Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an Alaskan by way of California, so that makes me a “Calaskan.”
For my entire life I’ve been a storyteller, especially humorous stories –
I’ve always enjoyed observing people, places and things and have collected a lifetime of stories because of my observations.
But I never considered myself a writer until I was in my late teens.
When I was in high school I started working at KTVA channel 11, the CBS affiliate in Anchorage, Alaska. There I started out working in the studio and worked my way up to Director of Programing and Promotions, which meant that I was writing on-air promotional spots for the station. And that’s when I first became a professional writer.
I went on to become a Hollywood screenwriter where I wrote and sold family adventure screenplays. “The Long Ride Home” starring Randy Travis and Ernest Borgnine is a family western movie based on my short script.
I’ve written a number of non-fiction ebooks including “Humorous Stories from ALASKA… and beyond”, and “How to Become a 30 Second Business Networking SuperStar.”
As a writer, I also author online courses and I have a website that features my stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Humorous Stories from ALASKA… and beyond” is a collection of funny short stories inspired by my adventures of growing up in Alaska.
The book features fun stories like “Dynamite and the Alaskan Outhouse”, “The Popeye Effect” and “Terror on Windigo Island” to mention just a few.
I also have a fun show I do for live audiences where I tell stories from my book. The show is a lot of fun and I’m always invited back for a second show.
“A super funny book that reminds us all of the foibles of growing up. Told with a great sense of humor.” Bonnie Mutchler, Author
Growing up can be filled with adventure and Humorous Stories from ALASKA …and beyond is a double dose of fun as author Michael R Dougherty takes you on a fun ride through his families Alaska adventures.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
First, I get up around noon and eat a big bowl of oatmeal.
Then I go back to bed and get up again around 3 pm, look at my Smurf alarm clock for 7 seconds, and then I roll over and go back to sleep until 3:15 pm.
I get up about 5 minutes later comb my hair and then go write for exactly 23 minutes, or until I’ve written at least 32 pages. I have never written 32 pages in 23 minutes. This is a hard way to write, especially if you don’t like oatmeal.
In real life when I write books or screenplays, I need a good title before I start writing.
During the writing process I go back and re-read what I wrote the day before and re-write to make it funnier and to make it flow better for the reader.
My wife also sharpens my pencils for me – she uses a steak knife.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
William Goldman, who wrote the screenplay for “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, wrote a book titled “Adventures in Screenwriting.” The book was humorous and so well written.
I love books written by authors who write from their heart because no matter what you do, when it comes from your heart, it’s your best work.
What are you working on now?
My next ebook will be about how to promote your product or services by speaking to groups.
I wrote an ebook titled “How to Become a 30 Second Business Networking SuperStar” and in that book I briefly mentioned that speaking to groups can set you up as a “go-to expert” which in turn can easily bring in customers for your product or services.
So that’s an ebook that I’m currently working on.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang seems to be an excellent place for writers to get the word out. I’ve had success with Smashwords and now Kindle on Amazon.
But no matter how you promote your book, you absolutely have offer your readers and potential readers the best possible customer service. Listen to your readers. If they hate your book, use what they tell you to make your next book better. And if they love your book, enjoy the moment.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writers write – everyone else just talks about writing.
You should get in the habit of writing something every day. Even if it’s only a few sentences. Write about an event in your day, how you feel about something, or just write the opening sentences to a book you may never write. Then after you write something, go back over it and make it better.
By writing something every day, your writing will get better and better.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One day my wife said “Mike, just shut up and write.”
What are you reading now?
Most of what I read is non-fiction.
I read a lot of “how-to” books. It’s like a non-stop learning process.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer I continue to work on making my website Michael-R-Dougherty.com a fun place to visit and read –
But I’m most excited about writing my online courses.
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?
The first book I would take would be “How to Get Off of a Desert Island”, which has not yet been written. Like most people on planet Earth who have a TV, I’ve seen lots of “Gilligan’s Island” re-runs and they never got off the island. So I would need to probably write “How to Get Off of a Desert Island” before I got stranded.
Another book I’d take would be “Humorous Stories from ALASKA… and beyond” written by some guy named Michael R Dougherty. I’d take this book for two reasons: First, I like to laugh and this book is full of humor, and secondly because the book is set in Alaska, it would make me feel cooler while I was stranded on a hot muggy desert island.
The Bible would be on the top of my book list.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael R Dougherty Website
Michael R Dougherty Amazon Profile
Michael R Dougherty Author Profile on Smashwords
Michael R Dougherty’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account