On Writing Author Interview: Davidson L. Haworth

To avoid pre-conceived notions which can sometimes be connected with certain genres, the number of books published and/or an author's appearance, none of that information will be revealed until the bottom of the interview.   So pour a cup of coffee, have a seat, and check out this interview - see how much, or how little, you have in common with this published author.

ON WRITING:
What is your favorite part of being a writer?

Being able to escape the real world on a daily basis, and creating a world you actually want to be in. How many times do you turn on the news and wish you were on another planet? Writing allows you to do that.

What is your least favorite part?

Editing, or going back and making corrections.

Name one obstacle you’ve had to overcome.

A couple of years ago I had a bad case of writers block. I decided to travel to Wales for some time off, and behold the country gave me new ideas and energy. I owe a lot to Wales and its wonderful people.

Is there a specific part of your writing you’re working on to improve?

I am always looking for new ways to advance vocabulary or to improve it.

What part of your writing makes you particularly proud?

I think I am proud when a person approaches me or I get an e-mail from a reader telling me how much they enjoyed the [book].

What does your favorite main character have in common with you?

Virtue, chivalry, honor, faith, courage, charity, these are the cornerstones of a well-rounded person, and my characters share these with who I am as a person.

Do you do a lot of research for your projects or do you only write about what you already know?

I write about what I know or what I invent in my imagination, but I do use real life historical places and events, so in this aspect of my writings I have to do much research to make sure I have all the right details.

How do you use the internet for your writing?

Everything, from using proper vocabulary, to research, internet has changed how writers work. Anyone who tells you that they still write pen to paper is giving you a dramatic storyline.

If you’ve won any awards for your writing, what impact do you think that has had? 

Winning awards renews confidence and validates that you have taken the proper path in life. No writers gets into the business for money or accolades, they do it for the joy of telling a tale. Nobody in their right mind would choose to be a writer, it just happens.

What one marketing tool have you had good success with?

Social media, web site, and simple word of mouth, people want to see you as well and a good book signing schedule is required. It is a fact that the average author only sells four books per signing, and it is a little discouraging, but one must throw themselves into the flames of the public eye.

What good writing habits have you developed that you think would be helpful to someone starting out?

Most writers have other projects and it is difficult to write sometimes. Carry a small journal and jot down every idea that pops into your mind. Never be discouraged because a writer will receive more criticism than accolades, even Shakespeare was spurned for his writings and many called his works rubbish. Throw away the negative and surround yourself with supporters. Always form the habit of writing at least two hours Monday through Friday.

Do you have any bad writing habits that you’d advise writers to avoid?

Try not to procrastinate on your ideas or your dreams, cease the day.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

I don’t think I should answer this since it is a family oriented interview. Put it this way. I take on my day of writing like a warrior the night before battle.

When you’re not writing, do you read, and if so, what?

I do try and read every night before bed with a cup of black tea and a cozy fire. I still enjoy pulling out my J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis books. Ian Fleming is on my list along with Robert Jordan, but who can resist William Shakespeare. Believe it or not I also like to read anything from the Bronte sisters as well.

What are you trying to accomplish with/through your writing?

Only to write a story that I enjoy and if others enjoy it with me then that is fine with me. I write what I enjoy, not what the market tells me to write. If a person is writing to become a millionaire then they are in the wrong business.

ADVICE TO OTHER WRITERS

What words of wisdom do you have for young writers?

This might sound cliché, but follow your dreams. Never allow anyone to tell you different. Go for that brass ring you are looking for in life.

What advice do you have for someone looking to get published?

I have done much in the industry, including working for big publishing houses. I suggest doing what feels right to you. In this day in age with technology anything is possible. A writer can try and get published by a big publishing house such as “Random House,” but that is unlikely. Try self-publishing or Amazon.com for green e-book releases. Tip your toe into the sea before diving in, test the waters. Never allow houses or agents tarnish your dreams, more times than not they are wrong.

Any thoughts on what this author writes?  How many books published?  Here's a little more information about the author...
 
How many published books are to your credit?  Six

Do you have an agent?  I do not.

How many different companies have you published with?  Two

How long have you been writing?   Thirty – six years

Do you write full-time? If not, what is your other job? And how do you balance work/writing?

I am a full time writer working on many projects.

So, any thoughts?  Here's the full scoop:

Davidson L. Haworth has been writing novels, short stories, articles and screenplays since his early years as an adolescent. His writings transcend through the ages and he is considered by many to be the father of historical fantasy. He has also been involved in local theater productions, including the San Jose Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker”. In his Prali Trilogy, The Dragon of Prali (iUniverse, Feb. 3, 2010) and his latest novel, The Wizard of Prali (iUniverse, Sept. 23, 2011) Davidson L. Haworth brings classic fantasy back. Fantasy genre has become extremely popular over the last several years with books like Harry Potter and Twilight, but with all their popularity they don’t satisfy readers hunger for good classic fantasy you can find in books by J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. Davidson L. Haworth returns the reader to the roots of the genre.

Author Davidson L. Haworth’s titles include:  The Eye of Mortals, Swords of the Enemy and The Dwarves of the Underworld (Fantasy); Black Hole Nemesis (Science Fiction); and The Dragon of Prali, The Wizard of Prali, and The Vampires of Prali (TBA) (Historical Fantasy)

His books are available through his Author Website (World Wide) http://www.davidsonlhaworth.com/, Barnes and Noble and other retailers throughout the world.

THE FUTURE

What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on the third book of the “Prali Trilogy,” and then I have plans for two novels that is in the fantasy genre, but much different then what I have been writing recently, it’s a bit of a secret.

PARTING WORDS

Anything else about being a writer that you’d like to share?

One bit of advice, “Always go forward and never turn back.”

Where can people learn more about you?

I urge all to visit my web site and give it a gander.

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