Interview With Author David Grayson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a poet who finds inspiration in the quiet, often overlooked moments of everyday life. I’ve always been an observer, fascinated by the small details that make up the bigger picture. For me, poetry is a way to capture a fleeting feeling or a vivid image and hold it still for just a moment. I’ve recently released my debut poetry work, a three-book series of short poems. But my original debut was years ago with a short horror flick called Dread: The Mountain Asylum which was well received by the readers, and that gave me the encouragement to continue writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is a 3-book series titled The Poet’s Heart Collection.” The inspiration came from living in a fast-paced world and feeling like we often miss the beauty in the small things. I wanted to create a collection of poems that act like snapshots—showing our highs, our lows, and our feelings towards events which can sometimes leave us broken. I went through this myself so I drew on my own experience to create the poems that I hope people can find strength and encouragement in.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose my most rigid habit is that I can only write in complete silence. I’m an early riser, and my best work happens between 5 and 7 AM with a cup of strong black coffee. I can’t have any music on, not even instrumental. The rhythm of the words themselves has to be the only “music” in the room, otherwise, I get distracted.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Sherlock Holmes Series and Bram Stocker’s Dracula are my all time favourites. Something about Sherlock Holmes makes me wonder what it would have been like to live in that time period in London, and how things have changed over the last century in the city I grew up in.
Both of these books were huge inspirations that got me into writing, and the biggest reason I am writing today.
What are you working on now?
I am on a break for now after having just released a 3 book poetry series which was the hard work of the past year. I do feel like I need to take a step back, clear my head now, and come up with my next big idea.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest I’m not a huge or even good promoter, I really on websites like yours to get the word out there about my work. I’ve never been much of a marketer!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for inspiration to strike, because it’s fickle. Build a routine and treat writing like a job, even if it’s just for 30 minutes a day. Consistency will always beat sporadic bursts of creativity. Also, learn to embrace feedback. It’s not a personal attack; it’s a gift that will help you grow. Get your work out there, even when it feels scary.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Done is better than perfect.” I think so many creatives get trapped in a cycle of endless revisions, trying to make their work flawless before anyone sees it. The truth is, you can’t edit a blank page. Get the first draft finished, no matter how messy it is. The magic happens in the editing.
What are you reading now?
“Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro for my fiction escape.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have an idea for a collection of short, flash-fiction stories, which would be a new and exciting challenge for me. But this is only just an idea for now, it will take some time to materialize.
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?
“Sherlock Holmes Series” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle: To sharpen my wit like Holmes in a new situation.
“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius: To keep my mind straight and focused on what I can control.
“Devotions” by Mary Oliver: It’s a collection of her life’s work. Her poems feel like a conversation with an old, wise friend and would be a great comfort.
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