Darshaun McAway is the author of several publications as you can see. Everyone knows about the acclaimed title "Do You Mind If" thanks to the hit on the book, but does anyone know much about its creator? For instance, did you know that McAway has written lots of other great books about all kinds of charming characters besides himself? In fact, Dmac Poetry House for Young Readers has published over 15 of his books since 2006. We wanted to find out more about Darshaun McAway, so we recently sent him a letter asking him a few questions about his work and his life.
Q: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
A: I've written over 15 books, but I only have nine published. My favorite book is unpublished; it's titled :The City of Heartbreak.
Q: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
A: Running. My mind starts to develop a story while I'm listening to music and running.
Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A: It was back in 2006, when I was going through hell, and trying to find a job was a joke. Writing was my therapy. I realized it was my happiness as well.
Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I really wanted to be a news broadcaster and a professional NBA player. I had a real passion for those careers back then.
Q: What does your family think of your writing?
A: Ah, very good question. Nobody seems too interested in the material. In the previous years, no one in my family has supported the action of my dream/passion.
Q: Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
A: I get comments like, "Your books aren't good enough." And a few racists comments that make me feel a little uneasy. However, sometimes I read that I helped someone move forward, and that gives me the push to write more inspiring books.
Q: What do you think makes a good story?
A: When it's personal and holds no punches.
Q: Do you like to create books for adults?
A: Not really because they always prejudge the content in the wrong way.
Q: How long does it take you to write a book?
A: Six months to a year.
Q: Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
A: I think you're going to be amazed by this answer, all of my inspiration comes from music: R&B and sometimes rap.
Q: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
A: Very hectic. I'm so busy trying to make money here and there with my other businesses that I have to make sure I squeeze writing in.
Q: What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating your books?
A: Since I didn't have experience in this area I had to be willing to undertake dedicate the time necessary to adequately prepare myself. I needed to learn about book design -- interior and exterior -- typography, editing, proof-reading, securing printers' quotes, how to obtain ISBN and CIP information, how to obtain an EAN and bar code, and why it is required, and how to distribute your books once they come back from the printer. But that's Phase Two of the process. First, I make a few decisions about the basics, such as the look of the book, the physical size, the type of paper I envision the book being printed on, the number of colors the cover will have, and the size of my. Will the book have any photographs or illustrations? In other words, the need to identify what the personality and the feel I want to convey with the book.
Q: Do you have any suggestions to help anyone become a better other writers? If so, what are they?
A: Yes. Don't look for anyone to support you. Take classes on creative writing skills. Write what you feel, and keep it to yourself until it's time to promote it.
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