Ask the Author: David Staniforth
Answered Questions (20)
David Staniforth
Thanks for your question, Elizabeth. I take inspiration from just about everywhere, people and situations I come across, books I read, films I watch, music, and philosophising about all those what if questions that spring to mind. As for my favourite author, I would have to say Terry Goodkind, as it was his books that initially made me want to write. I've encountered many authors since then that I enjoy just as much, if not more, but he has to take a position on the top shelf.
David Staniforth
You're welcome. Enjoy.
David Staniforth
Yes, Ron. Send me a personal message, including your email address and preferred format.
David Staniforth
Hi, Eileen, thanks for your question.
Primarily I read for pleasure, but naturally one cannot help but be influenced to an extent. Reading does help with my writing, not with ideas, but with style. Some writers allow their words to flow almost poetically, the rhythm of which I love and try to emulate. Even reading writing which I do not consider to be good can help too, of course, as it is sometimes easier to spot what to avoid than what to include.
Primarily I read for pleasure, but naturally one cannot help but be influenced to an extent. Reading does help with my writing, not with ideas, but with style. Some writers allow their words to flow almost poetically, the rhythm of which I love and try to emulate. Even reading writing which I do not consider to be good can help too, of course, as it is sometimes easier to spot what to avoid than what to include.
David Staniforth
No worries, Rosa, I'll send it now :-)
David Staniforth
For me it varies. Sometimes the title comes before I've even started writing the story (Alloria and Void). Sometimes it comes to me while writing, usually from something mentioned in the text (Imperfect Strangers and Eye of Dominion). For the others I've wrestled to try and come up with a title using a working title such as "Fuel to the Fire #2" and only come up with one once the book is finished (Ruler's Desire).
I'd avoid using overlong titles. Hard for the reader to remember and look messy on the cover.
I'd avoid using overlong titles. Hard for the reader to remember and look messy on the cover.
David Staniforth
Hi Anna
thank you for getting in touch.
Alloria and its sequel Eye of Dominion I would say, and some reviewers have pointed out, would be suitable for eleven and up, depending on their reading ability. I think my Fuel to the Fire trilogy would better suit 14 and up. My ten year old nephew has read Alloria and thoroughly enjoyed it.
thank you for getting in touch.
Alloria and its sequel Eye of Dominion I would say, and some reviewers have pointed out, would be suitable for eleven and up, depending on their reading ability. I think my Fuel to the Fire trilogy would better suit 14 and up. My ten year old nephew has read Alloria and thoroughly enjoyed it.
David Staniforth
Sorry to take so long to reply, Gary, I've only just seen this.
You're correct in that it does vary. My last title, Void, took me only four months to write, but it had been growing in my mind for almost a two years before I wrote the first actual word, and it originally sprang from a short story that I wrote years ago, which made a great framework. My longest write was 'Eye of Dominion' at just over a year. So I'd say a year is a fair estimate, and if I could add a title a year on average, I'd be delighted.
You're correct in that it does vary. My last title, Void, took me only four months to write, but it had been growing in my mind for almost a two years before I wrote the first actual word, and it originally sprang from a short story that I wrote years ago, which made a great framework. My longest write was 'Eye of Dominion' at just over a year. So I'd say a year is a fair estimate, and if I could add a title a year on average, I'd be delighted.
David Staniforth
Thanks for the offer of a review swap, John, but I feel swaps get such a bad press that I will decline the offer.
I have not yet purchased a copy, so I will get the updated one anyway. Not ready to read it as yet though, as I'm in the throws of putting final edits into place for my next book.
All the best
David
I have not yet purchased a copy, so I will get the updated one anyway. Not ready to read it as yet though, as I'm in the throws of putting final edits into place for my next book.
All the best
David
David Staniforth
I'd love to oblige, David, but I barely find time for my own writing. If only I could find the key to this time machine :~)
David Staniforth
Sorry, Stu. Only just seen this.
At the moment, I have very little time for reading. Added to that I have a massive TBR list, including a pile of books I received as Christmas gifts. I also make it a policy of buying books written by people that I have come to know through Goodreads (without their knowledge), therein, if it doesn't appeal, I can put it aside without causing offence. Hope you understand.
At the moment, I have very little time for reading. Added to that I have a massive TBR list, including a pile of books I received as Christmas gifts. I also make it a policy of buying books written by people that I have come to know through Goodreads (without their knowledge), therein, if it doesn't appeal, I can put it aside without causing offence. Hope you understand.
David Staniforth
Thanks for your question, Stu. The honest answer to this is: better than I used to.
I was fortunate to amass a decent number of good reviews before the first bad one came in, so I was able to put it into perspective. I don't like every book I read, so I have to accept that not everyone is going to like the books I've written.
I have come to realise a few reviews in, that a low rated review is not necessarily bad, however. If it's well written and constructive, it may well outline something the writer of said review didn't like that will actually appeal to another reader.
I was fortunate to amass a decent number of good reviews before the first bad one came in, so I was able to put it into perspective. I don't like every book I read, so I have to accept that not everyone is going to like the books I've written.
I have come to realise a few reviews in, that a low rated review is not necessarily bad, however. If it's well written and constructive, it may well outline something the writer of said review didn't like that will actually appeal to another reader.
David Staniforth
Thanks for posting a question, Sandra. I've taken a look at your profile and seen that you like a mix of genres, just like me.
My very first book, "Fuel to the Fire", seems the logical place to begin, and as it's free on Amazon, it's relatively without risk. If you enjoy it you will hopefully enjoy the other two books that complete the trilogy.
If you'd rather go the thriller route, then for now I have only the one offering in "Imperfect strangers". I do have another thriller in planning though.
My highest rated book is currently "Alloria", for which I am in the throws of writing a sequel. So again if you went there and enjoyed it, you won't have too long to wait for a sequel. I might add that "Alloria" is a complete stand alone story.
Haven't really helped much, have I? But asking which of my books I'd recommend is rather like asking me which of my children is my favourite. The answer to that would be, they are equally precious to me and have their own unique qualities.
Hope you enjoy if you do decide to read one; I'll be interested to see which you choose.
My very first book, "Fuel to the Fire", seems the logical place to begin, and as it's free on Amazon, it's relatively without risk. If you enjoy it you will hopefully enjoy the other two books that complete the trilogy.
If you'd rather go the thriller route, then for now I have only the one offering in "Imperfect strangers". I do have another thriller in planning though.
My highest rated book is currently "Alloria", for which I am in the throws of writing a sequel. So again if you went there and enjoyed it, you won't have too long to wait for a sequel. I might add that "Alloria" is a complete stand alone story.
Haven't really helped much, have I? But asking which of my books I'd recommend is rather like asking me which of my children is my favourite. The answer to that would be, they are equally precious to me and have their own unique qualities.
Hope you enjoy if you do decide to read one; I'll be interested to see which you choose.
David Staniforth
Close, Anita. It's at Fox House.
David Staniforth
Go for a walk. Listen to music. Read. Anything other than think about writing. Inspiration comes when you least expect it.
David Staniforth
Being in control. In a story world the author is god; until the characters take over that is. Then it's kind of like being married.
David Staniforth
Read as much as you can and read as much variation as you can. And don't be in a hurry to publish; wait until it's as good as it can be first.
David Staniforth
A follow up to my fantasy novel titled "Alloria".
David Staniforth
I'll often read a book and think, "Oh i'd have ha A do this, or B do that. As a reader you con't do that, but as a writer you can.
David Staniforth
Latest book "Imperfect Strangers": A guy at university was really quiet and often alone. One young woman felt sorry for him and he got really clingy to the point of being creepy. The story then grew in my mind for ten years until I had to eventually write it.
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