Around The Globe With David J. Ring III

First week of September but summer is not over quite yet. This week's featured author wants to hit the beach. But not just any beach, one just outside the noisy throng of...Bangkok. That ol' hot sun is tempered by a cool breeze and around us is a lush oasis with the piece de resistance...a forty foot waterfall. We sit on a log and just enjoy the paradise. Relax. Relax. Enjoy the serenity. Oops, don't forget the interview.

1. Who are you and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?

I am but a humble person who has worked hard to live with his past scars.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you? I believe in fate, that we are deterministically moving forward.

3. What interested you to become a writer rather than something else such as a movie star? My writing has been complimented and encouraged by many years. I knew for a long time that I had a gift. When I finally had something that moved me to write, that is when I became a writer. Had I the ability and resources to teach via other means then perhaps I would have done so.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why? I read very little. Considering only literature and not those who inspire me that also write, I would be interested in attending a dinner with Thomas Hardy. Preferably, I would be sitting and just listening on his conversation. What would he talk about? How composed would be?

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island or suffering from a four hour layover at the airport, why would your book(s) be great company?

Bound Before the Morrow can be enjoyed on many levels. The plot is interesting. It can be an exciting book just to read for the story. I put a lot of work into word choice. One can enjoy themselves just by appreciating some of the sentences that have been woven together. Lastly, the book carries many teachings which can be reflected on. For these reasons, regardless if you were stuck on a desert island or suffering from a four-hour layover, the book would prove to be a great companion.

6. Share your process of writing in regards to: plot and character development, story outline, research (do you Google or visit places/people, or make it up on the spot), writing schedule, editing and number of rewrites.

For story outline, I generally try to have a basic idea of what the story is about and what the scenes there will be. If the story does not flow, I will try to visualize the next scene (or more) until it becomes “right.” After that, I sit down in front of my computer and get relaxed enough to the allow words to come forth that faithfully describe that vision.

The more I write and edit, the more refined everything gets. Characters change during edits. Their individual characteristics/stories continually evolve. This refining process has no end. One just needs to call it quits at some point during this sculpting process.

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don't know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”

It doesn’t matter where you begin. Just start writing. Chances are that you and your story will evolve as you write. After I finished the first draft of my book, I looked back at a lot of what I had written and was not impressed. But I had laid the foundation for a great book. Instead of worrying about where to start, just write. Be willing to put the time in and a great story can emerge.

8. I saw an amusing T-shirt the other day which read, “Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?

If I told you directly, you would dismiss it. Read my books. They point you towards that philosophy.

9. Please tell me you're not going to stop writing? What's next for you?

I have a novel that I am working on that will express my ideas towards the justice system. The system that we have in place is silly on many different levels. It is set up as a business which rewards incarcerating more people for longer times — not rehabilitating people. The book is currently shelved while I work on other projects.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?

http://www.djriii.com

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDJR3