Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one book so far of what I plan to be a 5 book series. Currently published and ready for purchase is “The Conduit: Healing.” I just finished the first draft of book two which is being reviewed by my beta readers at the moment. I expect to have it published and ready for purchase by the end of November 2020.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Conduit: Healing” is about a Filipina-American woman who meets her spirit guide during a meditation. She finds out she comes from a long line of Babaylan (Filipino Shamans). I was inspired to write this book from my own decolonization process. I started trying to decolonize my emotional mind when the COVID-19 Pandemic started. I had nothing but time on my hands and I wanted to use it to do some deep emotional work.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure what is usual and unusual in the writing world. My writing habits consist of joining my writing sprints group and trying to maintain consistent practices. I always have a drink and a snack nearby, so I won’t be tempted to leave my desk and look for food. My writing sprints group writes for 20 minutes and breaks for 10 minutes. I use those 10 minutes to stretch, drink, eat, and chat with the other writers.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence comes from Paulo Coehlo. He is also a Visionary/Metaphysical author and while our writing style is drastically different, it was his books that inspired me to go for it.
What are you working on now?
I am prepping for NaNoWriMo where I’ll be writing Book three of my “The Conduit” series during the month of November. I am a “plantser” so I am getting my plot written and constructed so that November 1st I can hit the ground running and just write.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am such a new writer at this moment that I am still trying to figure that out. At the moment, I get a lot of response on Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write it. It’s good to plot and plan, but eventually you need to just sit down and do it. Surrender to the process. If you are the type of person who needs a community, I recommend finding a sprint-writing group. There are many on Facebook, YouTube, and Discord. There is a story in you that only you can tell; get it out there!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Be disciplined.” Everything else can be learned. There are endless classes, books, and blog articles on writing, publishing, and plotting, but the only way to learn discipline is to enforce it on yourself.
What are you reading now?
“The One Hour Content Plan” by Meera Kothand. I write fiction but read more non-fiction. I am always reading books that will teach me new skills and give me new perspectives.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish my “The Conduit” five book series by the middle of 2021. That is really where all my focus is. I have a few ideas about the next series I want to write, but I haven’t fully outlined it yet. I like to focus on one idea at a time, so right now my focus is seeing this series to the end.
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?
Bush Craft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival, Primitive Technology, The Trappers Bible, and Survival Hacks.
I’m the type of person if I know I’m going to be stranded on a deserted island, then I’m going to bring books that will give me information I need to survive. The act of surviving will be enough to keep me preoccupied.
Author Websites and Profiles
Denise Major-Dodge Website
Denise Major-Dodge Amazon Profile
Denise Major-Dodge’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile