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
