Name: David James Bright
Age: 23
Where are you from: Tafton, Pennsylvania
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
Currently working on my master’s degree in school counselling at the University of Scranton. Considering going for my PHD afterwards. Live in a quaint, isolated “town” and enjoy the simple life.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My debut horror novel, Harbinger, has just been released by Hobbes End Publishing
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing my first semester of college when I attended the University of Pittsburgh. I told a friend of mine I was a writer but realized I wasn’t being honest; I’d come up with and start ideas and never finish a thing. It was then I decided to commit myself to the craft.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I undertook my first serious project. I didn’t taper off like I had so many times. I took the work seriously and dedicated myself to the process.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
I had a project I worked on for over a year, and finished it, but it was more of a test run than something that really could sell. It was inspired by the Twilight Zone.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I think I have a very literary writing style, very poetic, quite verbose. In my later projects I’ve stayed away from that and toned down though.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Although the fog in my story causes problems, it is only a sign of the nightmare to come. Based on this I thought of words that could represent that and found Harbinger to be perfect.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The enduring power of love in dire times.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I based the setting off of my local area, taking plenty of liberties and transforming it into something that works for a horror novel. The geography and some of the small town dynamics are realistic, but the driving force of the novel is supernatural.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
I would say that there are characters very loosely based off of people I know. I’d take aspects of individuals and magnify them to suit this type of story. No one I know is as depraved as some of the characters get.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
IT by Stephen King really helped show me how to write a horror novel, considering structure, flow, character roles, etc. Without that book I wouldn’t have been able to begin my writing career.
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Definitely King. I take lessons from every one of his books.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk. It is gruesome by so engaging. I’d certainly recommend it for those who like dark fiction.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Unfortunately I haven’t had time to explore many new ones between school and writing. I plan on looking though.
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I’m writing Murderers Anonymous, a transgressive style fiction novel about a self-help support group for serial killers. I was inspired by Palahniuk.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My dear friend AJ Llaneza, who has read every one of my novels in beta form and supported me through the entire process. He’s always been there for me no matter what I’ve gone through.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
That’s the intention. I realize how difficult it is to make a living off of writing, so few authors are able to attain this, even if they start off with a promising career. This in mind, I’m working towards other occupational venues while not abandoning my dream.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I’d edit it more meticulously. I think there’s still some fat to be trimmed.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
By my interest in reading. I’d read stories then come up with my own since I was a child. There’s always been creativity brewing.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Here’s a bit about a fan favorite character, Andrew Murphy.
Andrew Murphy stood outside of 311 Evergreen Street and smiled like he had never smiled before. The house was Victorian, white with a green triangular peaked roof and matching shutters.
It was one of the largest and oldest houses in the
town and one of the few Andrew actually enjoyed
staring at while he went on his occasional bike rides.
Now it was up and flames, and it was more beautiful than ever before.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Detaching myself from certain sentences/paragraphs that need to be cut. Sometimes I really like a description or segment that serves no real purpose.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I’d say Stephen King. His ability to jump into the minds of characters and portray them so seamlessly always engages me.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)
No, but hopefully that will change soon.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
My publisher, Hobbes End Publishing. They did an excellent job.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The editing process. Going back and hacking away at what I created.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
A book’s never really done. The more you change it the more can be changed. In the end, it’s never exactly what you imagined in your head, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be great.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Write because you love it. If you try to make something the best you can be because you’re passionate about it, it will turn out much better than if you’re trying to write solely to be an author/make profit.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I’d just like to thank anyone who takes the time to give my novel a read. I would love to hear feedback
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
It was probably a Dr. Seuss book, but the first I recall reading on my own was one of RL Stine’s Goosebump novels.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Playing football, volleyball, hockey, video games, board games, creating card games, playing poker; I have an eclectic range of interests.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I find many TV shows/movies to be predictable. I like watching edgy thrillers, the type that aren’t afraid to defy convention. For example, Se7en is my favorite film, and I enjoy how it didn’t hold back any punches.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music:
Foods, tacos and pizza, colors, blue and green, music, mostly punk/alternative stuff.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I’m going into counselling so there’s that, but also I could see myself being a professor. If I pursue my PHD that may become a possibility.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
http://www.thedavebright.wordpress.com
http://www.twitter.com/thedavebright
http://www.facebook.com/davebrightharbinger
Here is a link to my novel.
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