18Q Dennis N. Griffin

Dennis N. Griffin

1. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

I believe it chose me.

2. What is your background? (education, work, etc.)

Some college. Twenty-year career in law enforcement and investigations.

3. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

I actually learned first that I was a storyteller after my first book in 1996. I think I’m still learning to be a writer.

4. How would you describe your style of writing?

I write about serious subjects, but try to insert humor whenever appropriate.

5. What is your writing process?

When I find something I think I’d like to write about I begin with research. What has already been written? Will I be able to produce something fresh? What information is available to me and how will I be able to get it? If I believe I can write an interesting and entertaining with new information I prepare an outline of what I want to include and then start a manuscript.

6. What was your path to publication?

I went down the road of seemingly endless query letters, submissions and subsequent rejections. I ended up self-publishing my first three books. Three other books were through a “traditional” publisher that uses print on demand (POD) technology. My last two books have been with a traditional small press.

7. What is your favorite self-marketing idea?

Appearances at libraries, literary and reader groups.

8. What are the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer?

The number of scams involved in trying to find an agent, editor or publisher.

9. How do you inspire yourself? What are your sources of creativity?

I find a subject that really interests me and in which I believe others will share my enthusiasm.

10. What is your proudest writer moment?

The acceptance of my first nonfiction manuscript by a traditional publisher.

11. What’s the best advice you were given about writing?

Don’t give up. Accept that rejections are a part of the business and keep writing.

12. What is your most embarrassing writer moment?

In one of my early self-published fictions, I found that in one scene I used the name of the actual person who had been involved in the incident I was describing. I had a lot of explaining to do over that one.

13. What business challenges have you faced as a writer?

Marketing, marketing, and marketing. I’m convinced that this aspect of the business is just as important and probably more difficult than writing the manuscript.

14. What is your writer life philosophy?

If I do adequate research for my story, write it in a quality manner and believe in the work wholeheartedly, good things will happen.

15. When you’re not writing what do you do for fun?

I enjoy reading, casino gaming and travel.

16. Who do you like to read?

Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy are among my favorites.

17. What’s your advice for new writers?

Learn all you can about the writing business before you put pen to paper. Explore publishing options and find out what an unknown author can expect to go through in the way of getting book out to the public. I failed to do that and experienced a rude awakening early in my career.

18. What are you currently working on?

The biography of a former mob hit man-turned government witness.

Dennis’ 18Q