WELCOME DOUGLAS MCLEOD
we are so happy to have you here today for this wonderful interview.
When
did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve
had an interest in creative writing since I was a child in Grade 6,
so when I was about 11. I was mostly doing it for laughs, but it
wasn’t until I started doing NaNoWriMo that I started to pursue it
more vigilantly.
How
long does it take you to write a book?
That
depends nowadays. In NaNoWriMo, the objective is to write a 50,000
word novel within the 30 days of November; however, they have since
established two sister sessions during the summer. Nowadays, it
depends on the length of the book, and what free time I can get to
sit down and write.
What
is your work schedule like when you're writing?
It’s
pretty hectic. I hold three positions with the organization I work
for, so trying to write can be a challenge. For one of my short
poetry collections, I can do that in a couple of weeks, if even that
long. Novels will take me a few months to hammer out.
What
would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
That’s
a toss-up. I like to say I’m a frenzy writer; trying to write a
novel in a short period of time. I think the idea of a set deadline
and word limit motivates me to be creative. I’m also known to have
a few pots on the stove, so if one project is giving me problems,
another one will creep into my consciousness, and I’ll start
working on that. It can be a detriment, though. I have one first
draft that has been sitting on my hard drive for over a year that’s
half-finished. I need to get back to it.
How
do your books get published?
I
confess, I’m a self-published author. I use Createspace for my
paperbacks, and currently use Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for my
eBooks. I used to have my books on other sites (i.e. Kobo and Barnes
& Noble’s Nook service), but the allure of bigger royalties
(and being paid more promptly) by KDP took me away from them.
Where
do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Most
of my ideas come from things I’m a fan of with a spattering of
current events mixed in. My first detective novel was an homage to my
favourite television series, set at the show’s fan convention.
Then, the third book in the detective genre was set during a pro
sporting event/festival. For that, I delved into the history of the
event, and sprinkled in little factoids about its’ past. For my
romance books, I sought inspiration from other books I’ve read from
the genre, and try to put my own spin on them.
When
did you write your first book and how old were you?
This
is funny, the first detective novel I attempted to write was an
18/19-year old guy in high school. But, I admit, it was rather corny,
so it never saw the light of day. Fast forward to NaNoWriMo in 2009,
and I decided to resurrect the idea, but with an updated storyline
where the main character was 20 years older, but still fighting
crime. The book was flawed, so I went back to the drawing board for
re-tinkering. Two years later, I re-launched the series by adding a
new partner for the MC who became his girlfriend, and an additional
supporting character, and “Scarlet Siege” was born. The 2009 NaNo
project was re-written, and released as “Barbadian Backlash”;
both are available together in the mini-anthology, “Gary Celdom
Case Journals: Volume One”.
What
do you like to do when you're not writing?
When
I’m not writing, or working, I like to relax at home while watching
TV, or listening to music. I am a huge sports fan, so I try to make
it out to the odd game. Canadian football and lacrosse are my primary
sports of choice, but I have been known to attend the odd ice hockey
or baseball game.
What
does your family think of your writing?
My
family has been very supportive in my writing endeavors. In fact, one
of my alter egos, C. D. Melley, was created as an homage to my late
great aunt, Pat, who passed away in 2013 after a lengthy battle with
lung cancer.
What
was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your
books?
I
think the most surprising thing for me is learning that I had the
ability to write different genres. I always thought my detective
series would be my “go to” genre, but as I’ve branched out into
romance – both contemporary, and slightly erotic – I’ve
realized that I could write a likable story in the genre, at least I
hope it’s likable.
How
many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Over
my three personas, I’ve written seven books: three in my detective
series, two poetry collections, a contemporary romance, and a steamy
romance serial. My favorite of them all has to be my detective books
because the MC has been in my psyche since my school days, and I feel
he’s grown up with me; even if he’s been dormant for two decades.
Do
you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so,
what are they?
My
suggestions are two-fold. First, try to write every day, if even just
a few words. These will help keep the creative juices flowing, and
not silence your muse. Second, don’t forget to read other books in
the genres you’re interested in. It might give you some story ideas
you could play with for your own works.
Do
you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Alas,
the reviews I have received have been few and far between. That being
said, the ones I have received have been favorable; the majority in
the 4/5 range, and citing that they enjoy my story ideas, and are
eager to see what I will come up with next.
Do
you like to create books for adults?
I
find it an interesting foray. Normally, I geared my detective books
for a young adult genre; however, when I ventured into the
romance-genre waters, I saw it as an opportunity to sauce things up a
bit. While it can be a challenge to write a sex scene without
resorting to typical “guy language”, or the abomination in
writing that “Fifty Shades” is, I do the best that I can that
help add to the storyline, and drives the plot.
What
do you think makes a good story?
In
my opinion, a good story has to have compelling characters you want
to be invested in, and offer a plot that gives you something to
consider as a possibility. I believe that even in romantic fantasies,
there has to be an inkling of the plausible in it.
As
a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Funny
you should ask that. In my Grade 7 yearbook, they suggested I would
become a sports broadcaster. I never thought of myself of having a
face for television, so probably a radio broadcaster.
Books
by Douglas J. McLeod
Books
by C. D. Melley
Books
by Crimson Nuage
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