Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was traditionally published for a self-help book ‘You Vs World” and then was a ghostwriter for another 5 books. My latest book ‘The Deep Enders’ is my first plunge into the world of young adult fiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘The Deep Enders’.
I worked as a journalist, covering hilarious stories in Australia’s wild north for many years. Over this time, I tucked away lots of funny stories and characters that, many years later, worked their way out into a novel.
I’m passionate to see positive Aboriginal characters portrayed in books and to write the sort of books that my teenage sons actually want to read.
We work a lot in video so we worked with a short film producer Mark Pedlow to create a pretty good book trailer too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVQKdpbkSMc
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like noise. I like having a house full of noisy kids, music playing or be in a busy cafe. My writing style is highly accessible, readable, for ordinary people so I don’t feel the need for a sterile environment. (Of course, quiet is good when it comes to the editing process!)
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of Australian authors Tim Winton (Cloudstreet) and Bryce Courtenay (The Power of One) but I also love a rollicking adventure like Clive Cussler.
What are you working on now?
Right now it’s hussle time. Selling books, speaking at schools, libaries and festivals, promoting ‘The Deep Enders’ through social media and of course YouTube.
After that, I’ll sit down and start mapping out book two in the series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Personally, we leverage off our own social media sites (we have 2.6M subscribers on YouTube and lots more on Instagram/Twitter/FB etc).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Engage with your potential audience. Don’t be afraid to get out there and hussle, promote and even ask for reviews. Everyone is busy so they often forget to follow through, even if they fully intended to buy/review your book. Be polite and egg them on.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Failure is a comma
What are you reading now?
Why Weren’t We Told? By Henry Reynolds.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Book two in The Deep Enders series … and bunch of public speaking.
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 Life of Pi – Yann Martel
The Persimmon Tree – Bryce Courtenay
My draft for The Deep Enders 2 … so I’d have something to do under the coconut tree.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dave Reardon Website
Dave Reardon Amazon Profile
Dave Reardon’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account