Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. I transitioned from a career as a programmer to become a very successful software entrepreneur. After selling my international software company, I delved, as a hobby, into the creative world of writing. Programming and writing fiction have a lot in common; both are based on a creative process that needs structure, discipline and an eye for detail and both are focused on creating a great customer experience.
My first book is “Proportional Revenge,” the start of the Chique-series that showcases the captivating character, Chique Fluellen, a brilliant and striking Afro-American young woman who is dealt some very bad life cards and we follow her as she fights back.
My books span several genres, from erotic to political to psychological thrillers. After the book was unexpectedly banned from Amazon, I was bitterly disappointed. Yes, the book has sex and drugs and violence, but it’s all part of a well-thought-out storyline where persistence and determination are the main themes. As one reviewer put it “while it is explicit it never crosses that invisible line from erotic into turgid and grubby.”
I don’t understand their decision, it’s pure censorship. I think that there’s no reason consenting adults shouldn’t read and enjoy fiction with dark themes. But I’m undeterred and I’ve decided to showcase my work on my own website. www.davidgwilliamsson.com
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Proportional Revenge”?
A2. The most difficult part was fighting the urge to ‘get ahead of myself.’ In my head I’d written out the story many chapters in advance. But then I needed to stay in the present and make sure that every chapter that I wrote was the best it could be. I had an urge to move on, to the next part, which was even better, but I needed to control that urge and focus on the present moment.
The second challenge was to stop. Stop writing, relax, and enjoy other things. There was no need to rush, no deadline to meet. And there were certainly more important things to do and enjoy than just sit writing about Chique Fluellen.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. No one in particular.
I read across a broad spectrum of genres, probably more non-fiction than fiction.
My last five books in fiction:
Killing Moon by Jo Nesbo
The Exchange by John Grisham
A legacy of spies by John leCarré
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
Livid by Patricia Cornwell
And the last five in non-fiction:
Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson
Food for Life by Tim Spector
Lifespan – Why we age by David Sinclair
Beyond Order by Jordan B. Peterson
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. My favorite spot in Holland? Believe it or not, in my own back garden. It’s quiet and very private and the perfect place to just sit and drink good red wine.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Proportional Revenge’?
A5. Well, I’d written a children’s book and started on a book, based in the future, commenting, somewhat cynically, on the major sociological developments of our time; climate change and climate migration, energy transition, polarization is society, and the list goes on. Then, one Sunday morning, I sat down at my computer, and I typed in chapter one of what was to become Proportional Revenge. Where it came from? I honestly don’t know. And I only had one chapter! So, in the following weeks, during many walks in the woods with my partner, we developed a story based on Chapter One. And that story is Proportional Revenge.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Proportional Revenge’?
A6. About 12 months. Then add on 3 or 4 for editing and proof-reading.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. My books are available on my on website www.davidgwilliamsson.com in both eBook (.epub or .pdf) and Paperback.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Proportional Revenge’?
A8. The title is taken from the manuscript. It’s a recurring theme in the second half of the book. The cover was professional designed based on a briefing document that I submitted.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. That’s inherent in my style of writing. I don’t write my books sitting at the computer. At the keyboard, I’m just entering what I’ve already written in my head. When I go out for walks, or when I’m driving, or just relaxing with a glass wine, I live the scenes, actually talking the conversations and hearing them in my head.
Also, I follow the international news and take a lot of my inspiration from that. In all of my books, real world events, injustices, scandals and personal tragedies have been used to build my plot. I’ll move the context and maybe add a few new elements but there’s a lot of real life in there.
I personally like books that pull you in and won’t let go so that’s how I try to write. I want my reader to say ‘wow’ after, or maybe during, the first chapter and then just need to know more. The keyword here is ‘storytelling’. I build a visual picture and I try to portray a world with real characters.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. Well, that’s easy. First, get started. The hardest part of any project is the first step. So, if you’ve got a great idea, get started. And secondly, don’t be beaten by criticism. Believe in yourself and press on. Persistence and determination are omnipotent!
Sassy Reviews 