David Boyle

INTERVIEW

10-26-2008

By Jennifer Lane

Editor-9 of Swords Magazine

Which authors or poets would you say influence your writing? 

Boyle: It’s safe to say that everything I read seems to touch a chord with me on some level.  I’m glad so many in this world choose writing as a form of self-expression because there is space for everyone and we all love reading good stories.

In what genre would you classify the majority of your work?  Are there some pieces that really deviate from that genre? 

Boyle: I classify my fiction in the vein of horror, suspense, and thriller.  I’m sure the readers would agree with that.  Occasionally there are stories that might deviate a bit.   For example: one of the tales in my anthology “Blood Works” is called “Death Do Us Part.”  It made a few of the fans cry.  They found romantic undertones to it whereas to me it was just a spooky story.  You never know how the reader will perceive it and that’s part of the fun.

 How long does it normally take you to write a short story or poem?

Boyle:It can take me anywhere from a few days to several weeks just to complete the first draft.   My mind works in mysterious ways when I’m in the creative zone.  Sometimes I can devote hours each day to a story, and other times I have a few minutes to work with.  I try to be productive within each session. 

 Where did you get the idea for your story “From A Dark Place”? 

Boyle: That story is derived from situations I’ve noticed in life as a casual observer of married couples.  I often find myself challenging and analyzing marital bliss in my fiction.   Many consider it strange to delve in to such a topic, especially since I’m happily married.  You see, if you watch from a distance, like I do, marriage is a fascinating institution at the core.  The participants have mutually agreed on vows which state they will love and cherish each other until death do them part.  Once they enter that agreement the waters are constantly tested.  And sometimes one— or both— of the individuals can slowly and dramatically change.  From my perspective, I’ve seen many couples wrestle with the inner-turmoil the characters deal with in “From a Dark Place.”  And with that tale I did my part by injecting the most horrific images possible into the story without holding back on the tone and central message.  I find it interesting watching couples, married or not, constantly bickering, abusing one another, and still remaining together for reasons I can’t comprehend.  And then I ask myself “Why?”  There’s never a sound answer to that question.  So what I do is take the theme a step further.  I try forcing the square peg into a round hole and seeing what happens.   One day not long ago I embarked on that journey, and out came “From a Dark Place.”  I hope the readers find it entertaining.  It was a fun exhibit to mold.

 What would you say inspires your writing the most?

Boyle:  I love to do it. That’s the truth.  When I sit at the typewriter something happens inside that commands my energy, enthusiasm, and respect.   Seeing my words on paper is a satisfying feeling for me.  Even if what’s there isn’t so interesting, I will never regret one second at the keyboard.  The more I write— the more inspired I am to keep writing.

 How long have you been writing and when did you decide to pursue it professionally?  

Boyle: About three years ago I just started playing with words.  I wanted to create something dark and disturbing, and call it mine.  It didn’t take long to get hooked on the power of language and how arranging words and sentences in a specific way can surge life into a story.  I grew up on horror films and loved the genre as a whole.  So I gave it a shot.  I’m glad the horror community with have me.

Which story is your personal favorite? 

Boyle: Every story is close to me in some way.  I can’t pick a favorite at this point.  It’s more fun for me when the readers announce theirs and then divulge the reasons behind their choice.

Which story do you think is your best?  Why?

Boyle: Deciding which story is best is a question for the readers to answer.   I know I’ve had my share of “duds” (still have them).   However, I’m grateful for the kind words I hear when a story is effective.   All I can say is that I enjoy being a storyteller and sharing my work.  I never feel comfortable making statements like “this is my best work so far” or “this story is at this level.”  That’s just me, though.   To me, writing is about having fun and exploring my imagination.  First and foremost, I try to construct tales that are satisfying to me, and hopefully the readers will find pleasure in them too.  Of course, they are free to assess my contributions from there.  

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? 

Boyle: This is a condition I’ve never suffered from.  There is always a tale clawing to get out of my head.  I’m fortunate to have plenty of ideas in my mental storage tank.    

Which of your characters is your favorite?  

Boyle: I don’t have a favorite character.  They are so much fun to brainstorm and to single one out is a tough task for me.  The same rule applies to choosing a favorite story. I pretty much value all of them.  

What do you think makes a good story or poem? 

Boyle: To me, judging what’s good is really subjective.  There’s no set of guidelines to establish quality, at least from my standpoint.  But to give a better answer, I believe once again that it’s all in the mind of the reader.  If you can touch them, effect them in some way, force them to think outside the box, urge them to feel an emotion of some kind, then you’ve got a winner.  If the reader is entertained on some level I think the story was successful.

What is the reason that you write? 

Boyle: I write because I’m passionate about the art, and for the joy of expressing myself and getting stories out of my head that are anxious to breathe.  And as long as I continue to drive myself in the field I’ll be a happy individual. 

 Who is your favorite author or book?

Boyle: It seems that everyone inspires me. There have been times when I’ve read a story and even if it wasn’t one that entertained me completely, I’ve always found the writer managed to leave their mark behind. 
It may be the tone, the pace, a description, a character’s quirks, a setting, etc.  I always try and take something from everything I read instead of choosing a favorite.  Plus, I don’t find myself attached to a certain author, especially when there’s a wealth of talent out there to be read.  I prefer to sample various styles and keep my palate guessing.

 What do you hope readers take from your writing?

Boyle: I hope they are entertained.  I want them to enjoy the ride and hopefully come back for more.  If they take anything more from my writing than what I’ve stated above, then I am eternally grateful and honored.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment when it comes to your writing?

Boyle:  That would have to be that I just did it and never looked back.  I wasn’t afraid to put my work out there and be critiqued.  From the start I knew I’d have to take my lumps.  It’s the downside of the craft and writers must deal with it and move on.   But in the beginning I recall promising myself that if I ever had the chance to write professionally I’d never hold back on how I see things—no exceptions.  I’ve achieved that and I’m pleased.  And of course being a published author is one of the most rewarding moments of my entire life.  Not a day goes by where I don’t pinch myself for this opportunity. 

What advice would you give to someone who has just begun writing?

Boyle:  The same advice I’d give no matter what you want in life.  Go for it!  Keep your work honest and never quit if that’s what you’re passionate about, and I hope they find what they’re looking for.

Do you have any other creative talents that people might not be aware of?  

Boyle: I wish I did.  Sometimes I wish I could draw.  I met an artist at one of my book signings and his work blew me away!  He allowed me to view some of his portfolio and it was so breathtaking to witness his talents firsthand.  Staring at them inspired me, made me want to run home and try it myself.  But from past experiences I know I stink.  I’m fine with that because drawing is not my passion.  If I ever need a good laugh I can always sketch something and stare at it for a second or two.  J

How do you see your writing evolving in the future?

Boyle:  I see a lot of experimentation on the horizon in my writing career.  I will try anything that alters the way in which my stories are told.  “The Lesson” is an example of that.  I had fun using a timeline before each section of the story.  It may seem like a minor detail but it was a blast to do it that way.   It is unimportant what plants me in front of the keyboard.  What is most valuable to me is that I’m writing something and making a contribution.  I’d also like to mention that I’ve recently branched out and have written a few contemporary stories that are far from horror, and in doing so, opened myself to a new world which I’m embracing with open arms.    

Do you notice any differences in your first stories than in your current ones? 

Boyle: I certainly do.   I find myself looking back at my earlier works and finding ways to make them stronger.  I’ve also been doing my best to study the language more and using the tools to improve my current catalogue.  I’m learning something every day.  I’m still going to mess up, but I’m trying to keep my flaws to a minimum (that’s a tough one, though J).  Back in the spring, I met an editor at a writers’ convention and we’ve been collaborating quite a bit.  He has a lifetime of experience behind him as a college English professor and has edited books for successful authors.  He is working with many writers now and I’m lucky to meet with him from time to time.   In addition to those talents he is also a professional theatre reviewer in New York.  I absolutely love working with him.  He is humble, nurturing, and a total gentleman.

How do you know when your story is finished? When do you know it is time for the end?  

Boyle: For me there is a moment when I say “That’s it. It’s time to walk away.”   I also reach a point when it’s just time to let go.  Then I move on to the next dark sector of my imagination and write what I see.  Well, when I’m writing I let it all hang out until the well is dry for that story.  That time is when the characters are not speaking to me anymore and I have to lay the tale to rest. 

     
Do you tie everything together?  

Boyle: I’d like the story to be linear in some aspects.  But to be honest, I always tell the story the way I see it in my head.  It’s that simple.  There are stories I’ve written that don’t follow the basic formula. 
They forge their own path and I refuse to stifle creativity.  I’m sure many stories of mine are sewn up with every plot point fleshed out and each conflict resolved.  And others in my catalogue leave the reader saying, “What the…?”

 Would you compare your writing style to any particular famous author/poet?   

Boyle: I am very uncomfortable comparing my fiction with anyone else’s work.  I don’t want to come across the wrong way with that remark.  I just want to try and find my own voice and let it speak.  Comparisons serve no purpose to me at all. What’s in my heart is to become the best I can be, reach my potential.  However, if the readers feel the need to draw comparisons with my fiction then that’s cool, they are free to do so.  I just hope they enjoy the ride I take them on. 

 What are you currently reading? 

Boyle: Everything.  I read all genres.   I enjoy short stories and novels…anything I can get my hands on.

Have you ever written something that you feel is a little too controversial?  If so, Have you been afraid to put it out?  

Boyle: First of all, everything in this country seems to attract controversy.  It’s inevitable. You can’t speak your mind without someone offering their two cents about what you said or didn’t say.  I’ve learned that it’s easy to rattle a human’s cage.  Usually art deals with the brunt of that.  The stories I write often cross the lines of taste and I’m glad they do.   Artists tend to look at this world and see images others can’t possibly get a grip on.  Life is not a garden of roses filled with wonderful people who don’t do bad things.  That reality may sound depressing, but the statement is true and I think most would agree with it. This is where art comes in to the equation.  We need people with the ability to explain things in their own way with whatever means necessary for the benefit of us all.  The desire and the talent that artists possess is what makes stories, paintings, music and films so darn entertaining and why many of the products of their imagination stay engrained in our minds forever.  But I also understand that controversy can be a great thing.  After all it helps many artists sell their creations.  I’ve never been afraid to share my stories with the public for any reason.  If one place doesn’t have good use for a story, then hopefully another will find a home for it.  I thrive on pushing boundaries and viewing our culture from a different angle.

What would you say your biggest obstacle or challenge has been in pursuing writing?  

Boyle: The best answer I can come up with falls within the parameters of marketing a book.  I’ve been learning as I go.   Every author eventually becomes the marketing and sales department whether it’s inside them or not.  The lesson I take from this aspect of the business is that every writer is going to screw up, make good and bad decisions.  It’s okay, it happens. But you must dust yourself off and dive in again, embrace the fact that the values learned will enrich your life.  I have discovered that, for many writers, being published is a competitive business.  I don’t understand nor subscribe to that mentality.  I’m not quite sure when it all started but I refuse to look at art that way.  Sometimes that can be a struggle for writers, especially early in their careers— simply trying to figure out where they stand, being compared to others, the constant critique, selling books.  The solution, as far as I’m concerned, is rather simple: If a person writes for the pleasure of creation, good things will happen.  What I’m trying to point out is that if you love what you do it will be much easier to handle any obstacles that stand in your way, no matter how overwhelming they may seem.  You see, I have to accept the fact that I’m deeply flawed— as a writer and as a person.  I’ll never be perfect, but I don’t have a certain standard either.  I’m not reaching for anything unrealistic. I’m not trying to fit in anywhere.  I’m just having so much fun being a writer (more than I had ever thought possible) that I can sustain a sense of humor about my work and not put pressure on myself.  More importantly, I’m doing something that excites me, and even though my work is not among the list of bestsellers or setting the world on fire as far as sales are concerned, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Anyway, I’d like to conclude this section by saying something to the people who read this interview: To all of the readers out there (no matter what genre you like)—pick up a book today. For the fun of it try a new voice on the scene.  If you have fun with what you’ve read share your thoughts with a friend or a family member. And if you feel inclined to do more, let the author know you enjoyed their work.  And to the writers out there:  Keep on using your imagination.  Everyone loves a good story, so make sure your pen stays in motion.  Without stories the world is an empty place. Write for love, for passion, for entertainment, for inspiration, but most of all…don’t stop writing.      
 
I’d like to say goodbye, but not without mentioning that being an author has bestowed upon me the privilege of meeting some of the most supportive and talented people in the field, and I thank all of them for being part of my life.  They know who they are. 

Best to everyone,
David Boyle