Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 58 year old Canadian science fiction writer who lives in Calgary, Alberta. I am the father to 4 wonderful adult children and grandfather to two (so far) wonderful little girls. I live with my wife of 34 years, Colleen and we are getting used to being empty nesters. Professionally, I have spent the last 36 years working in the petroleum industry as a professional geophysicist, so I know a little bit about science which I try to apply to my writing.
I have been creating stories for most of my life, but only began writing them down a few years ago. I have written multiple short stories and two novels (one of which, The Ares Weapon has been published in 2016).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Ares Weapon was originally inspired by the NaNoWriMo challenge of 2015. I wanted to write a science fiction book that did not rely on space aliens or epic battles with ray guns or light sabres. I also have an affection for the thriller genre, so I decided to write a science fiction thriller.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t believe so. I like to get my word count finished in the morning to make room for chores around the house, walking the dog and cooking meals for me and my wife. I guess the only habit I have is that I don’t read any fiction while I am writing, mostly because I find myself editing the book in my head and re-writing passages to how I would write it. It is very frustrating…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frank Herbert’s Dune is the most influential book I have read. I also enjoy George R.R. Martin’s writing , Anything by Tom Clancy and various historical fiction stories about the Templars during their period of influence.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the sequel to The Ares Weapon. I haven’t decided on a title yet, but plan to release it by the end of December 2016. I am also planning out a serial I intend to begin working on in early 2017.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m just getting started with promotion, but I like Awesomegang.com for the enthusiastic support they provide for indie authors like myself.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn about story structure: it appliess to everything your write. Read extensively, watch movies with story structure in mind, especially classical older movies, like the 1959 version of Ben Hur. Older movies were made more like novels in terms of their story and can teach a lot in a short time about how to craft a good narrative.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep on writing. It is the only thing I have any real influence over as far as my career development.
What are you reading now?
I’ve just started reading “The Dark Between the Stars” by Kevin J. Anderson
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am pushing myself to put out as many novels and serials as I can over the next ten years. At 58, I have less time to succeed than a younger writer.
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?
The Bible, Dune, Lord of the Rings trilogy, As many of the Harry Potter books as I could fit.
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D.M. (Doug) Pruden Website
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