Derek Dodson
Joined in 2011
What prompted you to join this chapter?
Since I am writing Scottish Historical Romance, it seemed a natural place to come. I have certainly been proven right.
What are some of the benefits you favor most about being a member of RWA and/or CHRW?
I'd not been in a writer's group prior to joining RWA, and didn't know much about craft. RWA opened up a world of groups and workshops available. CH has been great due to the knowledge and support found within the group. I have been very active with the online critique group also.
Do you belong to any other RWA chapters or writing groups?
Yes, I joined Hearts Through History, another online RWA group, and am active with two local chapters, Heart of America Romance Writers, and MidAmerica Romace Writers.
In what genre do you prefer to write and why?
I currently write Medieval Scotland and Contemporary. I have always dug Medieval history, going back to when I was a kid. I have some Scots in my ancestry, so that is part of the motivation.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Yikes! I'll stick to just romance, otherwise the list would get unwieldy. Terri Brisbin, Mary Wine, Grace Burrowes, Kacey Michaels and Nicola Cornick would be a few.
When you are not writing, what are your hobbies, passions, etc?
I am a long time musician, playing bass and guitar. I play in a band and do some solo jazz guitar in restaurants. I am also a long time martial artist. I train in traditional, Japanese, Okinawan and Chinese styles.
What place inspires you the most?
Scotland. It doesn't just inspire me, it calls to me.
Have you ever been to Ireland, Scotland, Wales etc? Tell us about this trip and what you came away with afterwards.
Haven't been...yet. Will make it over there several times before I'm done.
If you could be transported back in time for a day, when and where would you want to go?
Hmm. If I said High Middle Ages, I would probably get myself killed, but what the heck, I'd take the risk
Do you have any pets?
A blue merle Australian Shepherd named...umm...Blue.
What area did you grow up in?
Southern Oklahoma, close to the Texas border where they breed rednecks.
Tell us something special or fun about the area you live in now.
Kansas City is a great place. It is one of the perennial hotbeds for jazz. Great barbeque!
If you could have any super hero power, what would it be?
Easy. Power to heal.
Share 7 fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1. Not sure how fun they are, but I can count to ten in 6 different languages
2. Can juggle
3. Average reading a novel per day
4. Teach online Psychology classes for a community college
5. Fly fisherman
6. A sailor
7. Was a masseuse while in grad school
Do you have any pets?
A blue merle Australian Shepherd named...umm...Blue.
What area did you grow up in?
Southern Oklahoma, close to the Texas border where they breed rednecks.
Tell us something special or fun about the area you live in now.
Kansas City is a great place. It is one of the perennial hotbeds for jazz. Great barbeque!
If you could have any super hero power, what would it be?
Easy. Power to heal.
Share 7 fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1. Not sure how fun they are, but I can count to ten in 6 different languages
2. Can juggle
3. Average reading a novel per day
4. Teach online Psychology classes for a community college
5. Fly fisherman
6. A sailor
7. Was a masseuse while in grad school
27 comments:
I loved this interview, Derek. It was awesome to get to know you better.
I am very excited to read your romance books, mostly because you are male. I love the male perspective of things and to read a historical romance by a man would be just thrilling!
Get writing, my man!
It was nice to get to know you a little better Derek. And I love the fact that you write romance and aren't shy about saying it.
Welcome to the group!!
Teresa Reasor
Great Interview Derek, and cute photo too, but where is the kilt? ;o) We are so glad to have you with us!
BTW - Cinderwriter is AKA Kimmy Wooten.
Great interview, Derek! I enjoyed reading it and learning more about you.
Love that jazz/barbecue background, Derek. Fly fishing, psychology, and juggling! 'Twill be so interesting to see how such a diverse background enriches your Scottish Medieval romances!
What fun getting to know you better, Derek. We love having you as part of our group and I bet the others do, too. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
It was GREAT getting to know you better Derek. But a little disappointing considering I was sure your picture would have you in your kilt!!! LOL
Isn't it funny how the one thing we all have in common is how Scotland CALLS to us? I feel exactly the same way.
Our group wouldn't be the same without your quick wit!!
Thanks so much for sharing more about yourself!!!
Andrea
Great interview!
I know what you mean about Scotland calling. It is on my bucket list and hope to someday walk where my Scottish ancestors did.
Good luck with your writing!
Barb/BJ Scott
Just got off work. Thank you ladies for all the kind and playful words. I truly am so thankful to be accepted into your circle. Everyone has been fantastic and so very helpful. You all have taught me a ton.
I feel tremendously lucky to have somehow been given access to a place few men have ever tread. While I really enjoy writing fight scenes and plot twists, love is always the best part of anyone's story.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading those of you who are published, and BJ, I'm reading Highland Legacy today.
I'm getting one novel ready for publication currently (thanks Vonda, Paisley, Cathy, Dawn and Donna), and am about half way through a second. Anyone curious about a guy writing this stuff, shoot me an email. I would love a couple of beta readers for feedback.
Very nice to meet you again Derek.
I have always wanted to learn to Fly Fish.
You are an interesting man.
Very interesting post, Derek. You are a man of many talents and we love having you in the group.
You read a novel a day? Holy cow, Derek! By the way, I fully expected to see a pic of you in a kilt. ;-)
It's good to get to know you better. I look forward to reading your stories.
:-)
Loved the interview! Dog named 'Blue'? I'm sure it's for the 'jazz/ blues' you like, right?
Best of luck with your writing. You bring a unique aspect to the genre.
Well, 'Anonymous' would be me. (darn computer :-)
Cathy S.
Great interview, Derek. So good to know you. Anxious to read your novel.
Great to get to know more about you, Derek!
Wow, how fascinating, a jazz musician and martial artist. Who knew? Is was great getting to know you better, Derek.
Thanks again for your kind words, ladies. Please let me know if you ever want some help with those fight scenes!
Great interview, Derek. So nice to know we have a guy in the group! Where'd you leard to fly fish?
Glad to finally learn more about Derek, the writer-guy. Glad you are a member of CHRW. They are a wonderful group.
Nancy Lee Badger
Author of SOUTHERN FRIED DRAGON
Enjoyed your post, Derek, & I'm impressed with your book a day. :)
Margaret
Thanks, Sophie. I learned to fly fish in my 20's from a buddy of mine. Grew up fishing since I was a kid, but there is so much art and finesse in fly fishing, I was really drawn to the challenge of it.
Hi Derek,
I apologize for being late getting over here to learn more about you.
This is a great interview and awesome to get to know you!
I am very excited to read your romance books, a male perspective of historical romance by a man would be exciting to read!
I'm late to the party, as usual. So nice to meet you Derek. A novel a day is quite impressive. I wish I had the time to do that!!
Big bro! Sorry I am just getting over here to read about you. Well, now how the masseuse part got past me through all our conversations, I have NO idea.
You forgot to mention that you own a kilt. Naughty boy. :-)
We love that you are in our group. You bring so much information and knowledge from your various backgrounds. I think CH is all the better for having your point of view.
*Hugs bro*
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