This week, we’re talking with Darren E. Watling, about his book A Future Apocalypse Caught in a Trilogy.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
As a drummer in a rock n' roll band for many years, I tried not to drool too much.
Why do you write?
Well…right at this point in time, I'm supposed to be doing the dishes, but my partner is performing the task, as I told her I'm busy buying her something on line.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I read a short four-page story entitled, ‘Deception', by Jill Stubbs-Mills. Jill submitted her story to the publishers. The review was outstanding. Unfortunately, Jill had succumbed to health issues and was not able to take her story to the next stage. I approached Jill and asked for her blessing to re-write her short story into a novel. Mum was down with that and I simply had to add seventy thousand or so words. When I was a kid, mum made me do dishes.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Call it humorous, but it's hilarious, I find comedy funny.
How would you describe your writing process?
I see a straight line story and stick to it rigidly. I never deviate from thought patterns. (Am I being mean by not doing the dishes?) I begin writing, veering to the left and staggering to the right, eventually and finally arriving at what must be: The end.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I believe, ‘word of mouth', goes a long way. Fortunately, the word of mouth in the form of a projectile vomit that originates in the belly of the ‘happy one star critic', from an evil, dark, humourless, possibly religious out-look on life, (twisted head included), can imitate but a small rock on life's road of apple carts. Do you think I should offer to do the dishes?
What advice would you have for other writers?
Writing your story is like your ticket for the ride. It has just begun.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I mentioned a last chance several times through the book. An apocalypse story- Last Chance it is. I gave an artist my idea for the cover, and first crack, they nailed it. An award winning cover. I'm feeling a bit guilty. I should offer to do them, shouldn't I?
What's your next step?
Book 2, second instalment of the trilogy of trilogies is well underway- The Second Last Chance- ‘Darren has reached deeply into the very bottom of toilet humour.' Ah well, she's nearly finished them now.
What book do you wish you had written?
The bible. A few commandments would relate to tasking the dishes.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Well, some people consider everyone that has an opinion, they also have an anus and they realise they don't want to listen to either. I for one, must say, from experience, having a conversation with a talking anus can be amusing at first, but soon enough, it gets up your nose.
