Interview with John Daqlglsih
Author of DEADLY SECRETS
Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?
Born in Toronto, Canada.
Moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla as a teen.
Live in SW Missouri now.
If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?
Raised in Canada but Mother remarried and moved to Fla.
Met my wife there and had three boys. Wanted a more rural lifestyle, so nearly forty years ago, we bought a farm house in SW Missouri.
What made you decide to write and publish your first book?
My son was one of the early self-pub writers on Amazon. He had success and one day my wife looked at me and said “I can’t put four words together, and he must have got it somewhere, so why don’t you try writing.”
The rest, as they say, is history.
How would you describe your books to first time readers?
Clean is the first word that comes to mind. By that, I mean there is no sex or swearing. Now, they may seem boring to some, but to many readers, they appreciate it. I have had a wonderful response to writing books that don’t have those items in it.
In addition, I try to write character centered books with people that are identifiable.
Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?
My books are primarily a mystery/police procedural. So the folks like my wife and I, who enjoy crime shows such as CSI or what’s on the ID channel, should be able to identify with what’s happening.
What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?
Almost anybody can write a book, but like so many other things in life, to do it well is hard work. My first book came out in 2012, and I’m still trying to get better at my craft. There is so much to learn.
If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?
I’ve been very lucky with the reviews on my books, but I’ve said many times to my wife, if the books had been heavily criticized, I would have to quit. I guess I don’t have the thick skin needed. So advice, try not to read reviews. Instead, write for fun and try to be the best you can.
How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?
The hard part of writing as a career is selling enough to pay the bills. You can have a big hit, and make a ton of money, but for most self-pub authors, getting enough income to not have another job is the goal. That requires a base of customers, rather than one big book. So, whatever that number is- that’s it.
What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?
Promotion is the toughest part. With so much competition for readers, finding the audience and keeping them engaged is as hard or harder than the writing part. It requires almost as much time, as well.
What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?
Writing – Hopefully, it’s the stories. Plots that are engaging and characters that you cheer for.
Publishing – Our product is consistent. The covers, formatting, and descriptions are recognizable.
Marketing – Hard to say. Probably the interaction with the readers. I’ve never had a letter from a reader that went unanswered.
What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?
Writing – Repetition. I worry that the books will not be individual enough, the stories not unique enough.
Publishing – Word count. My books are shorter than the preferred length for novels by publishers. I just can’t write enough filler for all those words. lol.
Marketing – Knowing where best to promote.
When do you think you will write your next book?
I’m finishing one now. The next will probably start in January.
Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?
Self-pub
FEATURED AUTHORS
Worrying if I was telling too many secrets Leaving out so much.
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