Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an award-winning writer, former journalist and corporate escapee. I like to write about what I know: muddled lives, nail-biting unknowns and eternal hope. Growing up, I learned the power of stories and intrigue from saged storytellers on the front porch of our Appalachian farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania. Despite being waylaid for years by academia and corporate endeavors, my roots proved that becoming a writer of suspense was only a matter of time. I have been published in seven languages. I have written four novels as D.L. Koontz, and–years ago–five non-fiction books under a different name. I focus solely on fiction now, my passion.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published novel is What the Moon Saw. I guess I had been inspired to write it my whole life. The story mostly takes place at a place called the Bedford Springs Hotel, now an Omni resort. It is jaw-droopingly beautiful, and as a little girl I would beg my mother to drive me by it each time we went to Bedford for groceries or shopping. My child’s mind would always wonder, “What if those walls could talk?” Too, the place is several hundred years old and bares a rich history, so pulling that together with my characters was an incredibly fun experience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
LOL, every writer does! I think I’ll pass on this one except to say the words flow better when I’m on my porch with my laptop, tea to one side, my precious dogs to the other.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
It would take all day to answer this question! But, here’s one, I grew up on Nancy Drew, and that cemented my passion for adding suspense and/or intrigue to everything I write. My goal is that readers don’t want to put the book down! I want them to walk away when finished thinking, “Wow, that was time well-spent!”
What are you working on now?
I’m under contract to write three romantic suspense novels. As I write this, I’m almost done with my first draft of the second book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon and Bookbub.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Don’t edit as you write. Editing comes later. Just get the blessed words on the paper. You can edit and cut and chop it together later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing advice?: Show me, don’t tell me.
What are you reading now?
I’m between books right now.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my three-book romantic suspense novels. Then, I’ll probably go back to writing a historical romantic suspense with a touch of the odd. I love putting a touch of odd in my stories because it’s so real! Life dishes us a touch of the odd all the time.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Definitely a dictionary because within its pages are every book ever written or that will be written. Hmmm, a survival manual, for sure. The Bible! If I’m stranded, I’ll need my faith to get me through. If I can only choose four, the fourth would have to be the longest book I can find because I may be spending a long time on that island. So, War and Peach or Gone with the Wind.
Author Websites and Profiles
D.L. Koontz Website
D.L. Koontz Amazon Profile
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