Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a retired veteran of the US Air Force. Writing has been a lifelong dream. Over the years, I’ve started work on twenty something novels. Now that I have the time to devote to writing, I am fully committed to producing cerebral science fiction thrillers which, hopefully, readers will love.
My first book, Rebirth, is now available in paperback or Kindle eBook format from Amazon.com. My second novel, The Drift, will be available late spring/early summer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s hard to pinpoint the inspiration for my writing. Most of the time, an idea will just pop into my head. I’ll jot down some notes and put it away to simmer. It might be days, weeks, months, or even years before I return to it, but, eventually, every story wants to be told. As odd as it may sound, the characters tug at my mind, demanding resolution for whatever situation I’ve left them in. Those who tug the hardest gain my attention and off I go to tell their story.
I spoke a bit on my Goodreads page about my inspiration for Rebirth:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14833405.David_Maxwell
Inspiration for The Drift spawned from my adventures in Colorado. I lived there for eight years and spent a lot of time rock climbing and skiing. During one ski trip, there was a major blizzard that created massive drifts of snow and, basically, stranded people in their homes. I spend a lot of time asking myself “what if….” During that blizzard, it was what if the drifts covered homes and blocked all emergency crew access. What if the snow didn’t stop falling? What if critical services failed? What if death was unavoidable? Then, with my penchant for the supernatural or unexplained, I imagined how those people might be rescued. Who would do it? How would they pull it off and to what ends? The rest, as they say, is in the past…or is it the future…. You’ll have to read it to find out!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Who am I to judge which writing habits are usual or unusual? I’ve never been found plunking away on a typewriter (do those even exist anymore) in the middle of the street at 2 o’clock in the morning. Usually, you can find me at my computer in my home office pounding away at the keyboard. Sometimes, I need to feel a sense of community, so you might find me working on my laptop at the bar of one of my favorite restaurants.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list. Any author whose book made me think has influenced me. If I had to make a list, I’m sure Stephen King, H.G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and Ray Bradbury would all be near the top.
What are you working on now?
In addition to juggling the many demands of being an indie author, I’m working on The Drift. It’s a blast for me to watch the story unfold. As with anything we do, the more we do it, the better we get. I learned a lot of lessons with Rebirth and am diligently trying to apply them in writing The Drift.
I’m not singularly focused, though. In addition to The Drift, I’m working on the structure for the sequel to Rebirth. For those of you who’ve read that book, you might not think a sequel is possible, but I assure you it is.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, my Facebook Fan Page seems to be generating the most interest.
http://www.facebook.com/davidmaxwellwrites
Goodreads is a close second. In addition to the promotion and exposure the site affords, I’m also enjoying the forums and the advice from other authors and readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Here’s a short list:
1. When you think your book is ready for publishing, do another full edit
2. When you are certain the book is ready, pay for a professional edit
3. When it finally is ready, put some real effort into finding an agent
4. If you do decide to self-publish, do your research (Amazon Author Central is a good start)
5. Once it is out there, make it known (blogs, fan pages, book clubs, whoever will let you talk about it)
6. Don’t be discouraged by low sales or poor review…keep writing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To quote Stephen King:
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Gone, by Michael Grant, and The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My goal with Rebirth was not to generate massive sales. Instead, I published it in hopes of getting some honest reviews and feedback that might help me become a better writer. So, what’s next for me as a writer is to learn how to become a better one. The Drift, I believe, will attest to that commitment.
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?
1. How to Survive on a Desert Island, by Tim O’Shei (for its utility)
2. In Search of Lost Time, by Marcel Proust (at over 3,000 pages, it should keep me busy)
3. The Bible (obvious reasons when faced with pending doom)
Author Websites and Profiles
David Maxwell Amazon Profile
David Maxwell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile