Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is the first book I’ve written but I make a living as a writer– TV shows for preschoolers, which is a little weird since my novel is so dark.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
LADIES OF THE CANYON. It’s a psychological thriller set in Los Angeles about the twisted relationship that develops between an aging child star living in a decaying mansion in Laurel Canyon who takes in a young actress who is is battling drug addiction. It was inspired by other stories that explore the dark side of Hollywood like the film SUNSET BLVD, the novel, DAY OF THE LOCUST by Nathanael West and mostly WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? that starred Bette Davis and scared the hell out of me as a child. In fact, my novel is kind of an homage to that film. I find psychological horror more frightening than supernatural horror– the scariest moment in Kubrick’s film of Stephen King’s THE SHINING for me is when Shelley Duvall comes upon reams and reams of pages that Jack Nicholson’s been typing only to find they all say, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy” over and over again.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Allowing my two cats to plop themselves down in front of my keyboard, then having to maneuver around them.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Edgar Allan Poe, Joyce Carol Oates and the early work of Ian McEwan.
What are you working on now?
No new writing at the moment, just trying to promote my novel in any way I can.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new at this. Let me get back to you.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. It may be a cliché, but it’s very much true.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is rewriting.
What are you reading now?
ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE. It’s funny, a little disturbing and has a totally original protagonist.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Nothing at the moment– waiting for inspiration to strike.
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?
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, SHOT IN THE HEART, the film reviews of Pauline Kael, anything by David Sedaris and George Saunders.
Author Websites and Profiles
Douglas Wood Website
Douglas Wood Amazon Profile
Douglas Wood’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile