Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Adams, MA with two educators for parents. My mother was a paraprofessional and my father was a high school English teacher who I had for honors English my junior year. I continued my schooling at Marist College in New York where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English, concentration in writing, and a minor in Psychology. I combined both subjects in my first and only self-published novel. Currently, I live in the middle of my home state with my boyfriend, not far from my two sisters and their families. And while writing is my passion, my current profession is a newspaper paginator at GateHouse Media.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The novel I have out right now is called Letting Go and Holding On. It was inspired by 4 mass suicide shootings that happened between 2007 and 2008. The ages of the shooters in those 4 incidents (one of which was the shooting at Virginia Tech) were 20s or teens. And not all of the shootings were at schools- one was at a church and one was at a mall. It seemed to me that these types of shootings, with younger assailants, were happening more and more. Suddenly it wasn’t a disgruntled employee or an angry ex-husband. It was that neighborhood kid down the street, reminiscent of the shooters at Columbine, only with different targets.
And as I read the media reports about these shootings, they seemed to offer little answers to the questions I was asking. Is this becoming a trend? Has something changed in the world to cause it? And is there anything we can do about it? I researched the topic of teen violence for two years, reading numerous books and reports from the FBI, Department of Justice, the Secret Service, and the CDC. I created fictional characters and fictional shootings that mirrored some of the events I read about, and my reporter character goes through the same extensive research that I did.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I didn’t think I did, until I began telling other authors that I’ll write for 7 or 8 hours at a time. I’m not good at writing every day, especially having a full-time job. But on the weekends I’ll write straight out for a good chunk of time. And I’ve had many people tell me they don’t have the discipline to write for that long. I think it’s because my thoughts build up throughout the week, and when I know I have the time to put them all down, I do.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Honestly, I think most of the books I’ve read in my life have influenced me in some way, whether I liked the author’s style, or characters, or dialogue. And the same goes for books I did not enjoy. They made me more cognizant of the way I write my books. Nothing in particular stands out in either regard- I think it’s a more self-conscious thing.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a science fiction novel about scientific theory versus religious belief. My boyfriend is a physicist who specializes in quantum theory, and he is my consultant on this one. My book includes genetic manipulation, a many worlds theory, and quantum teleportation. But since I’m new to the genre, all of that sounds way more extensive than the book actually is! Those are concepts I discuss, but I always focus on the characters as much as possible. The fact the book takes place 50 years in the future is only a backdrop. The social issue of religion in politics combined with conservative thinking is the real story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve done pretty well using Amazon’s free service, where they promote your book for free if you offer it for free for five days. I’ve gotten the most exposure that way. Other than that, I’m sort of new to the whole promotion thing. I’m doing a lot more on the local scene right now, with book signings and joining anything that features local authors. And Facebook has always been a great way to get the word out to those I know about any events happening.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start writing and stick with it. The beginning is always hard, and if you haven’t figured out your writing process yet it’s even harder. But you’ll never figure it out if you don’t sit down and write something.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read everything you can. As I said before, I always find something useful in reading other people’s work, whether it’s things I like or don’t like. And try to use as many active words as possible. It sounds simple, but it’s so true!
What are you reading now?
I’m reading A Dance with Dragons, the fifth book of George R. R. Martin’s series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully I’ll continue producing more books! I’ve also thought about branching out from writing novels to maybe writing a play or a screenplay. It’s good to keep challenging yourself.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I’ve never been able to answer this question. I also don’t have a favorite author. There’s just too much out there to narrow it down to one.
Author Websites and Profiles
D.M. Roberts Website
D.M. Roberts Amazon Profile
D.M. Roberts’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Hi -She’s a great writer. I hadn’t read a book since I was a kid and lived in the library.I liked the light books about animals but I got hooked on this one right from the first chapter.Her chapters aren’t long and you can read a few and stop.But you can pick it right up again. She keeps your interest right to the end. I donated her book to our hometown library and to the library of her high school. Maybe it will help someone to not commit suicide.Good luck with the next book.