Ask the Author: Danny R. Smith
Answered Questions (11)
Danny R. Smith
Everything Dennis Lehane has written. He's become my favorite author, and I'm buzzing through his books. I'll get some reviews written very soon!
Danny R. Smith
Douglas, thank you, sir. I appreciate the kind feedback. I do strive for the authentic feel of partners, and I get a lot of cops and former cops who tell me it really sets the novels apart from other police procedurals. I'm very glad you enjoy it, and I can tell you that it is fun to write.
To answer your question, several of the characters in my books are based upon actual people I have known and worked with throughout my career, Floyd being one of them.
To answer your question, several of the characters in my books are based upon actual people I have known and worked with throughout my career, Floyd being one of them.
Danny R. Smith
Currently, about four to six months, from the time I begin until it is published. When I retire from my business in the next couple of years, I hope to write three or four novels per year. Thank you for the question, Kyle.
Danny R. Smith
Thanks for the question, Bicky. I originally chose to do so to add conflict to the storyline, the captain separating the two but nothing can keep them apart, type of deal. No matter that they are no longer partners, they always seem to be working together. The real upside was the addition of some of the new characters who have become favorites of my readers, especially Josie Sanchez, and to a lesser degree Davey Lopes. But Floyd is there throughout.
In the fourth book THE COLOR DEAD, being released May 1, 2019, a situation puts Dickie and Floyd back together again in a way that is much more like the first book. Thank you for the question, and for reading my books! Danny
In the fourth book THE COLOR DEAD, being released May 1, 2019, a situation puts Dickie and Floyd back together again in a way that is much more like the first book. Thank you for the question, and for reading my books! Danny
Danny R. Smith
Thank you for the question, Bicky. No, is the short answer. I enjoyed my career in law enforcement and never had a single thought of being a writer. I wish I had; I would have kept a journal. It was only after leaving law enforcement that I started writing and found the love of it. Danny
Danny R. Smith
The book A Good Bunch of Men was inspired mostly by the very interesting and entertaining partnership I had with my best partner and friend over the last thirty years. "Floyd" is such an engaging, witty, and charismatic character, it made writing the book a fun experience. I promise you will laugh out loud at times, thanks to Floyd. The book is a tribute to him.
This would be a good time to point out that the pen name Dickie Floyd is a combination of the nicknames my partner and I gave to one another many years ago.
This would be a good time to point out that the pen name Dickie Floyd is a combination of the nicknames my partner and I gave to one another many years ago.
Danny R. Smith
Coffee.
After morning chores and some form of exercise, I find it most enjoyable to settle in behind my computer with a cup of coffee made from freshly ground, dark-roast beans, and brewed by a slow pour-over method. What's better?
After morning chores and some form of exercise, I find it most enjoyable to settle in behind my computer with a cup of coffee made from freshly ground, dark-roast beans, and brewed by a slow pour-over method. What's better?
Danny R. Smith
I am currently working on a novel that is a fast-paced crime drama about a convict, fresh out of the joint, who can't stay out of trouble now matter how hard he tries. It is obviously his bad luck, or so he believes. After he commits a murder, he is on the run, and while on the run he finds himself encountering many adversaries that he deals with in a variety of ways, some to his advantage, and some not so much.
Meanwhile, the young lady he kills is a distant relative (through a failed marriage) to a recently retired, very accomplished and also suicidal homicide detective. This detective is derailed from his exit strategy by the girl's death, and he travels from LA to Louisiana, and then to Idaho, working on the case of the missing-turned-murdered relative. While doing so he meets a very intelligent, attractive young lady who joins him in his journey. She is too young for him, and he knows it. So does she, but as they spend time together, natural is taking its own course.
This novel is very different from A Good Bunch of Men in that the characters are all new creations, and the story is told from third-person POV, allowing much more depth to the characters. Although GBoM is near and dear to my heart as it is "loosely" based on the characters of me and my old partner, I actually think this next, yet unnamed novel is going to be my personal favorite.
Look for it to be released in the spring of 2018, if all goes as planned.
Meanwhile, the young lady he kills is a distant relative (through a failed marriage) to a recently retired, very accomplished and also suicidal homicide detective. This detective is derailed from his exit strategy by the girl's death, and he travels from LA to Louisiana, and then to Idaho, working on the case of the missing-turned-murdered relative. While doing so he meets a very intelligent, attractive young lady who joins him in his journey. She is too young for him, and he knows it. So does she, but as they spend time together, natural is taking its own course.
This novel is very different from A Good Bunch of Men in that the characters are all new creations, and the story is told from third-person POV, allowing much more depth to the characters. Although GBoM is near and dear to my heart as it is "loosely" based on the characters of me and my old partner, I actually think this next, yet unnamed novel is going to be my personal favorite.
Look for it to be released in the spring of 2018, if all goes as planned.
Danny R. Smith
Read the book On Writing by Stephen King. Also read The Elements of Style by Strunk & White, and keep that book handy. I think many people have great ideas and stories to tell, but all too often they attempt to write a book without learning how to write a book. The first manuscript I wrote I've thrown away. They say you have to write a book to learn how to write a book. I believe it. So that first manuscript was sent to agents and publishers and was scrutinized (brutally) at conferences and seminars, and it dramatically changed how I write.
Danny R. Smith
The best thing about being a writer is creating. I find it therapeutic to write, and I very much enjoy all aspects of writing, but truthfully it comes down to creating something that you are proud of, that you can call your own, and that others will enjoy.
Danny R. Smith
When I hit a wall, I'll typically go back a few chapters or maybe even to the beginning of my manuscript and start reading. As I read, edit, and often add to what I've already written, the ideas usually flow freely and I'm back on course. Also, I keep notes on my phone with ideas. So no matter where I am or what I am doing, if I think of something, hear something, or see something that stimulates ideas, I can memorialize it for later. These notes are great to review when the writer's block strikes.
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