Interview with Harry Dodge

Author of Kodiak Tales

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I’m originally from Upstate New York, and I have lived on Kodiak Island in Alaska since 1974.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

My goal since very young was to be a zoologist. My grandfather was a zoology professor and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural world. After graduating from Indiana University with a biology degree, I figured Alaska was the place to work in my chosen field. I did work seasonally, first for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and then the Alaska Dept. Fish & Game for 8 years. However, a plane crash (it is one of the stories in Kodiak Tales) led me into other pursuits. I’ve remained fully immersed in nature, and for the past 24 years have led wildlife viewing trips from our lodge on Kodiak Island.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

My interest in writing came about when I was stationed in Viet Nam (1969-70). It wasn’t until 1990, however, that I decided to get more seriously involved with my writing. I first went back to Indiana University for a year of undergraduate studies. The experience was encouraging, though a few more years passed before I was able to enroll in Goddard College’s mfa program in creative writing. I completed my mfa in 2000, and kicked around various ideas as to where to go from there. I did a series of articles for the local Kodiak newspaper about the history of bear hunting on Kodiak. While doing this, I realized a much larger story was there, involving the history of bears and humans on Kodiak and how they have inter-related over the past several thousand years. My research involved interviewing several Kodiak families (off-island families as well), whose fore-bearers were involved in guiding, cattle ranching, and other pursuits that related to bears. The experience was very rewarding, and I made many lasting friendships in the process. Family albums were brought out, and I was able to use many historical pictures in the book.
I knew a publisher living in Wasilla who had published several hunting-related books. Mine was a much different type of book, but he liked the idea, and we went from there.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

I have published 4 books- the one history already mentioned, a novel, a novella, and Kodiak Tales- a book of short stories, half of them fiction and the other half non-fiction.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Three of my books are Alaska-oriented (specifically Kodiak Island), while the novella- Bridge Ten- is a Viet Nam war story and quite different from my other books.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Of course, lots of work and time is invested in writing, especially in a longer work such as a novel or the history. During that process, there are plenty of self-doubts and uncertainties. It takes lots of willpower to plow ahead, not knowing if anything noteworthy will emerge.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

Don’t let doubts and uncertainties slow you down.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Marketing has been a challenge. I’m not a salesman. My father was, and often told me I was “the world’s worst salesman.” So true…

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) I enjoy the process of writing. I think that is a very important attribute in order to be successful. I’m also blessed with a wife who is a great editor and has no problem telling me what she doesn’t like. A second reader is so very helpful if not necessary.
b) Just getting the book out there- two are self-published and two are through established publishers. The important thing to me is having the book available to the public.
c) There are several retailers who have been so great to work with, and that eases much of the stress of selling your works.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

a) Finding the time to write. My seasonal work (running our wildlife viewing business during the summer) limits me to half the year.
b) I’ve not made serious strides in finding an agent. That would definitely ease the publishing process. I guess that comes down to my poor salesmanship.
c) I still have much to learn here.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I’m always working on more short stories and sending them out to various publications. Occasionally one gets published. I’m also working on something involving war letters from my grandfather (World War I), my father (World War II) and mine from Viet Nam.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I have used all the above avenues. Each has advantages and dis-advantages.