Here is a writers interview with Mark David Gerson:
1. First off, How many books have you published?
2. How long have you been writing?
In one form or another, for over 30 years.
3. What has inspired you to write?
I never wanted to write when I was in school. In fact, I hated writing! But I loved to read and I read a lot. Mostly fiction, but nonfiction, too. I sort of fell into writing when I began to work in public relations after university, in my 20s. From there, I became a freelance writer and editor. Eventually, my Muse had its way with me and writing creatively became a passion I couldn’t avoid.
4. What sacrifices did you have to make for you to write and publish your first book? The ones after that?
I didn’t make conscious sacrifices. But my life moved me in directions that did involve certain sacrifices that made it possible for me to write The MoonQuest. For example, not long after I began the book, I felt moved to sell everything I owned and move from urban Toronto to rural Nova Scotia. I didn’t consciously know that it was to write the first two drafts of the book. But that’s what happened. Basically, without realizing what I was doing, I put my life on hold so that the book could happen.
5. About how many hours and days did it take you to write your book?
I can’t break it down into hours and days. What I can tell you is that it took five months to write the first draft — two solid months, a seven-month break, then three more solid months. The second draft took another five months.
6. Are you happy that you went through all that to write and publish your book?
Absolutely.
7. Was it worth it to you?
Absolutely. The response — from readers and reviewers, as well as in awards — has been incredibly gratifying.
8. Finally, what advice would you give a first time writer?
Connect with your passion. Listen to the work. Surrender to it. Don’t second guess it.
Trust the story, even if you don’t yet know what it is. Trust your innate creativity. Take it word by word and allow your pen or the keyboard to spell out the story for you…allow yourself to be the passenger on your creative journey, not the driver.
And, of course, I’d encourage you to buy The MoonQuest and to get a copy of The Voice of the Muse. The MoonQuest because, apart from being a great story, it’s a powerful metaphor for the creative journey, and The Voice of the Muse because it’s a great guidebook for that journey!
The final and most important piece of advice, of course, is to write!
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