Ask the Author: Dave Wickenden
Answered Questions (9)
Dave Wickenden
It's not so much a mystery but a history. Before she died, my mother found out that she was of Acadian descent. I have been researching these poor souls and the horrible deportation by the British in 1755 out of their homeland of Nova Scotia. They were deported to locations around the globe, the most famous becoming the Cajuns of Louisiana. I have recently made a trip to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to research the event.
I have enough material to write at least 4-5 books, so watch for my first ever historical series that will read like a thriller.
I have enough material to write at least 4-5 books, so watch for my first ever historical series that will read like a thriller.
Dave Wickenden
Hi Steve, I'm not sure why it listed me having read the story twice. I assure you, I only read it the one time.
Dave Wickenden
Nobilis: Seeding by Stephen Coghlan
Flying without Wings by Paula Wynne
Throne of the Ancients by Carrie Summers
Bishop’s War Rafael Amadius Hines
The Shadow Keepers by Marisa Noelle
Soldier Boy by Keely Hutton
Nomad Nurse by Randall Moore
The Confessor’s Wife by Kelly Evans
Lineage by C. Vonzale Lewis
Colton Lang by Randall Moore
And just started One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Flying without Wings by Paula Wynne
Throne of the Ancients by Carrie Summers
Bishop’s War Rafael Amadius Hines
The Shadow Keepers by Marisa Noelle
Soldier Boy by Keely Hutton
Nomad Nurse by Randall Moore
The Confessor’s Wife by Kelly Evans
Lineage by C. Vonzale Lewis
Colton Lang by Randall Moore
And just started One Good Deed by David Baldacci
Dave Wickenden
I am currently working on two sequels. The first will follow IN DEFENSE OF INNOCENCE while the other will follow my third and as yet, unpublished story, MAD DOG which deals with a group of friends in 1975 in my own hometown of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
Dave Wickenden
I'm considered a pantser which means I do not use an outline for my story. I usually have a start point and an end point in mind, but how I get from one to the other I let the story and the characters decide for me. Sometimes research will influence me or even past experiences.
As for inspiration, a day without writing is like a day without food. I feel empty and unsettled, so I need very little inspiration to sit down and write.
As for inspiration, a day without writing is like a day without food. I feel empty and unsettled, so I need very little inspiration to sit down and write.
Dave Wickenden
The original idea for IN DEFENSE OF INNOCENCE came from the continuous number of news reports of child abuse with our society. As one follows these stories it becomes evident that even though this is a horrible crime, the punishments never seem to fit the crime.
Speaking with other people concerning this topic I found emotions became very high especially from parents who have stated that they would take the law into their hands if someone touched their children.
That became the start of my story.
Speaking with other people concerning this topic I found emotions became very high especially from parents who have stated that they would take the law into their hands if someone touched their children.
That became the start of my story.
Dave Wickenden
The best advice I can give to new writers is to keep plugging away. writing is all about long term. Everything takes a long time to get done, so don't rush to get published. Take the extra time to revise and rewrite. Edit or consider hiring an editor - they are worth their weight in gold will help you present your story in the best light. Querying takes 3-6 months of waiting. Publishing can take as long as 18 months so keep writing!
And don't forget to read others and post reviews.
And don't forget to read others and post reviews.
Dave Wickenden
To me the best thing about being a writer is that I am always learning new things. In my stories, I try to reflect how the average individual might react given a certain situation so I try to make as realistic as possible. For IN DEFENSE OF INNOCENCE I had to explore the dark subject of child exploitation and abuse, but also real police tactics in battling this type of crime. I touched only the surface of the Native Residential School System (I hope to do the subject better justice in a future story) and had to familiarize myself with not only Canadian laws but also how other countries battle this type of crime
Dave Wickenden
I try to have a least two projects. If nothing is happening with one, I switch to the other. Sometimes you need a break. don't worry, your subconscious is working on getting you beyond the stumbling block that you were having trouble with and it will work it out. But there is no reason to sit around and do nothing.
There is always social media, blogging, outlining - if you do that (I don't) researching or reading (Never forget reading)
There is always a lot to do if you get yourself stuck. You may find inspiration anywhere.
Don't give up!
There is always social media, blogging, outlining - if you do that (I don't) researching or reading (Never forget reading)
There is always a lot to do if you get yourself stuck. You may find inspiration anywhere.
Don't give up!
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more