Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a career journalist but I have a deep passion for writing fiction. My debut novel, A Long Road Home, was published in 2015. Since then, I have written a short story collection and a novella.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sacred Hearts is a novella that was originally published in the short story collection, Casting Shadows. It was inspired by a trip to Paris I took shortly after the release of my first novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I make myself write every day and if I’m not currently working on anything, I’ll still give myself a short assignment, something like: a page of dialog concerning two people arguing in a New York City bodega.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I tend to read older fiction and am particularly drawn to post WWII work. John O’Hara, who happened to be from my home area, had an ear for dialog that was unrivaled. He’s certainly influenced my work.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a non-fiction book regarding musicians struggling along on the club circuit.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The tagline in my weekly column at the newspaper contains a link to my fiction work, which has been immensely helpful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write all of the time, especially when you are not inspired, and never think you are done learning how to write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Discover what you love in life, and find someone to pay you to do it.
What are you reading now?
I’m rereading, Saul Bellow’s The Adventures of Augie March. Bellows is another masterful writer who’s work has inspired me deeply.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently working on adapting my book, A Long Road Home, to a screenplay.
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?
If I were to be limited to that few I’d pick my favorite long novels. Perhaps, Infinite Jest, Gravity’s Rainbow and Don Delilo’s Underworld
Author Websites and Profiles
Dennis Maley Amazon Profile
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