Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Ohio native who lives in Michigan. I have been married since 1988 and we have 4 children. I have traveled to Europe and lived in Africa for three years which inspired my first novel, Savages Sinners and Saints. I enjoy reading and writing, wilderness camping and hiking. I currently have three books on Amazon and of course more in the works. I enjoy public speaking and encouraging people to dream.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent novel titled, Truth Be Told takes place in Michigan centered around a man Steven Loleo who is falsely imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. I include some local cultural ideas including the art community in Grand Rapids, the dutch and polish names and local restaurants. Inspired by home sickness as I sweated it out under a tropical sun in West Africa.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually have the TV on with my lap top in my lap with lousy posture and snacks. Sometimes I listen to music or watch a football game. The home chaos seems to make no difference to me when I hit the zone I can write all day. Other times it has to sit and marinate as I decide where the story needs to go next. Out line, what outline?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have read a lot of books, Tom Clancy, John Grisham, Michael Connelly , Jeffery Archer, Frank Peretti and many others. My goal is to tell a good story and leave my readers waiting for the next one. I have a style but not a niche yet. I have always admired Michael Crichton because he wrote on such a wide set of topics and just told a great story.
What are you working on now?
Jason Kemeny an Adrenalin junky, is on a quest to contact an untouched people group . When he turns up missing, his best friend, Nathan Thayer must strike out on a rescue mission or a body retrieval. His guide a local girl who is as tough as she needs to be understands the people and the politics. With rival groups, hostile tribes, FUNAI and greedy exploitation, they may never make it out alive. But that’s why they call it adventure.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth, Facebook and emails are some. I just never stop promoting my books. They haven’t been read by everyone so they are still new to so many. I believe these stories are worth the read or I would not write them.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t write to be read, write to be proud of what you produced. If you want to read it or get a thrill when it turns out better than you originally planned then you have succeeded. Be humble, be confident and know you have accomplished something most people will never accomplished.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write. Write Write Write and write some more. The more you practice the better the game. Never give up on your dream of being published, read and admired for telling a great story.
What are you reading now?
I’m in research mode which eats up most of my reading time. I am reading on various subjects for research on my current project. I most recently read John Grisham, Gray Mountain and The Racketeer.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have several short stories in the works and multiple full length novels in the idea stages and a non fiction short book on hiking the Smokey Mountains AT.
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, War and Peace (my son recommended it and I have not read it) a “How to” book on Boat manufacturing on deserted islands and a book on salt water fishing.
Author Websites and Profiles
Daniel Byrum Website
Daniel Byrum Amazon Profile