D.L. Wood Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I’m a storyteller at heart, a mother to twin 16-year old girls that drive (yikes) and a wife to an incredibly supportive husband. I was an attorney in my first life, but I’ve found that writing novels suits me much better than writing legal motions.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: Ever since I was a child, I’ve devoured stories and wanted to be a part of creating them. I still have the first book, “Friends Forever,” that I wrote for my fifth grade class. We actually sewed them together and bound them with cardboard wrapped in wallpaper- my first “hardback.”

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?

A: I would categorize my first break as the time when Christian author Austin Boyd generously sat down with me and encouraged me to vigorously pursue this writing thing. This prompting by a published author really boosted my confidence and convinced me to make a go of it.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release UNINTENDED TARGET?

A: It’s a thriller laced with a little bit of romance, a little bit of faith and a whole lot of suspense. It follows Chloe McConnaughey, an unsuspecting photojournalist, hunted by a murderous conspiracy after her computer-hacking brother makes her the only link to stolen information they are desperate to recover. Her only ally is her mysterious new friend, Jack, who is as dangerous as he is charming. The question is — is he her savior or part of their plan?

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for UNINTENDED TARGET?

A: I wanted to create a “movie-like” thrill ride that was clean and handled questions of faith in a realistic way. I really enjoy John Grisham novels and Randy Singer, and wanted to write a storyline that had that kind of tone, though without the legal elements.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?

A: That God never wastes a hurt; that there is a purpose in everything He does and allows.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

A: Probably Chloe and Jack’s dinner date near the pier, because that was some of the hardest dialogue to write. Reading it now, though, I love the interaction between the two, which shows off their personalities and gives insight into the characters.

Q: What inspires you to write?

A: I enjoy reading quality fiction that doesn’t need sex or profanity to entertain, but relies on a fantastic story that is hard to put down and uplifts while it entertains. That’s what I want to create for other readers. I like to say I write CleanCaptivatingFiction™.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?

A: One revelation is learning that a huge part of my job as a writer comes after the book is published. There is a lot of work involved in simply getting it in front of the readers.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

A: Be your own best cheerleader. Set goals and keep writing until you have that first draft finished. If you don’t do it, no one else will.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A: Right now I am working on the second book in the Unintended Series – UNINTENDED WITNESS.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?

A: I play keys with the worship band at my home church, so I often spend time practicing for the upcoming Sunday. (Hopefully our worship leader reads this.) I’m also approaching addict status when it comes to BBC productions like Sherlock, Poldark, etc., and I love to curl up with a cup of tea and a blanket and press “Play.”

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A: It’s always fantastic to hear from readers. You can find me at my website at www.dlwoodonline.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dlwoodonline/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/dlwoodonline.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A: It’s such a gift and a privilege to get to write. I want to say thank you to every reader – this wouldn’t be possible without you. God bless.