Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a writer, my focus has mainly been on screenplays. I have had several screenplays optioned over the past couple of years but the WGA and SAG strikes last year delayed anything from going into production and now the industry is still on hold as they negotiate contracts with IATSE because there could be another strike this summer if no agreement is made.
I started writing novels as a way to share my stories with the public. My two novels ‘Suicide Bridge’ and ‘Family Feud’ both began as original screenplays that received favorable reviews but ultimately did not get produced. I do have more books that I am going to write this year and next from scripts I have written that are in my drawer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘Family Feud’. The original inspiration came from a news story about a woman who disappeared and appeared to be kidnapped. She mysteriously returned after two weeks and in the aftermath it turned out things were not as they seemed.
But the only thing that my novel has in common with real life is that the woman returned after being kidnapped. Everything that happens after is a fictional creation that I made before the truth of the real events were ever uncovered.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a morning writer so after my kids go to school I use the next couple of hours where there aren’t any distractions to write. I usually am able to focus and be pretty productive during that time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Screenwriting in general has been a huge influence. But for authors of fiction novels I have to go with Michael Critchton, Michael Connelly, and Stephen King. I like writers who keep a fats pace and use every word economically.
What are you working on now?
I always have spec scripts I’m working on. For a novel, I am planning on doing another adaption this summer and hope to have it released by the fall.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Amazon ads seems to work and so does Good Reads. I’m at a phase where I’m trying to create a portfolio of books to aggressively market instead of focusing on one. I’m also trying to get reviews and ratings for the books so that when people click on the page they can see the work has been well received.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be prolific instead of perfect. A lot of writers spend years on just one work trying to improve it. But behind every novel is a premise and sometimes that premise doesn’t click with a wide audience no matter how many times you try to improve it.
So have a few novels on the market and advertise them. Some will be more responsive to the audience than others. And if someone liked one of your books then they are going to click on your author profile to see what else you have done.
What are you reading now?
I’m about to start Starship Troopers. From what I have heard it is much different than the movie.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing every day.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Very hard to say. My book case is full of lots of genres from fiction and non-fiction.
Author Websites and Profiles
Daniel Kowalski Website
Daniel Kowalski Amazon Profile
Daniel Kowalski’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile