General FAQ
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10 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT DAN MACDONALD:
1. How were you in school? I wasn’t that great in school. In fact, had some trouble in school.
2. What are your favorite movies and TV shows? Rambo, MASH, and Saturday Night Fever.
3. What are you afraid of? Snakes, Heights, and fire.
4. What do you like to collect? I used to do old radio, but I don’t anymore.
5. Do you like any sports teams? Yankees, and the NY Giants
6. What was your first car? Yes, good memories. It was a 1970 Ford Country Squire. Memories in that car.
7. What would you give up if you had to choose? Beer, no way, Coffee. If I had to do that, I would Choose Death.
8. What pets did you have, and do you have any now? We had cats, dogs, birds, lizards, and mini turtles. No pets now.
9. What sports or things do you enjoy? I have been playing guitar for a while, and now my fingers work when playing classical Guitar. Hiking, skiing, shoe showing, Bike touring and riding, Amateur radio. Shortwave listening, Computer programming, Crosswords, Scrabble, cribbage, and cheese. Boating (even though it’s been a long time).
10 Do you belong to any groups or have belonged to any groups? I am more of a long wolf type, LOL. But I was also a member of Amateur Radio traffic nets, Mars, and the Repeater club. Appalachian Trail Club.
Now you know the rest of the story. Thanks for stopping in.
On Dan's writing and Publishing
What is your writing routine?
I I get up, make my coffee(I don't move without my coffee), and start writing, sitting at my computer and writing for
about 5 to 8 hours. Sometime more.
How much do you write in one day?
t I try to write 1500-2000 words a day. But if I am not well, maybe only 1000. I write sick or not, I still write.
How do you handle rejection and criticism?`
Handling rejection and criticism is sometimes difficult. It all depends on how you give it and who will get it. If it is in a positive, helpful way, that is ok, and I enjoy listening and taking, and maybe learning. We are told to keep it professional, but some people make it hard. Especially for those who have never written or have little writing experience, it can be hard to accept.
This is not school or College writing. This is fiction writing; creative writing is somewhat different. We have to worry pos's the elements of Fiction and structure. In a school paper, you worry about fragments and run-ons.
What is your favorite part of a writing job?
I enjoy researching for my writing and learning about many subjects. I appreciate the entire process and the positive reception of my books and stories. Currently, I am working on Cristal Cave, researching what lives 3,000 feet below ground. When my story feels good, and my characters feel alive, I become immersed in the narrative.
How do your family and friends take you as a writer?
My family and friends do not accept my writing as enthusiastically as they used to. Many keep their distance. I am unsure if their hesitance is due to Amvey, Jellis, or another reason.
How have your books and stories been received, and where do you sell them? Like Professional Editorial Reviews?
Overall, my books have been positively received. Editorial Reviews and online reviews, such as Yahoo Scout
and Google Reviews, provided encouraging feedback. Analytical synopses have also affirmed my work.
How and when did you start writing?
I began writing in college. My first experience was in 1990, writing about computer systems and programming. In 2008, I attended a second college for Media and Animation and took a Creative Writing class. My professors praised my story "Lost Footsteps" and encouraged me to publish it, which I did. Since then, I completed four courses from Great Courses and a master's class, including one with Dan Brown and other well-known authors. These classes were helpful, and attending conferences allowed me to share ideas and discuss writing.
Are your books selling?
Yes, now I am in 35 countries and counting, and in stores. It took me six years to get known. My top sales are Lost Footsteps, Terry Hill, and my Bedtime Stories, which follow and are not far behind. I couldn’t think of anything else, except animation, which I enjoy doing so much.