Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Writing under the pen name D. Keith, Dennis is a retired fire fighter who has lived in West Texas all his life. His passion for Texas shows in much of his poetry, short stories and now his novel, Rivers Crossing.
Dennis retired from fire fighting after 25 years of service. During that time he not only served the fire department, he managed to start two successful businesses and earn an MBA. Following his retirement, he spent time as adjunct faculty at a small university teaching undergraduate business management courses. He left this to follow his entrepeneuerial instincts and start a small retail business. When he finally decided to retire for good, he closed the business and now devotes his time to writing and taking care of his garden and greenhouse.
Dennis has two childrens books in publication, a wealth of unpublished poetry and now a novel, Rivers Crossing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rivers Crossing is my first fill length novel. It was inspired by current events on the Texas/Mexico border and a desire to tell a story that incoporates some of the traditions, heritage and the love of the land felt by Texans living in this area.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write at a standup desk. I find that it is easier on my old back, that being able to move and stand and shift while I work keeps my mind engaged and fresh.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, E E Doc Smith, Edgar Rice Burroughs
What are you working on now?
The second book in the River Brookes Adventure Series. The working title is Rivers Rise
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Best Method – Diligent effort. Utilize every channel and avenue you can find. Be passionate and talk about your book to everyone. Don’t be afraid to give copies away.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent. Be consistent. Be insistent.
Keep at it and finish what you start. Half finished manuscripts will never sellf.
Write every day. Set aside a specific time and have a specific place to write. Set goals such as word counts or pages.
Take you writing seriously even if your friends and family don’t.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Robert Heinleins Five Rules for Writers.
1. You must write.
2. You must finish what you write.
3. You must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order.
4. You must put the work on the market.
5. You must keep the work on the market until it is sold.
What are you reading now?
Churchill’s six volume History of World War II
What’s next for you as a writer?
Perhaps a volume of my poetry.
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?
The Bible
Robert Heinleins “Stranger in a Strange Land”
Tsung Tsu “The Art of War”
Maciavelli “The Prince”
Author Websites and Profiles
Dennis Howard Website
Dennis Howard Amazon Profile
Dennis Howard Author Profile on Smashwords
Dennis Howard’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account