Interview Conducted by Kathleen Spurlock
Top Reviewer With LoveRomances.com
A seriously "coming" author, Derek Hart has written numerous books and several screenplays, while working full-time and raising a family. Georgia based, Mr. Hart is an indefatigable researcher with a sharp eye, an inventive mind and a wide range of interests. His novels range from the Civil War--as you've never seen it--to current politics and all its strange bedfellows, from romance to thrills, from blackest evil to wriest comedy, and all with the balance and compassion that mark the true artist. In addition to the story line, Mr. Hart never fails to show his reader something new, be it in his characters, his attention to detail or his background, and to do it in a thoroughly enjoyable fashion. While his offerings may not be the typical fare found on the shelves of your local bookstore, they are every bit as satisfying; far more so to those who prefer their literature with a bit of a difference. While he is still in the "promote your own" stage of his career, his rapidly refining talent is gaining a discerning readership likely to make him, before all is said and done, a serious Name on bookshelves everywhere.
So that our readers may get in on the ground floor, so to speak, we have posed him a few questions, so you may get to know him, and perhaps be moved to give him a try. We promise, you won't be disappointed.
Kathleen: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
Derek Hart: It was during Freshman English, at Oakton Community College, many years ago. Rinda West, the professor, suggested that I had real talent as a writer and that I should pursue it seriously. She was instrumental in planting the seed, which I didn’t seriously pursue until several years later, when I wrote my first novel.
Kathleen: Not unlike Harlan Ellison, then, albeit in a much more positive sort of way. Do you, like he, send Professor West copies of all your completed works?
Derek Hart: No, I haven’t, but thank you for the suggestion and I will take care of this oversight immediately. I owe her a great deal and sending her copies of my books would be a great way to say, “Thank you.”
Kathleen : Did everybody you knew think you were nuts? Did they support you anyway? Or did they all say, "Well, what else would you be?"
Derek Hart: I come from a family of writers. My father majored in journalism, my mother feels very comfortable at any keyboard or with a pen and my sister is a published mystery author in her own right, so the support at home was always very natural. Most people, when you tell them you’re a writer, say, “Oh, that’s nice.” I think more people in my sphere of influence thought I would become a public speaker or lawyer one day. Since my chosen profession is as a corporate trainer, I get to exercise those skills. However, over the years there have been some people who have played critical roles in my development as an author, because they were convinced I had talent as a storyteller and some skills as a writer.
Kathleen: Are you an outline-variety of author, or do you "fly by the seat of your pants?"
Derek Hart: A combination of both, really. I usually do start with an outline, but since I almost always “see” the ending of my books first, the outline seldom follows a true course. Sometimes the best writing comes when I’m letting the characters and storyline flow, as it will, tossing the outline out the window.
Kathleen: How much research typically goes into one of your novels?
Derek Hart: Before the Internet, research used to take considerably longer, because I spent lots of time at the library, writing letters and searching bookstores. Because of eBay alone, I am able to track down lots of material quickly, with minimal cost. Then add the ton of information online, so research time is cut in half. However, having said all this, it still usually takes 6 months to a year to collect all the research I think is necessary. I immerse myself in the material, but use perhaps less than 50% of hard facts or details, because I don’t want to weigh down the story with too much history.
Kathleen: Are your characters spur of the moment, do you put a great deal of work into structuring them, or do you just begin with a name and let them grow to suit themselves?
Derek Hart: Again, it’s a combination of events. Names often change, so sometime characters will have just working identifiers, to keep them apart. I usually write a thumbnail physical description of the main characters, but those details sometimes change too. Support characters and sidekicks change the most, because they usually define their own traits. Many of my readers have commented that they want more of the secondary characters, because I seem to do quite well with them.
Kathleen: Have you ever considered building a complete book around some particularly good secondary or sidekick character? Just to see what they'd do if they had their own venue?
Derek Hart: Well, not until this very minute actually. I have been approached to write sequels on several of my novels, but have declined. However, I might be tempted to write a novel on a sidekick. Hmmm, I shall ponder this for awhile.
Kathleen: You've covered lots of historical periods, lots of different cultures, and taken a few really unusual looks at the world of the stories you have told. Have you ever considered taking a shot at alternative history? Tangles of Truth comes very close, but have you any inclination to try the genre in it's purest form? Being a SF buff, this is obviously a thought I find most intriguing.
Derek Hart: Absolutely. Since I am very open to several genres and interests, there aren’t any boundaries. I am a history nut and there are a myriad of events, people and civilizations that fascinate me. Whether I actually write a true alternate history novel will have to be seen. I like to dabble with history, giving a possible version to accepted historical conclusions.
One of the novels I am writing right now, A Favor for FDR, looks into the ALSOS Project, the Allied covert operation to prevent the Germans from making an atomic bomb first, during WWII. I am taking the plot beyond what is accepted history - that the Germans did have a working device in 1943, but had no way to deliver it to the target of choice. This is based on some pretty profound, but unsubstantiated evidence.
The other aspect of alternate history that has prevented me from tackling it so far, is that several of my interests have been written about already - The Alamo, Custer’s Last Stand, and several more. So, I’m apt to look for something more obscure and play with coincidence, and then offer up a different cause for an accepted historical fact. I don’t know if I’m ready to change history yet, but I’m sure it will happen eventually. There are some juicy tidbits that I would like to alter, just for my own entertainment.
Kathleen: Writing is mostly sweat, as most authors will attest, but my question is, do you work as hard to come up with the original notion, the core of a story, as you do creating it, or does an idea just leap into your head? What sorts of things prompt ideas for your stories?
Derek Hart: Actually my book ideas come quite easily. I have 8 novels either in stages of rewrites or research, with another 15+ in outline or synopsis form. It is, without question, the writing of the novel that requires the sweat. I can dream a plot, read an article which generates a “What if?” process, or sometimes a friend will send me an article or book that sprouts into a story. For the upcoming novel, Halo, the entire idea came from a series of debates with a friend about government conspiracies. I’m not sure how I would go about explaining how my mind works, believe me.
Kathleen: What sorts of promotion do you typically use to forward the sales of your books, and which do you think have most fostered your increasing success?
Derek Hart: I create sell sheets, which I send to bookstores, reviewers, newspapers and other media-related avenues. Word-of-mouth is the best method to increase sales. I have a very loyal readership and they tell their friends and associates, which leads to more sales. I send reader copies to a core group of reviewers and anyone that I acknowledge in the book as well. Getting into bookstores is an uphill battle all the way, but I never stop trying. I found an independent bookstore that loved hosting me and held several book-signing events, but then they closed shop this winter, so I’m looking again. It’s really just a matter of talking to anyone I come in contact with, handing out bookmarks, business cards, and hoping they’ll be interested enough to pursue a good book. It has worked so far. I also have an extensive email list and I submit press releases to almost all the US newspapers. When Crooked Cross Factor was published, I sent a press release to the Icelandic press, since the novel takes place in Iceland. Less than 24 hours later, the book was a primetime news item on Icelandic TV.
Kathleen: What a rush that would have been for me! And very clever of you, not only the coverage and making a nice flush for the Icelanders, but also possibly garnering some new and nationally divergent fans. Is this something you think may become standard operating procedure? Something you might recommend to other rising authors?
Derek Hart: I typically send press releases anywhere I think they might catch someone’s attention and I will continue to do so. Since my latest novel, Dust Jacket, takes place in Greece, I will flood the Greek media with press releases too. That goes for New Mexico, Wisconsin and Chicago too, all locales in the same book. Getting effective press coverage for a new writer is difficult, but not impossible. It takes ingenuity, creativity, and lots of perseverance. By all means get the word to anybody you can think of.
Kathleen: On the subject of success, do you think it will spoil you? And, to continue that thought, what do you consider to be the purest motivation, creation or fiscal advance? Well, obviously the two are not necessarily dichotomous, but do you feel that monetary goals may endanger the joy of writing for you? Though it is sad to say, some authors seem to fall from sweet inspiration to hacking when money becomes a factor. Or do you disagree?
Derek Hart: First, I write for love of the writing. At this time in my writing career, there is no way to claim any financial success. However, my rush comes from finishing another book and reading or hearing how readers loved it. I like to read my books and in most cases I am leaving a timeless gift for my son Ian. He is absolutely blown away by the fact his dad writes books and keeps telling me he can’t wait to grow up, so he can read them. That is a tremendous reward. Also, I have a circle of close friends and family who enthusiastically involve themselves in my novels and their loyalty is also priceless.
But let’s be honest, I would love to achieve “best-seller” status one day. I would like to see at least one of my books produced as a movie. I would like to make writing novels my “real” job and support my family doing my passion. Those are achievable goals and I continue to pursue them. I don’t know if success would spoil me? Perhaps. But somehow I doubt it. Financial comfort would free up time to do more research, travel and writing. Since I have so many books waiting to be written, I think some success would certainly enhance that process. Ask me this question again five years from now, after I’ve been on the New York Times bestseller list for 16 straight weeks, okay?
Kathleen: Not to mention the whole prospect of becoming a household name! But which factor of fame and fortune do you find most alluring, or need we ask?
Derek Hart: Actually, I’m not interested in the “fame” part at all. I don’t think the loss of privacy is worth the recognition. Many authors who are successful don’t worry as much about being spotted by hordes of adoring fans, as movie stars. However, the “fortune” issue is very different. I would like to purchase a publishing house, employ my friends, start a corporate training company, and a bunch of other projects, which require substantial funding. So having a slew of best sellers could make those dreams a reality.
Kathleen: Theodore Sturgeon once said that writing is two percent inspiration and ninety-eight percent perspiration, which seems to be true except in the rare occasion of obsessional inspiration. But, laying aside the importance of research in the good development of a storyline, do you find it enjoyable in and of itself, or more in the line of labor?
Derek Hart: Writing is my true passion, so I really enjoy it - period. Sure, it’s hard work, but I love the headache I get from working out a plot problem. I am thrilled when one of my characters refuses to cooperate and I can’t wait to get into the groove, when the words are flying across the page. I am never satisfied as a writer, but I do get to the point where the project needs to be finished and the next one started. I am impatient and am constantly looking ahead. Right now I am aggressively researching 2 books, rewriting 2 books, editing 2 books and outlining 2 books. That’s how I prefer it. There is no such thing as writer’s block with me, because if I get stalled on one, I just jump to another. I love to write entertaining stories and I am constantly trying to polish my art, which I think my readers will agree is happening. Each book is better, because I’m learning, but it’s like an addiction, I must keep writing another one.
Kathleen: What's you favorite part of writing a novel?
Derek Hart: Oh boy, that’s a tough one. I enjoy the research, but that’s not actually writing. Since I usually write the ending first, I love watching how the book unfolds on the journey to get to that ending. Certain characters often captivate me and there are passages in my books where I think I’ve done a pretty good job of writing. But to be honest, my favorite part of writing a novel is when I’ve completed it. There is such a tremendous feeling of accomplishment, that it deserves a cold beer and a grilled steak in celebration. I love looking on my bookshelf and seeing 5 published novels, knowing there are plenty more to go.
Kathleen: Cart before the horse seems awfully risky, to me. Maybe it's just the way I write, myself, but I'd be afraid that, having done the ending, I'd lose enthusiasm for the middle. Not to mention the beginning! Have you ever had that happen with a book? Or gotten partway through and found that the whole plot line has taken a turn you hadn't banked on? Say, the proposed heroine changes her mind about the hero, or suddenly the bad guy takes a turn you couldn't ever have foreseen, and the thing just won't turn out the way you had it figured, no matter what you do?
Derek Hart: Oh, there’s no doubt that characters can be very uncooperative and books do change. That’s a risk I’m willing to take. I think that seeing the ending first works for me, because I’m challenged to get there. However, while details may change in the path to the ending of my novels, the general impact stays the same. I like it when my characters take over, because the book writes itself and that means that I’m in the groove, a place most writers love to find themselves.
As of yet I haven’t lost enthusiasm for any book, but new ideas sometimes take attention away from another existing project. A Favor for FDR is quickly racing to the forefront on my work list, probably because the subject fascinates me right now. That means that other rewrites or new projects will fade for now, but they’ll always be important. I have 9 more novels to complete and I suspect that the number will never get much lower than that.
Kathleen: What's your least favorite part of producing a book?
Derek Hart: That’s easy. There isn’t one. I have come to embrace the entire process of producing a book and if there’s a setback, it has always been for a good reason. I like learning and getting better, so I seldom fume or fuss about anything book related. Perhaps the most challenging part of a book is deciding on the cover art. I like all the examples and making a choice is often very difficult.
Kathleen: Where do you get your cover art from? Friends, your publisher, contract-artists? And, do you ever go into a book having a picture in your mind of how you want the cover to look, or do you just pick from what's available?
Derek Hart: My close friend David Burke designs my book covers. He is a very gifted graphic artist. I always have ideas for a cover, so when the book is completed in draft form, I send the manuscript to David and he reads it, then creates a draft cover. We haggle and spend hours laughing, negotiating, and debating what should go into a cover, but I am always thrilled by the end result. He’s learning too and his covers keep getting better and better.
Kathleen: Has a cover ever inspired a book for you? Either someone else's cover or just an idea that popped into your head, and demanded a novel to wrap itself around?
Derek Hart: Absolutely! I think cover art, art in general, can have a tremendous impact on my writing. I am a very visual person, even though I love to read. I love movies too. I think covers can make or break a book. I have seen book dust jackets that have inspired me to buy the book, or create a plot line, or led me off in a series of thoughts that led to a book’s creation.
Kathleen: Discounting your obvious addiction to the art of the novel, have you a driving reason for writing, for instance, the fostering of a particular point of view? What do you most hope that your novels will give to their readers? Why?
Derek Hart: First, I write to entertain. I write the kind of novels I like to read. Lots of action, adventure, likeable characters, some history, and perhaps some question of society or life in general that has given me pause. I admit that I am presenting issues in a controlled environment and my conclusions on paper are usually far more obvious and final than life ever is. But foremost, I want to entertain.
Secondly, if you read every Derek Hart novel, you will begin to put together a trend or two. Besides the historical or political questions that I may confront in the chapters of each book, I most definitely challenge that emotion called love. I am fascinated by the impact, not just between a man and woman, but on all the levels that love might express itself. I question it, dissect it, challenge it and most of all, attempt to present love at its best. Sure, that might include sex and since I’m a male of the species, you will find it discussed from my point of view. But love is far more intriguing and seductive than sex, so I keep searching for the answers.
Finally, I write historical novels because I think history is the best teacher we have and the most overlooked. Our society preaches about history always repeating itself, but we seldom actually study it and pay attention. I love to delve into history, to seek out the viewpoints and ask questions, not in a dusty old boring way, but from the human aspect. I try to toss gifted people into abnormal situations and let them perform.
Kathleen: If you could change one thing about yourself, as an author, what would it be?
Derek Hart: Let’s start with spelling! I’m abysmal when it comes to that and even though I love words, I’m not a fan of the dictionary. If I knew how to spell it, then I wouldn’t need to look it up. And you can’t rely on spell-checker, because gray or grey is a matter of choice, in my book.
Kathleen: First as an author, and then as a reader, which do you think is most important to the experience of a book, the technical agility of the author, or the ability to tell a story? Which most impacts you on both sides of the issue?
Derek Hart: The ability to tell a good story is the most important. The technical skills come with learning how to write a book. If you can tell an interesting, exciting, riveting story, then the mechanics aren’t as important. Now matter how well crafted a book is; if it’s boring, it’s boring. Now that’s just my opinion, of course. I love a good story and will forgive mistakes if I’m entertained.
Kathleen: As a consumer of literature, have you a favorite genre? What is it? And why?
Derek Hart: Well, it’s the same genre I write. I love action and adventure, spy novels, even the occasional mystery or romance. Historical fiction also catches my eye, especially if it’s a subject or era I’m intrigued by. I also consume volumes of history books, usually on the topic I’m researching for another novel.
Kathleen: If you could offer just one tidbit of advice to other aspiring writers, what would it be?
Derek Hart: The same piece of advice I have received from several people who made a difference in my writing career. Believe in yourself, stick with it, keep learning and keep writing. This is not the course of action for the easily defeated. Writing is a passion and it should be treated as such. Every time you run into a roadblock, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and go at it again. It does help to have friends, family and fans to support your efforts, believe me. But in the end, it’s still up to you. Study your craft, study the genre you want to write, but don’t copy it, follow your own internal voice instead.
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