Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey there; I’m D. M. Griffin, an aspiring author currently in the process of releasing my first self-published novel, Call a Spade. I grew up and currently live in the state of Michigan in the United States. I come from a very large, very colorful family; my hobbies include singing and playing the guitar, reading, walking/hiking with my dogs, and playing strategy games. Aside from Call a Spade, I’ve written two other books, one which was tossed almost immediately upon being finished (my first real stab at a novel-length work) and one which is the first entry in a planned fantasy trilogy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Call a Spade. Inspiration came from many sources; first and foremost was my mother, who passed away in 2016 from cancer. She always possessed a strong sense of personal principle and was often honest to the point of being blunt, usually because she meant the best for whoever she was speaking to and didn’t shirk back from saying what needed to be said. I respect that more and more about her with every passing day.
At the time I wrote Call a Spade, I was also heavily influenced by the atmosphere of the U.S. presidential election. While I wrote Call a Spade first and foremost as a story, and had no intention to make it “political”, I also didn’t hide my thoughts about fascism and aspirations of tyranny, and it certainly wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to discern that my President Wolfe was rather heavily influenced by then-candidate Trump.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of, but if you ask my fiancé you might get a different answer entirely.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by more authors than I can name, but here are a few of the most memorable: J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Orson Scott Card, Stephen Donaldson, George R. R. Martin, Anne Rice, J. K. Rowling, Douglas Adams, and Stephen King.
What are you working on now?
I’m working a spin-off sequel to Call a Spade as well as the second entry in a fantasy trilogy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m just starting out at all this. Right now I’m performing the promotional equivalent of throwing as much shit as I can at the wall to see what sticks. Wish me luck.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, especially after you’ve decided whatever you’re working on is garbage. Learning to formulate and execute a plot takes time, and in the end you’ll be proud you had the courage to make mistakes.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In honor of my mother: Don’t be afraid to call a spade a spade.
What are you reading now?
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan
What’s next for you as a writer?
If I can survive the next month of promotion and finger-crossing, I’ll let you know!
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 Silmarillion
The Stand
Watership Down
The Swiss Family Robinson
Author Websites and Profiles
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