Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My first name is pronounced DEE-tree, in case you were wondering. It autocorrects to Dirty, which is fun. I’m a retired music educator and classically trained pianist and composer. I’ve written two books and one screenplay so far, but I’ve only made one of the books available for public consumption. The other projects were part of my learning process.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book at this point in time is also my debut novel, Fillius Glint. It’s the culmination of several ideas including concepts from the Chinese folktale, The Magic Paintbrush, and Ursula K. Le Guin’s, The Left Hand of Darkness. I was also inspired by the short film, Love is All You Need, written by K. Rocco Shields and David Tillman, produced by WingSpan Pictures.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try not to acquire strange habits. However, I absolutely cannot write to music like many people can. I find music distracting because I worked in that field for so many years. When I hear music, my mind gravitates toward chordal analysis and melodic structure instead of plot analysis and sentence structure.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I appreciate books with a sense of humor. Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett, Jim C. Hines, Jim Butcher, Steven Brust are some of my favorite authors.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on an anthology of short stories that will take place on Aisaphora after the events of Fillius Glint. After that, my next full-length novel will follow Nigel on his journey to another universe.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Self-promotion is a gargantuan obstacle for me. Mostly, I’ve been reaching out to potential readers one on one.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Reviews. Get as many as you can BEFORE you publish. I used to roll my eyes whenever I saw someone asking for reviews or talking about how important reviews are. But holy bubbles, REVIEWS ARE IMPORTANT.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Every writing maxim has nuance to it that gets lost when they’re adhered to religiously. I think you need to read in your chosen genre. Read A LOT. Find what works for you, and trust yourself to hone your craft and head in that direction. Everything else is just noise.
What are you reading now?
The Book of Taltos by Steven Brust
What’s next for you as a writer?
Connecting with more readers and, hopefully, making their lives a little bit better.
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?
I’d pick random books off the shelf that I hadn’t read yet.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ditrie Marie Bowie Website
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