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Interview with Darrel Bird

Published 2014-01-02.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords has contributed to my success by giving me a place in the book market, which was previously controlled by the big name publishers.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
My greatest joy of writing is to share my talent with the world.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean everything to me. Without them my writing would mean nothing at all.
What are you working on next?
I am working on a short book titled 'A Drop In Time' which will soon be published on Smashwords.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are Stephen King, Larry McMurtry, John Steinbeck for their wordcraft, and Mark Twain for his dialoge.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Every day is a different day which God has given me to enjoy to the full.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I spend some of my time riding a motorcycle. I began riding when I was 17, and enjoyed racing, and hill climbs. Now I ride a large cruiser, and ride the back roads of America.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Mainly by knowing what type of book I want to read at the time. Search engines on computers make our lives much easier than the old days.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, it was a short story of a few thousand words Titled 'The Biscuit Run' That is how I discovered my love of the short story structure.
What is your writing process?
I would like to say that I write on some sort of schedule, but the truth is I write in spurts with no rhyme or reason to it, but when I am working on a piece, my mind is never far from that piece, so I suppose one could say I am writing even when I am not writing.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, a book by Zane Gray. I remember I had to stand, and give a book report in school, and I got so excited, and wound up in the characters, my English teacher shut me down before I was finished giving the book report. I had a hard time forgiving her for that smack down, if I ever did.
How do you approach cover design?
I try to give a hint of what the story is about...as they say...a picture is worth a thousand words.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
My favorite books are 'The Grapes Of Wrath' Huckleberry Finn' 'Lonesome Dove' The King James Version of the Bible, and Lucifers Hammer. The books each teach things a writer should know.
What do you read for pleasure?
That is a hard question as I am interested in so many different subjects. Perhaps a good western with some comedy in it.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My computer screen since my vision is getting bad. I read on a 24 inch screen. I am so thankful we have wide choices nowadays.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Smashwords marketing advice. Book marketing is learned over a period of time, and you have to get a sense for what works, and what doesn't.
Describe your desk
Piled up with a tiny space for my mouse, and sometimes I have to scoot something back to make room for that.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a small community in Arkansas. I think knowing everyone around me has had a great influence on my writing.
When did you first start writing?
I am a late starter. Some friends challenged me to write a story. I did, and discovered I loved word craft.
What's the story behind your latest book?
The story behind my latest book is about a genius savant who has no social life, yet he has the same needs as any other man.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Less work, and more time to devote to writing. Not to mention the fact that I really don't care for a garbage can full of rejection letters.
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