The Writing Life of: D.B. Moffatt
D.B. Moffatt
This week on ‘The Writing Life of:‘ I am thrilled to be interviewing author D.B. Moffatt. D.B. Moffatt will be sharing with us detail of his writing life, telling us all about his latest book ‘The Misbirth‘, which was released on 25th March 2018, and answering a few fun questions too.
So without further ado I’ll hand you over to D.B. Moffatt. Post contains affiliate links.
A longtime real estate veteran, D.B. Moffatt is the author of Beltway Justice: A Tale of Political Civility and the recently-released novel The Misbirth. He is a father and grandfather and currently resides in Long Island, NY.
1) As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a radio disc jockey. My two favorites were Cousin Brucie and Wolf Man Jack. In fact, I was one of the last to turn the switch from AM to FM.
2) Who were your favourite childhood authors?
I only had one: Ian Fleming. At the time, my parents were reading his books. I followed suit. 007 is definitely a different character in the novels than is generally portrayed in the movies.
3) At what point in your life did you realise you wanted to be a writer?
I realized at a fairly early age I had a natural bent for writing. That is not meant to sound conceded. Some are talented in math and science. Others in music. Others in sports. My forte happened to be writing. It has always come easily for me.
4) How did you go about following that dream?
It was not until recent years I had the time and inclination to actually sit down and see what I could accomplish.
5) What is your writing day like? Do you aim for a certain amount of pages or words before you stop for the day?
Most of my writing day is spent going over in my mind what I’m actually going to put to paper that evening. No, I do not aim for a certain amount of pages or words. I write for as long as what I am writing meets my approval. The moment it does not is the moment I walk away.
Where DB Moffatt Writes
6) Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
Absolutely not! What you read is what you get and who wrote it.
7) Do you have any strange habits before starting, or whilst in the midst of writing?
As I said earlier, I pretty much know what I’m going to say before actually sitting down to write. This process entails walking around the house or property verbally constructing the lines of the characters in any given chapter. To the unaccustomed eye, this procedure can appear ‘strange’. However, I’m pleased to report that neither my wife nor daughters any longer give it a second thought.
8) Do you write longhand, typewriter, or on a computer?
I write on a computer. However, it was an evolutionary process. In 2013, when I started my first book, I was strictly longhand. Couldn’t imagine writing any other way. All it took was a continuing education class in Word to catapult me into the big 21st! Now, the mere thought of longhand wears me out!
9) How many books have you written? Do you have any unpublished work?
I have written two books. The first, Beltway Justice: A Tale of Political Civility came out in 2014. The Misbirth is my second. I have no unpublished work. Although, I have started a third novel.
10) Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I am definitely a plotter. As I said earlier, I have a majority of what I am going to write already constructed in my mind before I even sit down.
11) Do you read all the reviews left for your book(s)?
No, I do not read all the reviews. In fact, I don’t read any of them. It very well may be superstition! However, I am kept abreast by interested third parties. Your question about coping with negativity is a vital one. I learned early on when shopping my first book that you cannot take rejection, personally. It is key to always remember that it only takes one ‘yes’ to unlock the door of literary success.
Concerning your latest book:
Publisher – BeachHouse Books
Pages – 398
Release Date – 25th March 2018
ISBN 13 – 978-1596301030
Format – ebook, paperback
Moffatt’s novel centers around sixteen-year-old Logan Spence, whose very existence is controversial. With his conception being the result of a violent sexual attack by a family member, the decision is made to terminate the pregnancy. However, without the knowledge or consent of the mother, the doctor meant to perform the procedure delivers and raises the child as his own.
As Logan grows up, he finds himself living a double-life: a star wrestler on his high school’s team by day and a substance-dependent drug dealer by night. The Misbirth follows his journey from student to violent criminal and shows how his secret past follows him and shapes who he is.
12) How long did it take you to get from the idea’s stage to your date of publication?
That’s a hard question to quantify. The initial idea for The Misbirth came to me while I was still writing Beltway Justice. But, I would say two and a half years is fairly accurate.
13) How did you come up with the names for your characters?
With the exception of one character, I selected the names randomly. My only real concern in the process was making certain none of the characters’ names resembled the names of people who might construe or misconstrue their roles in The Misbirth. The lone exception is the book’s villain. I chose the name Chester White. I did so for only one reason: a pig is a pig.
14) Can you give us an insight into your main character(s) life?, What makes them tick?
What makes the three main characters in the book tick is how they each try to cope with the circumstances Fate has so cruelly placed them in. Their actions and reactions to the situations Fate has dealt them is truly the heart and soul of the book.
15) Which was your hardest scene to write?
Without a doubt, the hardest part of the book for me to write was the rape scene. That said, it was a necessary evil that had to be included.
16) How did you come up with the title of your book?
That’s a great question! I had just started the book. One day, the word ‘misbirth’ popped into my head. I can honestly say that I don’t consciously recall ever seeing or hearing the word prior to that. Anyway, given the material I was writing, the mere sound of the word seemed like an ideal fit. I then consulted several dictionaries to ascertain its definition. To my surprise, the word ‘misbirth’ was not listed in either dictionary. Its mere absence sealed the title deal for this writer!
17) Did you get a family member/friend to read your work before sending to the publishers?
No, I did not. However, after securing a publishing commitment, I did ask my sister-in-law to help me with the initial editing and proofreading. She was gracious enough to do so.
18) What process did you go through to get your book published?
I did it the old fashioned way; I earned it! By that I mean, I mailed query letters (with SASE) until a publisher finally said ‘yes’. It was a long and arduous process. However, as I said earlier, it only takes one ‘yes’ to make it all worthwhile.
19) What did you do once you had written the final word in your book?
The first thing I did was have a cocktail. Truth be told, I had more than one cocktail.
20) What’s next for you, writing-wise?
Actually, I’ve already started my third novel. Unfortunately, due to current circumstances, that project has been put on hold. However, its potential excites me. The book is going to be totally different than the first two I have written.
1) What’s your favourite food?
Pasta ala any style.
2) If you had a box of crayons and you could only choose one, which colour would you choose?
Pink. For whatever reason, pink has always been my favourite color.
3) What movie could you watch over and over again?
TOMBSTONE.
4) What would be the top song on your playlist?
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
5) If you won millions, what would be your first purchase?
Anything my wife desired.
6) A talking duck walks into your room wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, whats the first thing he says to you?
“THE MISBIRTH is one great DUCKIN book, man!!”
I would like to say a big thank you to D.B. Moffatt for sharing with us details of his writing life, and for a wonderful interview.
I like this type of blogposts. Q&A it’s very interesting and no boring reading, U know !
I love these posts! Also, I really like that writing place set up, I have to have tidiness and minimalism around me to focus on anything.
Another great interview.
I grew up on Long Island – small world!
He is new to me – thanx for the info
Great interview. He seems to be really down to earth and interesting.
Great interview!
Great interview. Interesting he wanted to be a DJ! Pasta is my favorite food too.
A lovely interview covering all aspects of the book and writing
Thanks. I know what you mean.
I have lots of knick knacks around me, but the desk has to be tidy.
Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.
It certainly is.
You are very welcome.
Thank you. He really does.
Thank you.
Thank you. I can eat pasta now and again, but not a big lover.
Thank you. I’m so glad you liked it.
Thanks for your author interviews, we are introduced to yet another author. 🙂
I’m glad you like them.
Interesting interview. But this book sounds creepy as hell. While I appreciate creepy, I won’t be picking it up! But I am sure it will be popular with those who like this type of creepy 😀
Thanks you. The books not for everyone.