kaltopsyd interviews Dobson
A lifelong writer shares his experience on HubPages
1. You have been on Hub Pages for 8 months now. What are the factors that have kept you here?
HubPages is such a great place to park my writing where people can see it. You know you can write reams and reams of stuff but if no one ever reads it what is the purpose. HubPages is a place with an ever growing following and the potential for others to find and enjoy your work. I enjoy the feedback of readers that comment on my Hubs. Also, people like kaltopsyd and AC Sutliff, that have became friends, keep me interested. The potential to earn money does not hurt either!
2. You have taken part in the 60 day challenge (the Return). How would you describe your experience and is there any advice you can give to those thinking of taking the challenge next time?
I am glad I took the challenge, especially since I badgered Sunforged into doing it. It is a great experience but I caution any who get involved. It takes a lot of time and will wear you out. I got to know some great people though and I hope to spend more time getting to know them as we go forward.
3. How has HubPages influenced you as a writer? As a person?
I think HP has made me a better writer by causing me to focus my efforts better. The early research I did when I came to HP, reading hubs of people like Rebecca E, Edweirdo and others stressed having something to say. I know now that is correct as my early hubs are well behind in terms of quality and views than the hubs I publish now.
4. In your first HubPage serial, Jenny’s Life, where did you get the idea to write about a character with Paranoid Personality and Delusional Disorder?
That partly came from a desire to not take the easy road and have a character with Bi-polar disorder. There are so many variations of mental illness and some of these diseases will keep their person in a state of bondage we can never see or feel. It is a horrible way to live.
5. Can you pinpoint your initial inspiration to start writing stories? Who or what is your inspiration?
I used to read books when I was younger and loved the way I could get lost in a story. The first thing I wrote was a war themed story in high school. It was heavy on numbers and not so much a story as a rambling. Then I got the germ of an idea and developed it into a four novel series of over the next decade and a half.
6. You’re a great fiction writer. Do you intend to ever publish a novel in the future?
I would absolutely love to begin publishing my work. I think it would be the thrill of my life to know people enjoyed my work enough to pay their hard earned money for it. I know trying to find your way in the publishing world can be overwhelming, That is a lot of the reason I have not taken the dive so far.
7. Everyone has a reason for writing. As a catharsis perhaps… What is your reason for writing?
Writing is as natural to me as breathing. Since I have been writing for HP I have developed an eye for pictures that can match up with my stories. My wife shakes her head as I snap pictures here there and everywhere. It is good for my soul to be able to assist another with a fact based hub from my actual real world experience. I would love to read about something to keep me from making a mistake when I could have used a bit of free advice.
8. You write realistic fiction, but what is your favourite genre to read?
I tend to gravitate toward writers such as Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn. In college I read several crime novels by William Tapply. I want to branch out, but the time I spend writing sucks all my leisure time away.
9. If you had a chance to travel back in time, which time period would you go to and why?
If I could go back I think I would like to go to the Continental Congress when they were putting together the Constitution of the United States. These men had such a profound effect on our country and I would like to have known them as the things I read make them seem so interesting.
10. I love mythology so I couldn’t resist asking this question. If you had a chance to become a mythological creature (or even a Greek god), which would it be? Oh, and why, of course?
I am not sure what this says about me, but I always tended to favor Zeus as he was all powerful. I guess that is because I am a Christian and believe there is only one all powerful, all knowing One in the universe. I know He has my best in mind as He guides me through life.
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