Ask the Author: Dave Riese
Answered Questions (7)
Dave Riese
My unusual choice is Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin whose friendship spans twenty novels by Patrick O'Brian. The British naval adventures of the two men play out against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Over the course of the series, we read about the respect they have for one and other, the way their individual talents complement each other, and the disagreements that crop up between friends. I am ready to start reading the last volume and look forward to visiting these characters who are as real as any couple in literature.
Dave Riese
One inspiration comes from the books and stories I read. By this I don’t mean the subject matter of the work, but instead the tone, point of view, and writing style. These factors trigger a memory that inspires me to write or to rewrite an existing story that isn’t working in its present form.
Another inspiration results from a connection I make between a past event in my childhood and an event either in my adult life or in the life of my children. This connection forms the basis for a story that, in the end, may be far different from the original events.
My recent book, Echo from Mount Royal, was inspired by my friendship with an elderly Jewish woman I frequently met in the coffee shop downstairs from my office. When she learned that I was a part-time writer, she told me many stories about her experiences growing up in Montreal before and after WWII.
Her story about her engagement as an 18-year-old girl astounded me. She invited me to ‘write it up,’ thinking it would make an interesting short story. Instead it became the basis for my debut novel, Echo from Mount Royal.
Another inspiration results from a connection I make between a past event in my childhood and an event either in my adult life or in the life of my children. This connection forms the basis for a story that, in the end, may be far different from the original events.
My recent book, Echo from Mount Royal, was inspired by my friendship with an elderly Jewish woman I frequently met in the coffee shop downstairs from my office. When she learned that I was a part-time writer, she told me many stories about her experiences growing up in Montreal before and after WWII.
Her story about her engagement as an 18-year-old girl astounded me. She invited me to ‘write it up,’ thinking it would make an interesting short story. Instead it became the basis for my debut novel, Echo from Mount Royal.
Dave Riese
I generally have a good idea where I want the piece I'm writing to go. If I just jump in with both feet, I find that after a while my creativity takes over and I'll make progress.
There's always editing to do on the current book and old stories lying around to be resurrected. If I'm really stuck, a trivial event, a book I'm reading, something I've seen, or an overheard conversation will often set me off on a new story or blog entry.
There's always something to write about. Maybe not what you think you should write, but that's when surprising destinations are found.
There's always editing to do on the current book and old stories lying around to be resurrected. If I'm really stuck, a trivial event, a book I'm reading, something I've seen, or an overheard conversation will often set me off on a new story or blog entry.
There's always something to write about. Maybe not what you think you should write, but that's when surprising destinations are found.
Dave Riese
Writing keeps me grounded and improves my self-confidence. If I don't write for several days, I begin to doubt my abilities and my normal, cheerful disposition suffers. Writing allows me to 'zone out' of the real world and enter the realm of creativity for several hours. It's a powerful feeling to live with characters and to be surprised by their taking on lives of their own. At the end of the day, the feeling of accomplishment is wonderful.
Of course, there are days when the writing doesn't seem to go well, but I've learned over time that waiting a day to reread the previous day's output proves that one's work is never as bad as one imagines it..
Of course, there are days when the writing doesn't seem to go well, but I've learned over time that waiting a day to reread the previous day's output proves that one's work is never as bad as one imagines it..
Dave Riese
When asked how she wrote so many books, Nora Roberts answered 'Ass in chair.' That's the best advice for aspiring writers. Spend time each week and write. Not thinking about writing. WRITING. Keep a journal to record thoughts and impressions. It's amazing how those little notes can inspire you years later. Edit, edit, edit. Don't show anyone your work until you've gone over it carefully 5 times. Develop a thick skin. Don’t argue when someone offers criticism. Some of ‘my’ best ideas have been suggested by other writers. Take writing classes at adult education centers. Join a writer’s critique group. You'll learn as much critiquing others' work as you will from their reviews of your work. Join Facebook and LinkedIn groups for writers. Send out your work to websites that publish new authors --- not to make money, but to get your work out there and gain self-confidence. Never give up. Don’t panic if you think that you’ve got ‘writers block.’ Sit down and write whatever comes into your head. You are a writer as long as you write. Publishing doesn't make you a writer. Take time to live your life. You don't know everything when you're 25 or even 40. I’m still learning at 68. Observe, listen, and daydream. Good luck.
Dave Riese
Authors are superstitious about discussing their next project. They may discover after six months of writing that the novel or memoir isn’t working and abandon it. Inevitably, when people learn you’re a writer, they’ll ask, “Who’s your agent?” and “When will it be published?” and “Is it about anyone I know?” The writer often underestimates the time required to finish the work (I needed an extra year for Echo from Mount Royal), then feels compelled to justify why the book is taking so long to complete. These discussions never end well.
Nevertheless I often ignore my own advice. I’ve started a fictional memoir based on the last years in the lives of my parents when I faced the fact that they will not be with him much longer. Watching them fail both physically and mentally caused me to confront my own mortality. The novel will explore how memories change over time to reveal my parents in a different light. Of course, there will be family secrets. I hope to show how memories both deceive us and encourage us to reexamine our lives.
And, no, I do not know when it will be finished.
Nevertheless I often ignore my own advice. I’ve started a fictional memoir based on the last years in the lives of my parents when I faced the fact that they will not be with him much longer. Watching them fail both physically and mentally caused me to confront my own mortality. The novel will explore how memories change over time to reveal my parents in a different light. Of course, there will be family secrets. I hope to show how memories both deceive us and encourage us to reexamine our lives.
And, no, I do not know when it will be finished.
Dave Riese
It has been said that the writer doesn’t choose his story; instead the story chooses him. For many years in the morning, I bought a cup of coffee and read a book in the café downstairs from my office. This quiet half- hour provided a welcome transition between the aggravation of commuting and the pressure and fast pace of work.
Over time I recognized other patrons who remained in the café rather than grabbing a coffee and rushing back to work. One day I met an elderly woman named Riva. I laugh because I ‘heard’ Riva before I met her. She has an irrepressible laugh and a voice that can fill an auditorium. One day she stopped at my table and asked what book I was reading. Over time, we discovered we shared the same taste in literature – novels by English and Irish writers.
In March 2012, I told the coffee group I was retiring at the end of April. “What do you plan to do?” Riva asked.
“I’m going to write. Short stories, maybe a novel.”
“I’ve got a story you can write up,” she said.
Over the next half hour, Riva talked about her engagement when she was 18 years old, living in Montreal over 60 years ago. The ending of her story shocked me and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I began writing in June, 2012. Riva was surprised when I brought in chapter after chapter for her to read. “I thought this was going to be a short story,” she said. Like the apprentice’s broomsticks, the chapters kept coming. When I gave her a complete manuscript to read 10 months later, she hefted the package. “This weighs more than a short story.”
Over time I recognized other patrons who remained in the café rather than grabbing a coffee and rushing back to work. One day I met an elderly woman named Riva. I laugh because I ‘heard’ Riva before I met her. She has an irrepressible laugh and a voice that can fill an auditorium. One day she stopped at my table and asked what book I was reading. Over time, we discovered we shared the same taste in literature – novels by English and Irish writers.
In March 2012, I told the coffee group I was retiring at the end of April. “What do you plan to do?” Riva asked.
“I’m going to write. Short stories, maybe a novel.”
“I’ve got a story you can write up,” she said.
Over the next half hour, Riva talked about her engagement when she was 18 years old, living in Montreal over 60 years ago. The ending of her story shocked me and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I began writing in June, 2012. Riva was surprised when I brought in chapter after chapter for her to read. “I thought this was going to be a short story,” she said. Like the apprentice’s broomsticks, the chapters kept coming. When I gave her a complete manuscript to read 10 months later, she hefted the package. “This weighs more than a short story.”
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