Interview with David Meier
Published 2016-01-07.
What is your writing process?
In order to write the type of works I do requires a great deal of research. In the case of "Tales From The Files Of The Arizona Prospector", it took more than 30 years of research, compiling not only written elements but oral stories from many sources.
How do you approach cover design?
I am no artist. I do however know folks who are and rely on their knowledge and guidance.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Being a history fanatic, particularly Arizona History, most of my favorite books were written by those with like minded interests.
What do you read for pleasure?
Arizona related historical information, novels and the like.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I really don't have any favorites.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Word of mouth.
Describe your desk
My desk looks like it is a general pile of the disorganized. To me however, I know where everything is and can generally find it right away.
When did you first start writing?
I've been writing different things since I was very young.
What's the story behind your latest book?
I've been an Arizona history nut since I was in high school. This was when I got hooked on Arizona history. Since that time I have spent thousands of hours researching, compiling stores and personal interviews of people and families who actually made up Arizona's history. Being just short of that 70 year mark, that makes it a long journey. Now at this stage of my life, I finally had the time to pull all that work together.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Actually the writing isn't any where near as much fun as the research.
What are you working on next?
My next work is also historically related as I'm pulling together all those really old recipes I picked up during my research and I'm going to put them out. Most of them are well over 100 years old and are pretty good. I've tried most of them myself.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Running our ministry. Squash Patch Farms Ministry is a non-profit food assistance program in our community.
Who are your favorite authors?
Other than other writers of history, the Bible, Sir Arthur Conon Doyle, Charles Dickenson and some other classics
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
At my age I just don't sleep much.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Usually by chance.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Moby Dick
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I always liked adventure and mystery stories.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born and was raised on an 800 acre farm and ranch. That pretty much made me a rather down to earth, very conservative and simple man.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
It's the current trend.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Can't answer that one yet.
What do your fans mean to you?
If you don't have fans, you don't sell your works. It's that simple.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
