Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a chemist, a musician, an academic author, and a poet. My musical journey began in Sarnia, Ontario where I studied music theory under the guidelines of the Royal Conservatory of Music. From 2013 onwards, I discovered an aptitude towards musical composition on guitar as well as lyrical rearrangements through my dedication to keeping a journal. I completed a doctorate in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Toronto, which was quickly followed by my first album release under the pseudonym Karly D. I have written hundreds of pages of lyrics, but this is my first foray into sharing my thoughts and poetry with a larger audience.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled “Carved Heart In Trunk”. It was inspired by a decade of internalizing my thoughts then expressing them on a page-by-page basis. The general themes focus on isolation in the twenty-first century, anticipatory anxiety and the fear of death, daydreaming, and as everything is: love loss. All these events in my life that I’ve drifted through lost in self-thought eventually lead me to focus on my passion: Music.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write most of my content while sitting on the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission). I would listen to artists express their thoughts through their music and then I’d write anything that came to mind down on my iPod Touch. Over and over I’d reformulate, rearrange, and slowly progress through each microstory until the idea would complete itself.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite fiction authors are Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King, Patrick Rothfuss, and Brandon Sanderson. I really appreciate Kurt Vonnegut’s free form writing style – he is an incredible author who captivates the audience with his informal writing and jovial plots. As I read Vonnegut, I could never quite figure out how each of his stories would end. I loved that.
As for musicians, I am obsessed with Isaac Brock’s (of Modest Mouse) lyricism and word play. I’ll always strive to write lyrics in the same vein as “I wanna remember to remember to forget you forgot me”. It always makes me smile when I read that.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a second collection of poetry and music lyrics as well a second album under the pseudonym Karly D. The album contains beautiful cyclical guitar melodies which lull its listeners to sleep! The album is entitled “Anticipatory Anxiety and the Fear of Death”. It describes life in large cities and the loss of individualism; a theme which resonates in the collection of poetry as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for self-promotion is through my Instagram and Facebook Page, which can be found here:
https://www.instagram.com/karlydmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/KarlyDMusic/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Everything. Down. There’s no need for self-judgement, just get everything that you are thinking down on paper then come back to it another day. You’d be surprised how beautiful your ideas are after a well-deserved rest 🙂
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life is short, do what makes you happy. Always.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson. A long-time friend of mine has been suggesting that I give this series a chance and I’m very glad to have finally picked this novel up!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on a second collection of poetry and music lyrics, but first I want to try my hand at drawing charming borders for an artistic version of my first collection of poetry. I know that the collection would read better with a visual component and I’m excited to figure out what that would look like!
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?
1) The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King
2) The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
3) Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
4) Faith of the Fallen by Terry Goodkind
Author Websites and Profiles
Karl Demmans Website
Karl Demmans Amazon Profile
Karl Demmans’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account