Interview Yourself #14: Emotions, Standalones and Lit Mags

Hi, folks! Today, I’m continuing with a new, unique series of posts. In the coming weeks, I’m going to be interviewing myself using pre-written questions from other blog sites, like these ones via BookFox.

It’s going to be a lot of fun, and a great way for me to reveal a little bit more about myself, my writing and my habits. Are you ready? Good – let’s get started.

 

 

Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?

For sure – they could write non-fiction for a start. Emotions can get in the way when you’re working on that.

 

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

I’m friends with literally dozens of other authors, too many to name individually. But they all help out because we inspire each other and can pick each other’s brains when we need to. We buy each other’s books, too.

 

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

I suppose it’s a little bit of both. I hope that they all add to my reputation, and they all reflect who I am to a different extent. I’ve actually recently been working on tying each of the books together within the fictional worlds that they’re set in. Characters and locations overlapping and stuff.

 

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Stick at it, work harder and stop drinking and smoking because you’re older now and your body hates you.

 

How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

I think it gave me a good education on how to release a professional quality book, and that hopefully it passed on to my other works. It hasn’t really changed my writing process – it’s just that they’ve changed how I release and market them.

 

Dane Cobain

 

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

Probably the money that I put into Amazon vouchers for the competition on my book blog, SocialBookshelves.com. It helped the site to take off, and the site itself then led to my first publishing contract.

 

What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?

The first name that comes to mind is Stephen King. The first book of his that I read was The Shining, and I didn’t think much of it. But now I’m a die-hard fan.

 

What did you do with your first advance?

Alas, I didn’t get an advance. But with my first royalty check, I treated myself to a drink. Yeah, that’s how much I earned from it.

 

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

Great question, but it’s a hard one to answer. It was probably when I first learned the effect that swearing had if I did it in front of my parents.

 

What are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?

I don’t really read magazines. But I would say that if you’re interested in literary magazines, I’d recommend dipping in and out and sampling different ones, rather than just sticking with one. That way, you get a wider free of view of the work that’s on offer.

 

Dane Cobain – Come On Up to the House

 

So there we have it – that’s the latest instalment of Interview Yourself over and done with! Thanks, as always, for reading, and be sure to keep your browser pointed to DaneCobain.com. You can also sign up to my mailing list, follow me on Facebook and Twitter or check out my books for further info. I’ll see you soon!