Interviews

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Interview with Dave

Where are you from?

The cold, wet and windy north of Scotland with my Partner Chris.

Tell us your latest news?

Well my biggest news I guess is my story. I have another on hold as I wasn’t really feeling it. In time I’ll come back to it and write.

When and why did you begin writing?

Simple, I’ve read. I’ve sat behind this screen and read so many stories, I decided I wanted to try it my self.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Now that’s a funny one for me. I really don’t think I do yet. Then again, I’m filling in a writer’s interview, so I guess now!

What inspired you to write your first story?

Partially it was a story I found in a Yahoo group. It’s called Snow Angels; the characters in the story seemed real to me. I wanted to try and create that. The other bigger part was Viv. I sat and read what she’s written; I’ve gone through so many parts with her, giving my opinion and suggestions. She told me I should try it, that she believed I could do it. She’s my inspiration.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

Viv in a big way; purely through the experience we’ve shared with From behind those eyes. I’ve watched her develop her writing style, and I’d like to think maybe helped a little along the way. She’s helped me notice different writing styles; I’ve watched and learned character development through her story.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

Anyone that’s read Runaways will know the characters are based on celebrities, so their music has had a major effect. I write from my imagination, I don’t write from personal experience so I don’t feel there’s much of my up bringing in there.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Hmm… Not really, I just write. I don’t think it comes out in any particular style. I guess you could say I write in Davey style….

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Fanfic is my main writing genre first and foremost. Boy band fiction to be specific. It’s obviously not everyone taste, but then the same could be said for any fiction.

How did you come up with the title for your story(s)?

I simply had an Idea of what I wanted to happen in the story, the title came from that. The main character is running from his former life, hence the title Runaways.

Is there a message in your story that you want readers to grasp?

Well, like most people that write gay fiction, I would like to promote equality and understanding. I doubt I’ll achieve that since most readers of my story already practice both by reading gay fiction.

How much of your story is realistic?

That’s hard for me to say. I’ve never experienced what my characters have. I’ve used the emotions I’ve felt from reading similar scenes in other stories to base my characters emotions. I’d like to think it’s realistic, but I’ll never truly know.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

No. The whole story is fully from my imagination. I have used things I’ve seen to describe what my characters see, so I suppose a little they are.

What books/stories have most influenced your life?

As a teen I read the Basketball diaries, I remember reading the strength Jim Carrol developed by the end of the story. It taught me to never let anything beat me; to always keep fighting to the end. More recently Viv introduced me to Tuesdays with Morrie. I would recommend everybody to read this book. It teaches you the value of life in so many ways.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Without any doubt it has to be Viv. She’s helped and encouraged me in so many ways. She’s the rock that I lean on when I doubt any aspect of my story.

What are you reading now?

With Trust by Dom. The Road Home by Tyler Peel (nifty college). Phalen by Roy (nifty college), and of course From Behind Those Eyes by Viv.

What new author has grasped your interest?

Well Viv obviously and Vance has grasped my interest and seems reluctant to let go!

What are your current projects?

Active is Runaways. On hold I have one unnamed.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Well I’ll no doubt get in trouble for referring to her as an entity but definitely Viv. Although, I don’t know if she counts now since she really has become family. After all family are the people you surround your self with.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

My parents have no Idea I write! Chris has been one hundred percent behind me all the way. (As long as I still break my time down, remembering him….)

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?

I would like to say long term. Time will tell.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?

No, my life stands as it is from my past. I truly love life; I wouldn’t change anything, even the hardest times.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

The audience for my story is pretty limited I think. The people who do read it are extremely vocal with their praise and criticism. I really would like to just say thank you. You guys are the reason I do this. Without you I wouldn’t want to do this, your reactions good or bad make it totally worth it. Thanks!