Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, let’s start with my “official” bio (written third-person about myself — I always love that part):
David Pandolfe is the author of two novels, Jump When Ready and Streetlights Like Fireworks. Currently, he’s working on a sequel to Jump When Ready, to be published in 2014. His short fiction has also appeared in literary reviews.
While he’s still writing about himself in third-person, David should probably also mention that he lives outside Richmond, VA, with his wife, two kids and a dog who’s terrified of thunder (not the best situation since it thunders from spring until fall in Richmond).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new release is Streetlights Like Fireworks. As for what inspired it, well, I’ve always enjoyed stories about ghosts and psychics but also wanted to put a new spin on things. I approached Jump When Ready the same way and was really glad to hear that people enjoyed that novel (by the way, there’s a follow-up coming out soon).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I don’t think I have any unusual writing habits. I’m not sure I could call any writing habits unusual, though. Am I constantly keeping one eye on my writing? Yes. Do I keep writing down notes throughout the day and shove them into my pocket to review later as possible ideas? Yes. Do I send myself texts and emails about edits or changes I should make later? Yes. Is that unusual? Hmmm, maybe I do have unusual writing habits.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, my God. All of them, each and every one, good or bad. I guess as a kid I really loved Ray Bradbury (and I can’t believe I haven’t written an science fiction yet—that is going to change). Later, I went on more of a literary fiction journey (started with John Irving and Anne Tyler – a weird pairing, I realize). Lately, I’m reading indie writers as much as possible since there’s so much brilliant stuff out there and I’m so proud of being part of the “publishing revolution.” Hugh Howey, for example, and Jason Gurley. On the traditionally published side, I really loved Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Book Store by Robin Sloan and Nina LaCour’s The Disenchantments (a friend read my novel, Streetlights Like Fireworks, and pointed out some minor similarities between those two novels).
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m completing edits on Jump When Ready, part 2 (still knocking around titles). I think that one will be ready to go in about two months. I hope, sooner, but I know how it goes. Then, I want to wrap it up with the final third part. I’m thinking of writing a sequel to Streetlights Like Fireworks (I was thinking about it anyway, but then people started asking). I also have a few other novels that are more in the literary fiction genre that I may publish. I really love those novels but have been waiting to take a look at them again while working on my new YA projects.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still experimenting but thank you so much for creating the Awesome Gang for all of us!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, revise, collaborate and support each other. Have fun. Be original. Don’t give up. This is the best time ever (ever!!) to be a writer. Be indie, be trad, be hybrid. Doesn’t matter. No one is stopping you now. Just make it as wonderful as you can and your work will find its readership. Good luck!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t workshop this story, it sucks. What else do you have?” (from a friend while in a writing program). I was working on another story and I workshopped it. Then it got published in a literary review. The point? Honest writer friends are good to have (and she was right about the other story—it totally sucked).
Also, “It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.” We’re in this for the long game. Very rarely do writers make it big overnight. Keep writing, love writing, find your readership, write some more.
What are you reading now?
Just read David Levithan’s “Every Day.” Loved it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to wrap up the final, third part of Jump When Ready. I’m thinking of writing a sequel to Streetlights Like Fireworks too (I was thinking about it anyway, but then people started asking). I also have a few other novels that are more in the literary fiction genre that I may publish. I really love those novels but have been waiting to take a look at them again while working on my new YA projects.
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?
Nope, can’t choose. Sorry. How about I have a ton of paper and a lifetime’s supply of pens. Maybe no one will read what I write on that island but at least I’ll keep myself entertained. Oh, and candles. Lots of candles.
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