Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Dave and I currently live in the suburbs of Atlanta where I have resided for the last 18 years. Before moving to Atlanta I lived in Illinois. For the last 24 years I have taught high school social studies and I have coached high school baseball. Needless to say both my teaching and coaching have influenced me and my writing.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Blue And White’ book?
In the book Blue and White Julio and Jeremy moved to a town with a racist past. One of my biggest challenges was writing about racism. I was afraid to sugar coat any issues, while at the same time I was afraid it would come across as unrealistic, esp since I’m a 48 year old white guy which is one of the reasons I chose the narration that I did. I worked hard not to vere from the main story which I could have easily done. Blue and White was also my 1st ever book so needless to say that was a HUGE challenge in itself.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Many of my students have read John Green books and I would like to be like him to name an author off the top of my head. In all honesty my students have probably been the biggest influence on me.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Well one of the great things about the U.S. is the large variety of scenery and climates so it’s tough to pick just one place. I love the beach so needless to say any place with a beach is a favorite of mine. Sadly I don’t have a favorite place in the country.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Actually for me there hasn’t been alot of research involved because I have written what I have known. I love the idea of telling a story. My hope is that the reader loves the characters and feels something as they read the books.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Cherry Trees’ book?
When I sat down to write Cherry Trees I was actually in a rhythm. I’d go to the local Starbucks each night and write a chapter or two. After a year it was finished. After discussion with my editor I decided to split Cherry Trees into two books. Sunset, Sunrise, which will be the 3rd book was sliced off of Cherry Trees.
Q7. As an author, what does success means to you?
It means a variety of things. I would love for one of my stories to be picked up and made into a movie. That would be the ultimate. I plan on sending copies of all three actually to Tyler Perry and Oprah when the 3rd ones comes out. I didn’t go into writing to make money though that would be nice. I originally got into it because I felt I had a story to tell. I’m excited about my others that will be coming out.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Blue And White’?
One thing I am very proud about is that my editor, cover, and back picture were done by former students. When I sat down and talked to my editor we went back and forth. After writing the book I looked up the symbolism for blue an white. Blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, and confidence which are a number of the characters attributes in the book. White of course symbolizes innocence which would sum up many of the characters. I chose the cover the way I did because I wanted something basic.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
This is a hard one. As a writer and a teacher I would often go back and forth with some of the words I chose but as a story teller I wanted the book to be as real as possible. I wanted the stories to be as relatable which is one of my biggest fears. For example, I cringe when I see or hear someone say Blue and White or Cherry Trees are sports books. I would say sports plays a role but really the books are about acceptance, friendship, and other issues we all deal with when growing up. Heck some of the issues are ones we have to deal with even after we have grown up.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I won’t name the student but only Alexa’s character was taken from a past student I had. All of my other characters are blends of characteristics. I hope the readers pick up the symbolism as they read the books. For example not only are blue and white the colors for the school but they represent alot more. The same goes for the cherries and Cherry Trees which represent death and life but also the fragility of life which comes out in that book.
Q11. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
They can find my books on Amazon and The Southern Pen Bookshop which is found in Monroe, Georgia.
Books are Available On Amazon
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