Ask the Author: David Gaughran
Answered Questions (7)
David Gaughran
I really don't know. The outcome of the class action suit could have a big effect on Author Solutions' future, but I'd hate to let that be the ultimate arbiter as federal class actions are judged on very technical grounds and fail all the time for reasons nothing to do with the issues at stake. In general though, I think Penguin Random House, the owner of Author Solutions, and the other publishers who partner with them have been largely getting a pass from the writing/publishing community. It's amazing when you contrast the level of criticism Amazon gets for things it *might* do in the future with the complete lack of criticism Penguin Random House gets for the large-scale exploitation of writers at Author Solutions. That has to stop. I've no problem with Amazon being subjected to scrutiny - it should be - but Penguin Random House is getting away with it, aided and abetted by the press who either won't write articles about what's going on (but are happy to slam Amazon on the flimsiest pretext), or just write Author Solutions puff pieces because Author Solutions is an advertiser. It's shameful and drives me crazy.
David Gaughran
That's a tricky question. Writing non-fiction is easier for me. It feels like there's less moving parts than fiction and the whole process is less frustrating in general. But I have a greater sense of accomplishment when finishing a novel - perhaps because I find the challenge much more demanding, I don't know. I get a lot out of writing non-fiction, but I do see myself as primarily a fiction writer, and I suspect that when I finally shuffle off this mortal coil I will have put out a large collection of novels and just a handful of non-fiction books. But it's all fun... when I'm not tearing my hair out!
David Gaughran
For a while now, I've had a vague notion of writing a series of (nominally unrelated) books which explored the history of Latin America through key moments. A Storm Hits Valparaiso covered the independence wars. My most recent novel, Mercenary, explores the very beginnings of American involvement in Central America. And I'm planning future books set in WWII Brazil, and, finally, 1970s Argentina. I thought Mercenary was going to be all about rapacious banana companies and American imperialistic meddling, but it turned out quite differently. There is a little of that in the background, but predominantly it's the story of a soldier of fortune called Lee Christmas. He was a fascinating character, one of the most famous men in America 100 years ago, but almost completely forgotten today. As soon as I started reading about him, I knew he would be the focus of the book.
David Gaughran
The dress code. I don't think my old employers would have been too crazy about my current habit of shaving twice a year.
David Gaughran
When you are blocked, the best way to beat that is simply to sit down and write. It often feels impossible, or that only garbage will come out, until you actually start. The words usually start flowing. And even if they are garbage, that's better than nothing. Everything can be fixed in the rewrite... except for a blank page. And anyway, once you expel the junk, the good stuff tends to flow right after. If all that doesn't work, go for a walk. Leave the smartphone at home. Let the mind wander. I'm convinced that boredom is a crucial part in the creative process. I get most of my ideas when I'm stuck somewhere, on a bus gazing out a window, delayed in an airport. When you're bored your mind can go off on interesting tangents, which can help unblock you creatively. And if all THAT doesn't work, try refilling your creative well by reading a great book, or watching a great movie, or doing something else to feed your cultural side. Honestly though, boredom is key. Embrace boredom!
David Gaughran
Focus on finishing your book rather than worrying about how you are going to publish it or reach readers. When you are starting out, it's important to get into the habit of finishing things, and you also shouldn't fall into the trap of trying to write the perfect book. There is no such thing as a perfect book. Also, it feels to me like the skills you learn when writing one book don't kick in until you start the next. I see some aspiring writers spending years and years trying to perfect their WIP - not realizing that they would improve more as a writer if they moved onto the next project. Publish it, submit it, or trunk it, but after a certain stage you need to move on to the next one. Also, you must read voraciously in your genre, and read with your writer's hat on. Try and look for the seams and pick at the stitches. Reverse engineer the story. Take it apart and put it back together again. Read widely too. Sometimes you can learn more from a poor book than a masterpiece.
David Gaughran
I'm just doing the final corrections on the 2nd edition of Let's Get Digital, which will be released in 2 weeks. It was supposed to be a quick update, but has taken longer to write than the 1st edition did! So much has changed in the three years since I first released the book that there was a lot to squeeze in. I've ended up updating, expanding and rewriting the book far more than originally planned, but I think it's much stronger for that. Looking forward to getting it out there.
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