Ask the Author: David Hechler
Answered Questions (4)
David Hechler
A friend of mind knew that I was interested in the problem of distinguishing between sudden infant death syndrome and murder. She knew of a case in South Carolina that she thought would demonstrate just how tricky this can be. She was right!
David Hechler
I think it's self-indulgent for writers to wait for inspiration. Imagine hiring an electrician to install a light fixture, and finding him standing next to it an hour later because, he said, "I'm waiting to get inspired."
David Hechler
Practice as many different kinds of writing as you can. The skills you learn from one kind of writing can be tremendously useful when you try something different. Interviewing people is a key skill for nearly all writers. It can produce a publishable piece of nonfiction, and at the same time teach you a great deal about dialogue if you're also interested in writing fiction.
David Hechler
It's an occupation (and preoccupation) that's full of surprises. I'm often surprised by a subject that grabs me, and surprised again at what it drew out of me. It can be difficult to predict what will connect with readers, and how it will hit them--and confounding to discover what misses. It's often instructive and always interesting.
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