Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing as a kind of dare. I wrote two in rapid succession. My first book was rejected but the managing editor of the prestigious publisher wrote me an encouraging letter. Next time it was accepted. But, during the editing process prior to publication, I suffered a serious head injury. The publication fell through. The injury stopped me even reading for 3 years and writing for 5. I tried again but couldn’t write a full length book. So I wrote short stories and some plays. I won many awards with these. I came back to novels when, in 2018, I picked up one I’d half written just before my injury. I had no idea what the plot had been but I figured out a new one and finished the book in a few weeks. I was amazed so took out another story that had foundered and finished that too. Then someone in marketing said write a short book, a novella, as a reader magnet. I’d never done that before but I managed. It became the prequel to a series. I’ve now written two full length novels in that series with one released so far. I also began another series 2020. So I’m now up to nine novels, a novella and two kid’s novels. Of course I’m old now but I’m working to make up for the lost time. And getting there.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Accidental Detective. It’s about to be released and is the first of a series about a young woman called Hannah Tree. It came about because of a conversation I overheard about ten years ago. A transgender woman, a patient in a private psych clinic announced that her psychiatrist was an idiot because he said she was depressed because she was transgender. She wasn’t, she said, she was depressed because she couldn’t afford the operation. I treasured that announcement and eventually Gloria Starr was born and with her, Hannah Tree, also in the clinic but only instead of jail. Their relationship, a drag theatre (I was once an actress) and Hannah’s constant search for justice, for herself and anyone who is oppressed has unfolded into two completed novels and a third almost done.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Notes at 3 am and waiting for the characters to tell me what’s going on. Sometimes I’m so surprised I have to tell them NO. And sometimes they do it anyway.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dick Francis was a major one. His terse journalistic style always impressed me. Get to the point and get on with it. No frills. Robert Ludlum was another. In many ways the opposite with his complex plots, constant action and breathtaking pace. What they have in common is good writing. (Though Francis has his moments). That most of their works were not cliffhangers forcing you to read the next book was a factor for me too. Though series have their place. If the writing is so bad I can’t keep reading, all that is wasted. Janet Ivanovich had some influence too. Having a laugh in the middle of high drama is fine. For me it’s not enough for a story to have a great leading character even when coupled with an exotic location. So I aim to write as well as my English teacher at school taught me, have a laugh and keep going as long as I can.
What are you working on now?
I’m finishing the third Hannah Tree novel – probably called the `Defiant Detective’ to go with book 1 – The `Accidental Detective’ and book 2 – `The Reluctant Detective.’
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I struggle but am about to launch with Amazon ads. I’m trying out platforms like yours as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t do it for the money.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going.
What are you reading now?
A thriller called `Constance’ by Matthew Fitzsimmons. It’s set in the future and is a thriller about cloning. I have always loved science fiction and have actually started writing a crime story set in 2250. After climate change -a totally different world. On the back burner right now but building new worlds is always fun.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep going. At my age I don’t have too many years left so I plan to keep writing and hoping people enjoy my efforts. Doing a bit of marketing so they do has to be on my list too.
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?
A Georgette Heyer Regency romance, one Dick Francis, The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham and War and Peace because I still haven’t finished it.
Author Websites and Profiles
D M Macdonald Website
D M Macdonald Amazon Profile
D M Macdonald’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile