Interview With Author David Carruthers
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is David Carruthers and I'm an author/entertainer and motivational speaker for kids/youths who resides in London, Ontario, Canada. I've written many children's books over the last 25+ years, but I've published 18 books since the mid '90's, including my first book entitled, "The Bird That Wanted to Fly," printed in December of 1996. My second book, "The Candy Dragon" was printed in May of 1998.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled, "I Have" was written in 2013, but it wasn't produced until 2020. I wrote the book because I wanted to show readers of all ages what I was thankful for as a kid. It felt I had so much at a young age that I was fortunate to never have to want for anything in life. My goal with my "I Have" book is to raise significant dollars and awareness for children's charities around the globe and to help youngsters of all ages to have more.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Some would saying writing left handed is unusual, but I've never know any different…it gives me my creative powers. As far as unusual writing habits, I'd say coming up with the end of a story before the beginning. This doesn't happen too often, but when it does, I'm totally surprised where my imagination takes me. Most writers would say it's not unusual, but my best time to write is after midnight when my creative juices are working overtime.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are many authors that have influenced me and my imagination. I'd definitely have to say C.S. Lewis and his amazing book, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". I loved it as a kid and still love it today as an adult.
As a child, I loved my mum reading me Maurice Sandek's book, "Where the Wild Things Are? I loved the beautiful pictures and where this story took my imagination away to. Still one of my absolute favourites today.
The last author that has really had an impact on my writing career was Stan Lee. Now, some people might say comic books aren't real books, but I disagree 10000000%. They stimulate one's imagination to new heights and they teach the reader(s) that anything and everything is possible in life. Stan Lee's Spider-Man had a major impact in my childhood and it helped me see that amazing possibilities are everywhere in this wild and wacky world of ours.
What are you working on now?
I'm currently working on some new children's books, comic books, comedy material and several screenplays. I hope to release 10 to 15 new books in the next 3 to 5 years. In fact, I've had a number of my children's stories that have been done for the last 15+ years and I'm crossing my fingers that they're out in the not too distant future.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I feel the best way to promote my books and future stories is through word of mouth advertising. There's nothing like meeting new people face to face and telling them about your new ideas that they'll hopefully be reading one day.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, I have a lot of tips for new authors and authors that have been around for a while. Never give up on your dreams, keep on going. No matter the challenges you'll face in life, keep trying your best and don't quit. Also, always always write things down. I know this from first hand experience. An idea can be as clear as day and then you forget to write it down…poof there it goes into thin air.
I'd now have to say that the best advice I can give all writers is to edit your work. Even if you think it's perfect, proofread, proofread, proofread. You'll be surprised how many mistakes you catch before you hand it into your publisher or into your school teacher. It's the difference between someone's work getting booed off stage or receiving an Oscar for best screenplay. Or getting an A+ in school or an F for not taking the time to edit your work. Many people say proofreading is boring, but to me it's sooooo important to do every time you write something new.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show up. When you show up and work hard, you can accomplish anything in life. This world definitely isn't easy, so when you feel like giving up, show up and your impossible dreams will come to fruition.
What are you reading now?
I wish I was reading more, but with writing, editing, working lots of hours, unfortunately I'm not reading as much as I should at the moment. However, I am reading my work and reading a number of inspirational books currently.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What's next? What a fantastic question….lots I hope. I'm writing more children's stories to inspire kids of all ages(adults too), also new comedy material as it's always been a dream of mine to do stand up comedy at some point in my career. I'm also working on writing screenplays from a number of my books; "The Candy Dragon" and "The Night Santa Ate Too Many Cookies". I'm super excited to see where this all goes and I can't wait to empower other writers to soar beyond the impossible.
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?
When I first first read this question, I thought, this is a tough one, but after thinking about it for a couple of minutes, it was as clear as a red nose on a clown's face. I would have to say the Bible because I want to understand this book from back to front. I know I'd learn something new from it every day. My second book would be one my son made at school when he was really little. I cried reading it the first time years ago and the second time I did too….still do today. I would also bring some of the books/manuscripts my daughter wrote as a child…they made me think and made me super proud of my daughter. Lastly, I'd bring a book my granny gave me called, "The Little Black Lamb". I can still see the bright yellow cover vividly and I can remember her reading it to me as little child. It makes me smile just thinking of this delightful story my granny gave me decades ago. I know these books would keep my spirits up, especially if I was all alone on a deserted island.
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