After blogging a multitude of author interviews in Effrosyni’s Blog, today I’m thrilled to post the very first one on my new website. As it happens, my guest today is a dear friend and a new member of eNovel Authors at Work where I’m also a proud member. David Wind had reached out to me last year when he read The Necklace of Goddess Athena and we’ve been good friends ever since. This prolific and diverse author has been writing since the 70s and has published 35 titles! I’ve beta-read his latest gem, a sci-fi/fantasy set in the far future, and all I’ll say for now is that it has absolutely enchanted me! It’s called Born to Magic and I’ll soon be blogging my review for it, well in advance of its launch on February 15. Join me as to hear more about this amazing author and his work!
Welcome to Nevaeh: a world where technology no longer exists, but magic does.
Long ago, a mythical nation known as ‘America’ died in the violence and radiation of the terrorist wars. Now their descendants dwell in a world of ritual and magic where ten dominions struggle for supremacy while a dark power rises to threaten them all.
In Nevaeh, where men are blessed with great strength and women have both strength and psychic abilities, one woman has been chosen to be Nevaeh’s savior, Areenna—the only daughter of the King of Freemorn.
Barely eighteen, Areenna’s psychic abilities—her magic— are already stronger than most women. But when Areenna is called to The Island, a place where all women of psychic power must go, but from where only some return, she soon learns the fate of her world is in her hands.
Accompanied by Mikaal, the son of the High King of Nevaeh, the two undertake a perilous journey to a place of great power, in an effort to save Nevaeh from the oncoming darkness, and these dark and evil forces will do everything in their power to stop Areenna from reaching her destination.
Areenna’s journey is filled with unimaginable dangers as they cross through three of Nevaeh’s ten dominions, and through the haunted wastelands and badlands filled with the mutated survivors of the nuclear holocaust to fight their way to what will either claim both their lives or give them the powers to save their world.
Find it now on Amazon US!
Hello David and welcome to my blog!
Thank you Fros, it’s great to know I’m the very first interviewee on the blog of your new site! Wish you best of luck and success with it!
Thanks a lot, David. Now tell us, what has inspired you to write this book?
This book in particular was something I’ve wanted to do since I started reading. Science Fiction & Fantasy are my most favorite genres followed by a close second of Thrillers, Suspense & Mystery. By the time I was in college I’d probably read several thousand Sci-Fi novels and short stories. But I’ve always wondered about how the present effects the far future and what life would be like depending on what happens today. Terrorism is what is happening today, and the Tales Of Nevaeh series, is about the long term effects of terrorism on our world.
What was the first thing you ever wrote and how old were you then?
The first fiction I ever wrote was in fifth grade. I had to do a book report but I never read the book (Robinson Crusoe). I did see the movie, though, and wrote the report on the movie. The only issue was the movie was called Mrs. Robinson Crusoe. I made up a lot and tried to make it work. The only problem was that I forgot to change Friday from a woman to a man for the book. It wasn’t as funny as the rest of the class thought…
The next time I wrote fiction I was thirty and decided I’d put off the one thing in my life I had always wanted to do, but had not yet done—write a novel.
I hear that you’ve published 35 novels, wow! How many of those are indie books?
Yes, I’ve had thirty-five novels published, thirty-three of them traditionally. Born To Magic is my third Independently published novel.
Any hobbies or interests that you enjoy in your spare time?
In today’s world, there isn’t much spare time, especially if you are an independently published author. Besides the writing, there’s publicity, social media, etc, etc. So, with limited spare time there are several things I manage to squeeze in: Movies are a must! And I cook! One of the best ways I’ve found to ‘get out of my characters heads’ and back into the real world is to cook when I finish writing for the day. Creating food, like writing, requires focus and passion and it is a great way to transition from the world of fiction to the real world.
My rack of lamb with a cherry balsamic/Syrah reduction, French cut string beans and garlic whipped sweet potatoes is one of my favorite meals to cook.
Sounds delicious! I also find that cooking helps me clear my head. Do you see yourself in any of your characters, or do any of them have traits you wish you had?
Of course my characters have traits I have and those I wish I had, both good and bad. As far as I can tell, it’s human nature to put some of yourself into your characters, and put in those traits you wish you had as well.
What are you working on at the moment? Tell us a little about your current project(s).
I’ve spent the last two years working on Tales Of Nevaeh. This series is about a possible future we may face given today’s political atmosphere of growing worldwide terrorism. When I started envisioning the series, terrorism hadn’t yet reach the scope it has reached today. But terrorist groups, joining together seemed to me to be logical as the world situation evolves.
But I didn’t want this to be another dark series, and I wanted all ages to read it as well. It is a story of loss and hope, of creating something from the residue of the past. And showing how the world could evolve into something wonderful if given the chance.
The tag line I am using, Welcome to the future—where technology does not exist, but magic does, says a lot about what is to come in the series.
Book I, Born To Magic, will be out February 15th, and it’s now available for pre-order. Book II, The Dark Masters, will be out in May, and I am almost done with the second draft.
Excellent, looking forward to devouring that too! Which are your favorite authors, and what do you love about them?
My favorites are Edgar Rice Burroughs, Andre Norton, Issac Asimov, Mickey Spillane, Raymond Chandler, Robert Ludlum, Frank Yerby, Rafael Sabatini, Stephen King, Nora Roberts and several dozen more.
What genres do you read mostly, and what are you reading now?
That’s a broad question. I was and am a voracious reader and have read every fiction genre. My favorite genres are Science Fiction & Fantasy, Thrillers, Suspense, Mysteries, historical fiction, speculative fiction.
Do you have any advice for other indie authors?
Advice is easily given and usually hard to accept for many writers, myself included. My advice is pretty simple. Write from your heart as well as your head, don’t give a first draft to a family member, and when you are satisfied with your work, DO NOT PUBLISH IT! First find an editor to edit your manuscript for everything from typos and dropped words to content and flow, and then listen to the editor. When your story is polished and you are happy with the edited version, then publish, but not a moment before.
Great advice. Tell us about your website/blog. What will readers find there?
My website and blog are on the same site, www.davidwind.com There is plenty of info available about myself, my books and what will be coming.
Do you listen to music while you write and if so, what kind?
I listen to mostly Rock & Roll and the Blues: The Beatles, The Who, Lead Zep, Moody Blues, Springsteen, Carol King, Harry Chapin, Bob Dylan, etc. What I listen to at a particular moment depends on what I am writing.
What were your most and least favorite subjects in school?
Most favorite: History
Least Favorite(s): Math and English (yes, English)
Now, that’s indeed odd (*laughs*). What has been the most important lesson you’ve learnt so far in life the hard way?
If you don’t trust yourself, you can’t move forward.
If you could choose another profession, what would that be?
There is no other!
What are the things in your life that you’re most grateful for?
My wife Bonnie, My kids, my grandson and the fact that I’m able to do what I love, write books that people read and enjoy.
Did you have a mentor in your journey as a writer? Or someone you feel you owe a great deal to?
Oh, yes! When I wrote Queen Of Knights, a medieval fantasy, I wanted to have a woman I read and admired all my life give me a cover quote. I don’t remember how I found her address, but I sent her a letter, hoping she would consider reading my manuscript. Not only did she read the manuscript and give me a cover quote, but our relationship continued on. This writer became a mentor to me, and I learned so much from her that even today I think of some of our conversations, both in person, on the phone, and through our correspondence. (Letters, not emails).
Andre Norton was the name of this most gracious and welcoming writer who became the first woman to be named Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America. She was also named the Gandolf Grand Master of Fantasy and inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.
Andre was also kind enough to ask me to write a short story for her Witch World Anthology series. This was a great honor.
She sounds like an amazing person as well as a great writer. Well David, this has been a blast! Thank you so much for being here with us today and good luck with your launch next month.
Thank you for this opportunity, Fros. It’s been a great pleasure.
BIO
When I began writing in 1979…’80, I had no idea where I was headed. Since then, I’ve published thirty-five novels, thirty-three of them with traditional publishers, but in 2008, I decided I wanted more freedom than the traditional publishers would allow and began a new phase in my life as an Independent Author.
I live and write in a small village about thirty miles upstate of NYC, and share my house with my wife, Bonnie and our dog Alfie, an apricot poodle. Our three children have ventured out into the world on their own (or so they think). Our son Zach works on the CBS show 48 Hours. Our daughter Devon and her husband Russell live in New Jersey. Devon teaches Special Education in New Jersey. Alana, our youngest daughter is a Pastry Chef in San Francisco.
My last novel, The Cured, was written with Terese Ramin. The idea for this Medical Thriller came shortly after the death of a close friend. I couldn’t help but wonder about the medication…
My Historical Fantasy, Queen Of Knights, reached #2 on the Amazon.Com lists for historical fantasy and medieval fantasy, and my sci-fi of parallel worlds, The Others, received wide acclaim.
My previous suspense thrillers are The Hyte Maneuver, (a Literary guild alternate selection); As Peace Lay Dying, and Conspiracy of Mirrors. And Down will Come Baby, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep and Shadows, are formula style mystery suspense novels.
I am currently working on a new Sci-Fi Fantasy series set 3000 years in the future, called Tales of Nevaeh. Volume I, Born To Magic, will be out in February 2015 and Volume II will be out in the late spring.
CONNECT WITH DAVID
Amazon Author page
Goodreads
Website
A full listing of David’s titles can be found on his website, as well as on his Amazon and Goodreads pages.
Find this fantasy gem now on Amazon!
Wow, you are prolific, David. What an interesting writing journey. I was touched by your story of Andre Norton’s generosity in giving you a quote and becoming a mentor. I have had this experience too – bestselling writer Katie Fforde has been mentor and friend to me, as have other bestsellers. It’s interesting that writers so often don’t seem to see other writers as competitors!
Thanks for the interview, Fros!
Thank you for commenting, Jenny. Our indie community is lovely, isn’t it? No matter what stage you’re at on your writing journey, there’s always someone walking the path ahead of you happy to let you walk on their footsteps 🙂 I think that authors who clam up and look at others as competitors can never go far. I am pleased to hear that like David, you’ve also had some help from successful and giving mentors, Jenny 🙂
Great interview!
Now…I must apologize for this non-literary comment but last night I watched ‘How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days’, in which Matthew McConaughey’s character cooks rack of lamb with a cherry glaze for Kate Hudson. I thought, ‘that sounds yummy, I must find a recipe’. And today you mention rack of lamb with a cherry balsamic/Syrah reduction. It’s a sign! I clearly must google the recipe.
Thanks for an interesting interview…and the culinary inspiration.
Thank you for sharing this Rosie, sure sounds like a sign! I think David should post the recipe on his blog and leave the link here, I think we’re all salivating by now 🙂 David, are you listening? LOL
Hated English and went on to publish 35 novels! That is awesome…
Yes indeed, that’s quite something, LOL. Thank you for your visit, Julie 🙂
David Wind likes the Moody Blues? My kind of guy! And he’s so darn prolific! Way to go, David!
Yeah, I thought the choice of music was awesome too. Thank you so much for your visit, Rebecca 🙂
Fascinating interview, Frosandy! I don’t usually read David’s genre, but you really made me want to read his book. It’s been my experience that the more interesting the writer, the more interesting the book, and David, you are a VERY interesting person. I do look forward to reading one of your books soon.
Cheers!
Hi Marsha, thanks for stopping by! Frosandy is just Fros+Andy and a profile name, LOL, but it’s cute you called me that 🙂 You’ll do well to give David’s new title a go. The writing is superb and I expect you’ll be fascinated 🙂
Interesting interview. Wow, that is a lot of published novels!
Sarah Lane
Author of The God of My Art
Thank you for your visit Sarah!
Good to read about your past writing David, and I’ll be looking forward to Born to Magic!
Very kind of you to visit Bronwyn, thank you 🙂
Great interview, Fros. You are an interesting man, David. I loved your list of favourite authors, I’m reading Edgar Rice Burroughs, the Mars books. I enjoyed the John Carter movie. I like nearly all your music choices too. Can’t wait to read ‘Born to Magic’!
Dale, you’re going to love David’s book. It’s simply magical 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Fascinating interview. I feel I really got to know David. I’m overawed at how prolific he is but still comes over as a really lovely person – and he cooks. That lamb recipe sounds delicious.
Yes, Mary – indeed, David has a truly lovely character. He’s one of very few author friends I’ve made who’s remarkably kind and giving. I’m so glad he’s joined enovel so we can all benefit from his experience and lovely disposition 🙂 Thank you so much for your visit, Mary 🙂
David and I have so much in common. I didn’t start writing until age 30. I was horrible at English. We both came from traditional publishing to the wide, wonderful Indie World. And I love to cook, too. I collect cookbooks, in fact. 🙂 The rack of lamb sounds….mmmmmm!
Fros, this is a great interview. Thank you. David, Born To Magic sounds like a wonderful read. I’m off to Amazon to snag a copy.
Donna Fasano
Author of Following His Heart
Join my Street Team: Prima Donnas
Donna, thank you so much for your kind comments. Glad I could help in getting you acquainted with David’s background and latest book, which I’m sure you’re bound to love too 🙂
Wow, David…We like a lot of the same authors and music. I consider any branch of science I study my “avocation.” I enjoyed Isaac Asimov’s nonfiction books as much as his novels. And every once in a while, I have to “get the Led out.”
We lived during a highly imaginative era, and I think that it inspired us creatively. Fun to read about you and your novels and to learn we have so much in common!
Great interview, David! I really enjoyed reading it. We have a lot of likes and influences in common – except, of course, for the fact that I taught English. And math. 😉 Congratulations on such an amazing body of work!
I love Frossie’s interviews with eNovel members because I always learn something fascinating. David’s is not exception. I loved Cured. That book knocked my socks off. I wish my brain worked in those convoluted plots. It does not, so I just have enjoy David’s books and those like them. I laughed when I read David hated English. I get it. In my very first university English course, in discussing a dead author, the professor asked: “What do you think she was thinking when she wrote…?” Said me: She was thinking: “I need to get this finished and start supper.” Dumbest question I ever heard. We don’t know what people think unless they tell us–and then they lie. Laffin’.
Nice going, both of you. Great new site, Frossie.
Jackie Weger
No Perfect Secret
Laffin’ Jackie! That professor must have been Greek! In schools here, in the literature/Greek classes the classic question is always that: what was the author/poet thinking/meant to say by that? How ridiculous, I know. You gave the right answer, LOL. Thank you so much for your kind comments and for visiting 🙂
Thank you all. I am overwhelmed by all of your kind words and the response to Fros’ interview; and, I am humbled as well. Forgive me for not responding sooner, yesterday was a madhouse.
I am extremely happy to have found the independent way of writing, the eNovel authors and o many people who reach out to we authors, who strive to bring good words to our readers.
David
Thank you for returning here to comment, David. I am so pleased our chat helped so many among our fellow enovelers to get to know you better 🙂