D. Thourson Palmer Interview
Tell us a little about yourself and your work.
I write the kinds of things I like to read; for a long time, I’ve read fantasy and classics, a lot of Vonnegut, Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury. I like a book that’s both an escape and a thought or theme. When I read, I want to have fun, be engaged, race my own eyes to turn the page, but I also want to leave with something to think about and ponder, and that’s what I want to write, too. I’m a big fan of tragedy, great fight scenes, a little humor, and that’s what I tried to put into Ours Is the Storm.
Where do you like to write?
These days it’s been at my dining room table, but a worn, chill coffee shop is my place of choice. It gets me away from distractions a bit and still comfortable. I’ve also got a beautiful old writing desk that came to me from my grandmother, who told me about working at it in the top of her father’s leatherworking shop in Nebraska during the Dust Bowl.
Is there anything you must have in order to write? For example, silence, whiskey, and a close shave.
Morning, I need coffee. I do a lot of writing between 5 and 8AM. Afternoon or evening, a whiskey’s good, and I found an absinthe is nice as an alternative.
What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?
The Sirens of Titant, by Kurt Vonnegut; The Great Game trilogy, by Dave Duncan; The Once and Future King, by T.H. White.
What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?
Being rejected or criticized. You take what you can from the criticism and ignore the rest.
What do you want to achieve most from your writing?
I only hope others enjoy the stories that I have to tell enough that I get to keep telling them.
Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?
I keep reading – new things, not things I’ve read before – and I talk to other writers, and most importantly I try to learn from and interact with readers.
What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?
An editor ought to tell an author when something’s not working. Of course they’re around to help with spelling, grammar, things like that, but ideally they’ll know the difference between mistakes and voice.
If you had a direct line to someone who loves your writing, what would you say?
Thanks! Tell your friends.
If you had a direct line to someone who hates your writing, what would you say?
Glad you gave it a shot anyway.
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
The most important thing you can learn is to finish the story, even if you never show it to anyone.
What does your writing future hold for you?
I’m working on a flintlock-fantasy sort of story right now, muskets and magic, tricorne hats and all that. It’s a family saga, spanning three generations of the heroic line of the Warden family.
How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?
That’s a job for a pro. Everything about a book is art, and the cover shouldn’t be an exception. I want the cover art to be a reflection of what’s inside the covers.
How often do you read? What genre?
I try to read at least a little every day. Fantasy, sci-fi, literary, classics mostly. I throw in some history and mythology.
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future, David.
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