Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up reading just about everything I could borrow from the town library, although admittedly sometimes just to get the sticker segments so I could complete the Reading Centipede for each book he finished. I’m a Midwest guy, having spent time in Michigan and Kentucky, but mostly Iowa, where I now live. I started writing during college, where I enjoyed getting red lines drawn through my Creative Writing projects, and where I also penned a weekly column in the school paper under the pseudonym “Fletcher Ford”. I’ve written two books, “Shopping Survival Guide for Men” and “Dubious Knowledge”, a collection of humor columns. You can catch that weekly humor column, the “Dubious Knowledge Institute,” at my author site, danvanoss.com. I also plays piano, Hammond organ and anything else with keys; you can check out some of my recordings at Reverbnation.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Shopping Survival Guide for Men”, inspired by having a wife and three daughters who are intractably drawn to The Mall, and seeing all of the other lonely, borderline catatonic guys hoping for the end to come soon.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Aside from using only unicorn blood as ink, no.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dave Barry the most, also James Lileks and his incredibly funny historical pop culture insights. And the Douglas Adams Hitchiker’s Guide series, especially the original radio version. And Monty Python.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a Survival Guide for Men series, which will also include books on Home Improvement, and Sports.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I’m just starting out, I’m still figuring that one out, but I’m planning on developing an email list as my main source of connection.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient; it’s a long game. Expect to work for months-years to see if it is working for you. Do your homework, be smart with your marketing and what are the latest trends in self-publishing. Listen to self-publishing podcasts.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“So, I think the successful self-published author builds connection and thus trust by consistently delivering just a little more than what’s expected.” – Seth Godin
What are you reading now?
The report from doctor about my physical. It’s pretty depressing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing – let’s see what happens.
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, the complete works of Calvin and Hobbes, Robert the Rose Horse by Joan Heilbroner
Author Websites and Profiles
Dan Van Oss Website
Dan Van Oss Amazon Profile
Dan Van Oss Author Profile on Smashwords
Dan Van Oss’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account