Interview With Author Mark Drolsbaugh
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a deaf person and an introvert. I can advocate for myself as a deaf person at the drop of a hat. As an introvert, not so much. I draw a blank at meetings but am the master of the 4am perfect witty response. Which is why I write more than I talk. I’ve written five books so far, including the critically acclaimed “Deaf Again” and “Madness in the Mainstream.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is “People Suck: A Cheat Code for Introverts.” When I noticed how empowered I am as a deaf advocate yet completely tongue-tied as an introvert, I decided to take a closer look at that. Hilarity ensued. It’s actually a funny book but it was inspired by someone who openly complained I was “too quiet.” So I responded to that with a 270-page explanation of why I have nothing to say.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I will pull over on I-95 and write a book on a moment’s notice. Ideally, we should all set a consistent writing time and stick to it. But the best ideas often pop up out of nowhere in the most random places. If you see me walk into the bathroom and not come out for 2 hours, a book happened.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s another deaf author, Karen Putz, who I refer to as my trailblazer. I often lament that there’s not enough time to write. She’s busier than I am and I’ve lost track of how many books she’s written. She’s raised the bar and I expect more out of myself thanks to her influence.
What are you working on now?
There’s a chapter in “People Suck: A Cheat Code for Introverts” called “Don’t Pop the Bubble.” If I tell you what I’m working on now, it’ll pop the bubble. So shhhhhhh. It’ll be ready when it’s ready.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is where I have monumentally messed up. I honestly don’t know. I can and should do a better job of promoting my work. All of my earlier books are deaf-related and the deaf community is pretty tight. Word gets out fast. With “People Suck” there’s still that boost from readers in the deaf community, but getting the word out beyond that has been like screaming into the void. I’m learning on the fly. I’m literally learning right now from a writing coach who told me to do this interview.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. There is such a thing as a writing muscle. The more you do it, the better you get. Don’t lose yourself in the little things or allow yourself to get overwhelmed (it’s so easy to get overwhelmed in the publishing business). Just focus on what you have to do now and keep moving. Everything falls into place. Last but not least, keep your mind open and welcome any coaches or mentors. They seem to pop up exactly when you need them. Listen to their advice, and they’ll save you a lot of time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m an introvert who relies on long-term memory. I can’t even think of anything right now but it’ll pop up at 4am. Oh, wait. That’s the advice. If you suddenly get an idea at 4am, write it down! Have a notebook or cell phone readily available and never assume that you’ll get around to it later. Whenever you get an inspiration, seize the moment.
What are you reading now?
Quiet Voice Fearless Leader: 10 Principles for Introverts to Awaken the Leader Inside by Terrance Lee.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not going to pop the bubble. You’ll see it when it’s there!
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 probably have just one book, titled “How To Get Off A Desert Island.” Then again, as an introvert I might actually like it there.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Drolsbaugh Amazon Profile
Mark Drolsbaugh’s Social Media Links