability to fully mine the levels of our existence — a wonderment of imagination forming a communal bond of writer and reader. A storyteller opens the door through inspired thought—the alloy of the mind’s eye—a galaxy of perception with an endless vault of words. A craftsman energizing their pen from the marrow of their creative thought. They begin a profound bond between reader and writer forging inspired exploration of the best kind . . . a work authentically rendered is truly a gift of full-circle.
Tom Van Dyke
An electric story of invention in America—1930’s
Tom Van Dyke
I have had the privilege to meet many western authors and become friends with Elmore Leonard, novelist and Michael Blake, the author of Dances With Wolves. I was very gratified that they wrote praise lines for A Cowboy Christmas An American Tale. Howard Terpning, western narrative painter also wrote a praise line for the book. . . . I am pleased the book is available at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, George and most every other western museum in America. And, I was amazed at the invitation to come to the Flying D Ranch in Bozeman, Montana and see the west from horseback. It truly was an experience bigger and more beautiful than any dream.
Tom Van Dyke
We are all born creative—made of the same stuff. Whether we choose to explore our imaginations or follow the herd is up to each and every one of us. The visual arts where I began—painting, sculpture, photography, film, then writing are all acquired skills that require time, practice, and dedication Everyone has the potential to be a writer and so can you—you have a unique voice. Writing is an adventure worth exploring for yourself. Discover your authentic voice, what you are capable of imagining, written in your own words. And while you are writing—read…. Read everything. Expand your horizon. Open up your mind. Feed your creativeness. You will be amazed . . . and I will be looking forward to reading your good work in the future.
Tom Van Dyke
As a child I’ve always admired the Western lifestyle. I grew up watching TV Westerns: the Lone Ranger, Rifleman, Have Gun will Travel, Maverick.
I was inspired to write the tale when our family was sitting around a Christmas fire on our adobe ranch in the foothills of Tonto National Forest in Cave Creek, Arizona. In the flickering light on a cholla cactus decorated with cowboy boots— the boots appeared to be dancing, we were enjoying the moment when my sons asked me what I thought it would be like to be a cowboy 150 years ago in the far west territory. . . .
I was inspired to write the tale when our family was sitting around a Christmas fire on our adobe ranch in the foothills of Tonto National Forest in Cave Creek, Arizona. In the flickering light on a cholla cactus decorated with cowboy boots— the boots appeared to be dancing, we were enjoying the moment when my sons asked me what I thought it would be like to be a cowboy 150 years ago in the far west territory. . . .
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