WATCH OUT: David Russell

SC: I want to welcome you all to another edition of Watch Out. This week I’m pleased to bring you author David Russell. Welcome to Watch Out, it is so great to have you here.

SC: For the readers out there who might not know about you or your work, can you please tell them a little about yourself.

DR: My romance publications are: Self’s Blossom (novella); Explorations (short story); Further Explorations (short story) – all pub Devine Destinies; My Dream of Madonna/an Ecstatic Rendezvous (2 stories) – XoXo Publishing; Therapy Rapture (short story) due to be published by Devine Destinies. Prickling Counterpoints (poetry & prose) Deadline Books; High Wired On (speculative fiction) JazzClaw Publications. The Musician’s Testament (reflective article) in International Times

SC: Can you tell us a little about your current release?

DR: This is still pending

SC: Which do you prefer eBooks or paperback?

DR: To be realistic, eBooks must have priority, tho paperbacks remain a nice extra.

SC: What influences the topics, and genre’s that you pick to write a story in?

DR: Some escapism, some angst about a scary world

SC: What is the biggest misconception you think people have about authors, and or the genre that you write?

DR: I write some works in a female-dominated area; it’s nice to elicit response from that readership

SC: Your favourite part about being an author?

DR: Striking a chord of response in intelligent, sensitive readers.

SC: What are you currently reading?

DR: Anais Nin’s Diary

SC: Currently listening to?

DR: Suzanne Vega

SC: What is your view on authors self publishing their books?

DR: One often has to.

SC: Have you ever self published a book and or would you consider ever self publishing?

DR: Yes; I self-published when I had an offer from a friend who could do it at a low buidget price

SC: Describe your books in 3 words.

DR: Sensual, reflective, abstract

SC: Every author deals with rejection in their career. What is your advice when it comes to rejections?

DR: Be prepared to face them, but do not be disheartened by them. If anyone makes really damning comments, analyse them carefully. They may be guidelines, or they may be the petulance of an unpleasant person.

SC: What’s your cure for procrastination?

DR: Force yourself to do a little every day, even if it’s only mechanical revision and correction.

SC: How important is a book cover when it comes to your work?

DR: Very important: an arresting cover can make me want to examine the text.

SC: As a reader how much do reviews impact your view about a book you want to read?

DR: Nowadays reviews are vitally important. There is such a massive quantity of material available that a succinct introduction will provide a vital prompt to read the work itself.

SC: If you could step into the shoes of another author who would you pick?

DR: Why? Ben Okri, because he has a universal poetic vision

SC: What do you think sets your stories apart from other authors?

DR: Their abstract, literary quality.

SC: Is there anything you’re currently working on that you can give us a taste of?

DR: Yes; I can forward on request

SC: What is the best advice you ever got with regards to writing?

DR: Persevere with it; be resilient against discouragement

SC: What is one pet peeve you have when it comes to publishing?

DR: The waiting time.

SC: Any advice for new writers out there?

DR: Repeat: Persevere with it; be resilient against discouragement