Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A Minnesota native (I was born in St. Mary’s Hospital, owned by the Mayo Clinic), I grew up in rural South Dakota, where I attended a one-room country school. I was the first member of my family to attend college, where I majored in journalism. Since then, I’ve gone back for a master’s degree in journalism and public relations, taken courses in creative writing, and had a long career as a writer, editor, educator and p.r. specialist. I now live in Broomfield, CO.
In addition to writing hundreds of news, sports and feature stories, both as a journalist and in public relations, I’ve authored seven books – including the just-released “And The Wind Whispered” – three songs and a one-act play, contributed to two anthologies, and serve as senior writer for “Broadlands Living” magazine.
And, since 1990 I’ve taught journalism and public relations at the collegiate level. I continue to do talks about “The Writing Life” and “Storytelling – From Journalism to Creative Writing.” When I’m not writing, I love all sports and have coached girls sports. I also love community theater and have acted in more than 30 plays and musicals. My wife Susan and I have two grown daughters, two amazing sons-in-law, and four terrific grandsons.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“And The Wind Whispered.” The genesis for this book grew out of my time as a newspaper editor in Hot Springs, SD, where I learned about all the luminaries who had traveled there in the 1890s, and about a long-missing gold shipment (still missing) and buried somewhere in the region. Combining those two facts with an imagined murder in nearby Wind Cave, I was inspired to write a murder mystery, adventure that brings together a virtual “Who’s Who” of the Old West to solve the crime and (sort of) solve the mystery of the missing gold.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really. I like to write early in the morning because it’s quiet and peaceful. Otherwise, no.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love adventure, mystery and, of course, historic fiction and historic mysteries — all influences on me. I also love the Old West and the interesting characters who populated it. In that genre I’ve enjoyed McMurtry and L’amour. In western mysteries, I love the works of Tony Hillerman and Craig Johnson. I’m a big Nevada Barr fan, and for the vast scope of his works, I’ve devoured everything written by James Michener. For adventures, I enjoy Ken Follett, Michael Connelly and Harlan Coben.
What are you working on now?
Another murder mystery set in the Black Hills, but moved into the 1920s. A few of the characters in my current book will show up again — older and wiser — but will be joined by a new cast of locals and some luminaries from that era.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think Facebook connections are great, as are newsletters and interview sites like this one! Getting reviews of any type are good, especially from reputable reviewers and from the media. And my publisher, Bygone Era Books, does a nice job of marketing too. Check them out at www.bygoneerabooks.com. Otherwise, I think personal appearances, book signings whenever I can arrange for them, and word-of-mouth also work well for any author.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be so in love with your writing that you’re not willing to let it go to be published and then willing to let others offer words of advice to help you prepare it in final form. Readers and editors are there to help make your work better, so listen to their advice, be willing to do some “give and take” with them, and get your book ready for publication. You can only do so many drafts, and you’ll always wish you would’ve changed this word, or that phrase. That’s what gives you fodder for discussion groups and book clubs later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s an oldie, but I think a goodie: Write what you know. Write from your own experiences; about the people and places around you, or where you are most familiar.
What are you reading now?
“The Carving of Mount Rushmore” by Rex Allen Smith, and “Edge of Eternity”, Book three of he Century Trilogy by Ken Follett.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Now that I’ve found myself immersed in Historical Fiction with a twist, i.e., mystery, adventure and humor all rolled together with the historical setting, I want to continue to write in that genre’ and see where it takes me. I love this new challenge.
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?
“Centennial” by James Michener
“Staggerford” by Jon Hassler
“The Poisonwood Bible” by Barbara Kingsolver
“The Letters of Hemingway” series (I’m cheating, but it’s all one big book just continuing over several volumes, right?).
Author Websites and Profiles
Dan Jorgensen Website
Dan Jorgensen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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