David John Griffin author| Literary | Magical Realism | Slipstream
David John Griffin
literary / gothic / magical realism / paranormal
Frequently Asked Questions
CAN I HAVE A REVIEW COPY OF ONE OF YOUR BOOKS?
For review copies of Alastair Stubb, Infinite Rooms or Two Dogs, please contact the publisher matthew@urbanepublications.com. For a review copy of Abbie And The Portal, please contact me via the contact form.
CAN I INTERVIEW YOU ON MY BLOG?
That would be appreciated, thank you, though because of my busy schedule I can’t promise i’ll accept every invitation.
CAN YOU READ AND CRITIQUE MY MANUSCRIPT/SHORT STORY?
I’m sorry, no – I just haven’t got the time. I recommend you join a writing group, invite members of your family to read your stories, or hire a professional proofreader.
WHEN DID YOU REALISE YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
At the age of six! A schoolteacher gave me so much encouragement when I was in her writing class. Her enthusiasm rubbed off on me. I wrote a novella in longhand when I was fourteen, and that cemented the realisation that I wanted to be a professional writer.
DO YOU OUTLINE YOUR BOOKS AHEAD OF TIME OR GO WITH THE FLOW WHEN YOU WRITE?
It depends: a lot of my books are written without any outline or plan though I do need to know the beginning, middle and end. Then I’ve filled in the gaps! But the more novels I am writing, the more planning I am doing. It never gets any easier, no matter how much one writes…
DO YOU BASE YOUR CHARACTERS OFF PEOPLE YOU KNOW IN REAL LIFE?
Very occasionally I have been inspired by a real life person but the majority of the time, they come straight out of my imagination.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS?
I wish I knew then I’d perhaps have even more ideas! Sometimes dreams or a newspaper ad, or even a television program might spark an idea though.
WILL THERE BE A MOVIE OR TV SHOW FOR YOUR BOOKS?
At the moment, none of my books are contracted for a movie or TV show. I hope it would happen one day, understandably.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WRITING ENVIRONMENT?
I write on in my office, which I call the studio, and occasionally write in my shed at the bottom of the garden (during the Summer months). This has a nice captain’s chair and writing desk there.
I WANT TO WRITE A BOOK. WHERE SHOULD I START?
Try to write everyday, I would advise, even if it’s for only half an hour. The more you write (and read) the better you will get. Write your first draft from start to finish, without going back to edit or correction what you have written. These processes happen in subsequent drafts. Try NaNoWriMo perhaps. Don’t try to imitate but be inspired by other writers. Find your own voice.
I’VE FINISHED WRITING A BOOK! HOW DO I GET IT PUBLISHED?
Once your book is completely finished, which includes all editing and proofreading, you need to decide whether or not you want to self-publish or try to get a traditional publisher. If you want to go traditional, there are publishers who accept unsolicited manuscripts but these are in the minority. The majority require the author to have the services of a literary agent. If you want to self-publish, there are a number of places to do this, either paid for or free to upload the cover and insides files. One company I can recommend is CreateSpace.com, an Amazon company. Another place to consider is Lulu.com.