Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Derek E. Keeling. I am a 32 year old author living in Oregon. I’m an award-winning journalist, author, content writer, and social media coordinator. I began my love of writing as a young teen and it has since flourished into a profound passion. My work has been featured in numerous publications, including books, magazines, newspapers, blogs, websites, and more. I currently have two published books, Nomad’s Island and The Umbras. In my free time, I enjoys spending time with my beautiful wife and daughter.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Nomad’s Island. It was inspired by a failed trip to Hawaii I took many years ago. I intended to live off the land and hunt wild boar on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. That did not succeed. Planned on staying a year, only stay a month. Years later I was reflecting on that trip and thought about the idea for Nomad’s Island. The book is very different from my experience, but that trip I took is what spawned the idea for the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Coffee. Lots of coffee.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall (Mutiny on the Bounty). I also enjoy the Gonzo journalism of, Hunter S. Thompson. C.S. Lewis is a all-time favorite of mine.
What are you working on now?
I am working on getting the word out there about my new novel, Nomad’s Island. After a while, I have a three-book series to work on.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say I have found lots of success on every website I have used to promote my book. Nomad’s Island has found a home through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Pinterest, and more.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. It’s as simple as that. Just keep writing. Worry about the editing and other stuff when you have everything in front of you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t follow your dreams. Lead them.
What are you reading now?
I’ve jumped back into a childhood classic that I can’t seem to stop reading. C.S. Lewis’ “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”. There’s something nostalgic, whimsical, and beautiful about that story that I cannot get past. I’ve probably read it a dozen times in my life.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am always writing. My next book endeavor is a three-part series. Lots of work to be done on that, however.
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?
Ha! Funny this questions came up. My newest novel, Nomad’s Island is literally about being stranded on the island. The protagonist, Damon, takes with him his favorite childhood book, which is also one of mine, “The Ghost in the Noonday Sun”. That would be one of mine. The others would be: “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”, “Mutiny on the Bounty”, and “Into the Wild”.
Author Websites and Profiles
Derek E. Keeling Website
Derek E. Keeling Amazon Profile
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