Interview With Author Dominic Anton
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a songwriter, poet, and author who started writing stories when I was in elementary school. Writing had always been a necessary outlet for me to freely express myself while I was growing up since I was very shy. I published my first poetry book, Water, in 2016, and my second poetry book, INTUITION, in 2020, along with a coffee table version of it in 2021. My newest book, Nightmares & Daydreams, is my first fiction thriller novel, due out in October 2022. Writing has always been less of a hobby and more of a compulsion I have realized years later. I write to make sense of my personal thoughts and my relationship with the world around me. It’s my therapy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is also my very first paranormal fiction thriller. Strangely enough, there was no main inspiration for the plot. I woke up one morning with a very calm, clear mind, which is unusual because I usually wake up with a tornado of thoughts already swirling in my mind. But not that day, I was drawn to my laptop, opened up my notes, and 20 minutes later I had poured the main plot of the book out. My own personal experiences though had helped fill out some of the details of the book and it took from Summer 2020 to Summer 2022 to finish it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too strange. I don’t write at certain times and very rarely will I ever force myself to write. So I’ve never experienced writers block. I just remain open to the creative energy within me and write when I feel inspired or an idea comes to me. I always write on my phone or on my laptop.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favorite fiction writer. I’ve never read work from any other writers who have a way with words like he had, and he had a very beautifully poetic style to his writing. Tender is the Night and The Great Gatsby are my favorite’s of his. Aside from authors, singers and poets such as Florence Welch and Lana Del Rey are my biggest inspirations when it comes to writing poetry. Their sense of imagery and the emotions they can evoke with the way they write is beautiful.
What are you working on now?
After I release Nightmares & Daydreams I’m going to resume working on my next book which will be solely poetry again. I started writing it near the end of 2020 as I was simultaneously writing Nightmares & Daydreams. It’s a beautiful book that’s very personal to me and my family so I’m excited to finish it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite method is reaching out and establishing connections with book reviewers, mostly on instagram. I love making friends with people who love reading and take time out of their day to share their favorite works with their followers and friends so I’m always appreciative when they help me promote my books on their pages.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you’re passionate about and learn as much as you can in every aspect of writing. If it’s poetry, study poetry from several poets. If it’s fiction, read fiction books and make note of what is profound to you as you’re reading it. Study different styles and methods, there’s so much to learn when it comes to writing and a wealth of information online. Make sure you’re patient with yourself during the process and never rush yourself so you can create something that is worth reading. Be your own toughest critic.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This doesn’t specifically pertain to writing books but one of my favorite quotes is from Allie X who is a singer. She said “write a thousand bad songs, and KEEP GOING.” If you think something you have written is bad, that’s fine, keep writing and you’ll eventually strike gold. Even if it improving it just means changing a single word, that word could have a big impact on what you’re trying to communicate. I could rewrite a chapter or a piece of poetry dozens of times until I’m satisfied. Learn to sharpen your standards and trust your judgment.
What are you reading now?
I usually read more non fiction books so I’m currently reading “How To Do The Work” by Dr. Nicole LePera.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue with the next project, learn more about how I can improve my skills, and never look back.
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?
Useless Magic by Florence Welch, Tender is the Night by Fitzgerald, INTUITION: The Extended Experience, by me, and Revolt Against the Sun, by Nazik Al’Malaikah
Author Websites and Profiles
Dominic Anton’s Social Media Links