Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. My name is Daryl Dittmer, I’m 58 years old and am most recently a published author. My personal and business background has been diverse, from a farm boy as a young person to carpenter, to sales, to ownership of properties and businesses. From an often tumultuous and humble upbringing to a life that I would not have dreamed of being so fortunate to have. None of the incredible changes in my life would have happened unless and until I got my life on track. Fortunately, I was introduced to getting my life on a different trajectory in my late teens after struggling with addiction and personal dysfunction. I feel it is my duty at this point in life to give back. To help those struggling to understand and embrace a better life for themselves and as a consequence, those around them.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “When I Stop Fighting”?
A2. The only real challenge to writing my book was making a conscious and concerted effort to start. The stories were already there, the content was all inside of me. I just needed to resolve to finally sit and write, which I did.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I am fortunate as well as grateful to report that many have said they enjoy my conversational writing style, as well as my story telling. Where did that come from? I honestly have no idea. I just write. Now, the lessons I refer to in my books, as well as the discipline I needed to start, persevere, and finish (two books written, one published so far) can be attributed to Emmet Fox, Napoleon Hill, Og Mandino, James Allen, among others.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. Well, I currently live in the mountains of North Georgia, which is difficult to leave because it’s so beautiful. That said, I believe Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park are my favorite. The hiking is unbelievable, the majestic mountains and pristine lakes are incredibly powerful to see, as well as experience. For me, there is nothing like nature to remind me how fortunate I am.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘When I Stop Fighting’?
A5. It’s been a long while in the making, as it’s really the story of my life, written as all of the stories that bring me to where I am today. I take how I interact and relate to others in this world very seriously, and if there’s a way for me to help someone have a better life, by relating my experiences and lessons, I embrace that opportunity. That is the inspiration for my writing.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘When I Stop Fighting’?
A6. Haha! 57 years! Actually, it’s amusing to me that when I actually sat down to write and vowed not to veer off track, it took me about 90 days. From start to finish to published was all done in 2023. The best part is, I sat for another couple of months and wrote my second book, as everything just kept flowing, so I kept writing. My second book will be published in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. My book is currently available on Amazon, or, if someone would like to purchase a signed hardcover, they can find that on my site, http://www.daryldittmer.com.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘When I Stop Fighting’?
A8. The title wrote itself as a part of my experience with a mentor in my much younger days. My mentor said to me, as I struggled, wrestled, and fought with life and with myself, “Daryl, when you stop fighting, the fighting stops.” That hit me and still does to this day. To be honest, I guess the subtitle wrote itself as well! There were clear indications that I needed to get my head out of my ass. As far as the cover, I wanted it to be impactful, readable, and recognizable. After many potential iterations, I believe we’ve accomplished that goal.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. Stories. I believe people relate to and enjoy stories, if they’re well written and impactful. I know I do. A recent review speaks to this: “It will bring you to tears, laughter, and back to tears, all within 2 pages.” My intent was to illustrate my life and the lessons learned via those stories, so that I could plant seeds in readers who might be open to change. I don’t believe people want to be preached at or told what to do. I certainly don’t. This is why I focused on my stories, some of which I thought I’d forgotten or hadn’t recalled in decades. A recent review illustrates and I believe, captures my intent, as well as how tremendously different my book is from a typical self-help book: “You never like he is preaching or telling you what to do. He is only sharing his life story and allowing you to chart your own path.”
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. To sit and write until the writing is done.
Buy When I Stop Fighting on Amazon
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