Interview with David Watkins
Published 2014-01-15.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes. It was dreadful.
What do your fans mean to you?
I'll let you know when I have some.
Describe your desk
A mess, generally of empty mugs of tea/whiskey depending on the time of day.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Jack and Jill.
Poor Jack.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I have always loved writing and making up stories.I tried to get some publishers interested in The Original's Return and got several rejections along the lines of "We like it, but it's not for us" (which I fundamentally don't understand, but there you go). A friend suggested going straight to Kindle, so hours of research later, here I am on Smashwords.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The creation moment, if that doesn't sound too pretentious. I rarely have a plan, more an idea and it's fun seeing what comes out. Of course, that means that editing the story is really important - you have to make sure you tie up all loose ends!
What are you working on next?
The Devil's Inn. This is a story set over one night in a pub in the middle of nowhere on Dartmoor in Devon. There is a legend that the fire has burned in the bar for over two hundred years. Seven people get stranded there during a snowstorm but the fire goes out. Then, someone knocks on the door...
Who are your favorite authors?
Stephen King, which is a bit cliched for horror writers, but he is so prolific and just so good that it would be wrong not to mention him. Also, for anyone thinking of writing or has just started out, his book 'On Writing' is highly recommended. Joe R Lansdale was a bit of a hero of mine when I was younger, and I was thrilled when my short story "Presents of Mind" was published in the collection "When Red Snow Melts" alongside two of his. You can get the collection from that other place, which shouldn't be mentioned here!
What is your writing process?
Generally I have an idea, it runs around in my head for a while, then I put the words on the page. When I'm writing a novel, I try to set a word limit every day and stick to it (an idea nicked from Stephen King) . One word at a time, just like every other writer out there!
How do you approach cover design?
Get a much more talented mate to do it and buy him lots of beer.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My wife's cold feet.
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