Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In late 1993, I started the Allpar web site, covering Chrysler; two years later, I gained a PhD in social and organizational psychology, which has helped me to understand the way Chrysler’s culture has influenced their designs. I also wrote two books which are coming out soon, one on the Dodge Viper (via Veloce) and one on a series of key Jeeps (via Enthusiast Books / Iconobooks). Neither of these has been printed and distributed yet.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book, the only one which is in print now, is called “The Rise and Reinvention of Chrysler Minivans,” and tells the story of how a rejected idea has now ended up with 15 million sales. It was inspired largely by Milt Antonick, a former Chrysler (and Studebaker) designer who showed me photos of the first minivans at various stages of their design, and by Bill Cawthon, who encouraged me to write a book about something I knew about.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know what normal writing habits are. I do edit my own work (and anyone else’s) rather viciously.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’d like to say Terry Pratchett, but really, I read so much when I was younger that I have no idea what my influences were any more. Possibly the biggest influence on my writing style, other than the terse journalist style of John Steinbeck in his better works, was a professor at Rutgers who taught writing for business—not the way business writing usually ends up, but the tight, easily understood way it should be.
What are you working on now?
I am working on finding a publisher for my next book idea, which is long on prose and short on photos.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m hoping it will be Awesome Gang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure you have a good job first.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make sure you have a good job first.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Paul Krugman’s “Arguing with Zombies” and started on a collection of short stories.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to find a publisher for the next book….
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?
Terry Pratchett’s longest books — excluding Raising Steam, though.
Author Websites and Profiles
David Zatz Website
David Zatz Amazon Profile