Ask the Author: Devi Di Guida
Answered Questions (6)
Devi Di Guida
The theme of The Cayman Hustle is the journey of a deaf college graduate. The sequence of events that inspired me to have a deaf protagonist are:-
On a cold winter day in Montreal, a six-year-old boy rang my doorbell. His hands and fingers were moving in all directions.
I tried to have a conversation with him and he continued with more hand movements, all the while smiling. I misinterpreted this unusual visitor as a rude child and so I waved him goodbye and closed the door. He returned five minutes later with his voice –his older brother who explained that they had just moved into the neighbourhood and his deaf brother was looking for friends. He wanted to play with my children. This deaf child was a constant visitor and an absolute joy to our household until his family moved away.
I never forget him nor that day I was so judgemental.
On a very hot summer day on a beach in The Cayman Islands, I met a twenty-five year old deaf college student whose field of study was Neuroscience. He, and his friends were having a reunion. For a week, I observed the camaraderie that they shared and how the friends were always looking out for the well- being of this deaf man. And I think again of that deaf boy in Montreal. The Cayman Hustle was born on that beautiful beach. But it is my deaf sister who cannot function without a hearing aid in each ear who truly inspired me to write a novel with a deaf protagonist.
On a cold winter day in Montreal, a six-year-old boy rang my doorbell. His hands and fingers were moving in all directions.
I tried to have a conversation with him and he continued with more hand movements, all the while smiling. I misinterpreted this unusual visitor as a rude child and so I waved him goodbye and closed the door. He returned five minutes later with his voice –his older brother who explained that they had just moved into the neighbourhood and his deaf brother was looking for friends. He wanted to play with my children. This deaf child was a constant visitor and an absolute joy to our household until his family moved away.
I never forget him nor that day I was so judgemental.
On a very hot summer day on a beach in The Cayman Islands, I met a twenty-five year old deaf college student whose field of study was Neuroscience. He, and his friends were having a reunion. For a week, I observed the camaraderie that they shared and how the friends were always looking out for the well- being of this deaf man. And I think again of that deaf boy in Montreal. The Cayman Hustle was born on that beautiful beach. But it is my deaf sister who cannot function without a hearing aid in each ear who truly inspired me to write a novel with a deaf protagonist.
Devi Di Guida
Inspiration comes from reading, watching news and meeting people.
Devi Di Guida
I am working on The Chakra Stone, a sequel to The Cayman Hustle. It picks up on the lives of Kaman, the deaf protagonist and India, his girlfriend.
Devi Di Guida
My advice would be to read what accomplished authors have written in the genre you are writing. Stay true to yourself and what you want to write. Listen to the critiques of your beta readers. They see the parts that don’t drive the story which you, the writer, often miss. I found this advice on a writer’s blog … always read and re-read your chapters out loud. If it doesn’t read well to you, chances are, it won’t read well to your readers.
Devi Di Guida
To see your work published. There’s a certain sense of accomplishment. It helps when readers review your written work .
Devi Di Guida
I re-read what I wrote and make notes. By re-reading, I get ideas for new scenes. Before I go to bed, I read what I wrote in the day and brainstorm with myself to drive the story forward. Does it work – sometimes– but not all the time. When it doesn’t work, I don’t beat myself up. I move on. I head to the corner store and load up on chocolates.
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