Interview With Author David Bond
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired hotel manager from Florida in the United States. My wife Annah and I moved to Thailand 2 years ago. As I continue to take in the sights, sounds and culture of the Thai people I have been inspired to write after seeing how they view life and death here. The people have strong spiritual beliefs and many of those beliefs in Thai legends include ghosts and other spiritual figures. This inspired me to write my first book series titled ‘The Cemetery 6″. I have published 2 books in the series and expect to release a 3rd in March of this year.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and 3rd book in the Cemetery 6 series is titled ‘Graveyard Stories.’ It is due to be released in March. Aside from the Cemetery 6 theme of the series, I was inspired to write it as there are so many unique and quite ancient cemeteries throughout Thailand. The book has 11 short stories, all related to an actual cemetery in Thailand.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably nothing too unusual for a writer. I usually come up with a story idea when I’m visiting an area or place in Thailand and ‘what if?” goes through my mind. Many writers may not do this, but I generally think of the plot and entire storyline immediately and jot it down, then start writing the details and develop the characters later as I write the full story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t know of a specific influential book but for writers I would say Stephen King because his imagination is otherworldly. I’m a big Jack Ketchum and Dean Koontz fan. I am always enamored by Edgar Allen Poe’s writing style. He was such a tormented genius in my opinion.
What are you working on now?
Since I just finished the 3rd Cemetery 6 book, I’m starting on a full-length murder mystery about a young detective with a special skill solving serial crimes in the Pattaya Beach area.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Friends, family and social media reader groups first and foremost. I try different types of advertising such as Freebooksy, Awesome Gang and EReaderIQ. As a writer on a budget, I find these, and a few other promotional sites provide the most return on investment.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you feel and don’t second guess yourself. When you finish a story or book, then and only then go back to rewrite and edit after you read it a few times. Seems to be working so far for me. Keeps me from getting stuck at one part.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When it comes to writing advice “Write like yourself” Stephen King
In other words, write in your own style, don’t try to write like Egar Allen Poe, Stephen King or Jack Ketcham. Use your own unique voice and be confident that people will like it.
What are you reading now?
Full Throttle by Joe Hill
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have an idea for a Fantasy/Horror series about three young adults with superpowers that are reluctant heroes.
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?
Edgar Allen Poe: Complete Collection
Stephen King: The Shining
Jack Ketchum: The Girl Next Door
Dean Koontz: Phantoms
Author Websites and Profiles
David Bond’s Social Media Links