Author Interview Series - David L. Watkins

David L. Watkins, Author

Benny and the Basketball Bully & Lancaster Lion

Hello everyone and thanks for visiting my blog.  I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine, author David L. Watkins, who has a series of books that he has written (and is writing) for children.  The books deal with various aspects of “growing up,” and problems that different age groups encounter as they grow up.  They are wonderful books with inspiring message for children and parents. 

David, it is a pleasure for me to call you my friend!   I have read two of your books and I find your books to be full of witticism and they are very thought provoking.   I love the flow of your books.  They are books that I am proud to give to my grandchildren.  I am anxiously awaiting the next installment of your “Growing Up Series.”  Besides the fact that we both are graduates of Mackenzie High School, attended Wayne State University at the same time, and you’re married to the “Lovely Linda,” please tell us a little bit more about yourself.

David:  Thank you, Muriel. I am a member of two local writing groups in Detroit: Detroit Writers’ Guild and Motown Writers’ Network. I have been a member of such diverse organizations as PETA, Mensa and WINGS (a women’s support group where I serve on the advisory board). I don’t know if anybody really cares that I won a chess tournament years ago.

Muriel:  David, what inspired you to become an author?

David:  Although I have loved writing since elementary school and have written many short stories, poems and essays, I did not become serious about being published until my wife, Linda, gave me a nudge (re: shove).

Muriel:  When did you first start writing, and when was your first book published?

David:  I had thought about children's writing as far back as the 80s and finally had my first book (Benny and the Basketball Bully) published in 2010. 

After the bully crosses the line and insults Benny’s faith, Benny says,” I’ve changed my clothes, I’ve changed my food, I even tried to change my mood. They can call me strange, they can call me odd, but I will not change my belief in God.” -Excerpt from Benny and the Basketball Bully

Muriel:  Why did you choose the genre that you write in?

David:  It seems rather cliched, but writing for children truly does help our future. Tomorrow's leaders in all fields will start out by reading children's books, much as we did. Those first lessons are so important. I still recall my favourite stories from my youth and the impact they had.

Muriel:  How did you come up with the titles for your books?

David:  It took me an entire day to name Benny and the Basketball Bully. I like the alliterative sound and applied it to my second book and the third (Melvia For Mayor) which should be out this spring.

Muriel:  In your book, Lancaster Lion, my favorite line is:   “Lancaster Lion took pleasure in sleeping ten hours a day and ten hours a night.”  It instantly made me think, “What did he do with the other four hours?”  Right now, I will not say who my favorite character is, but do you have a favorite character in either of your books and why is that your favorite character?

David:  I'm glad that you like the line about Lancaster's sleeping habits. Lions do sleep about 20 hours a day. I tried to inject a few jungle facts into the book along with the fun. I mentioned the strong animals and the speedy cheetah. I teased about the vulture, the tortoise, the parrot and the intelligence of the gorilla. Attila is, in fact, my favourite character in either book. He is a wise counselor and a respectful creature.

During a drought in the jungle, when the animals run, walk and fly out to search for food and water, the vulture says,” I’ll  just hang around here for awhile – you know, just in case.” - Excerpt from Lancaster Lion

Muriel:  Who is your least favorite character and why are they your least favorite character?

David:  Jimmy is my least favourite character because of his insensitivity and conceit. I did not intend to make him a completely despicable boy, but one who really "doesn't get it". My next book (on which I am working now) will have a character similar to Jimmy in some ways. She will have an adversarial relationship with the protagonist, Melvia.

Muriel: As you know, I have twin grandchildren and we have had conversations about a book that you are thinking about writing that involves twins.  Is that still a consideration?  (Reminder:  Their names are Liana and William, hint, hint!)  Are you currently working on a new project?  If so, can you share a bit of your new project with us?

David:  In Melvia For Mayor, a 12-year old girl finds a loophole in the city charter and decides to run for the office of mayor.  (the book on twins is still on my future agenda - smile)

Muriel:  Having read your books, I feel the message you are relaying is quite obvious.  What influences the messages that you convey in your books?  How much of your writing is based on real people or real situations?

David:  My wife and I started The Growing Up Series. The books all carry a particular lesson for children which reflects the "basics"...the early childhood teachings, such as courage, cooperation and kindness (so far).I want the children to be entertained, but also think about their behaviour. The books feature situations that could happen in real life, at least to a certain degree. Of course the talking animals are a mere symbol for people.

Muriel:  Is there anything you find particularly challenging when writing?

David:  The biggest challenge in writing is to actually finish an idea. I have dozens and dozens of ideas and I find myself writing parts of one story and then parts of another without completing any of them. Perhaps I'll put out a book of two-page story starters. Hmmm.

Muriel:  Did you learn anything from writing your books; and, if so what did you learn?

David:  I am learning that I cannot even touch upon the "tip of the iceberg" in any subject I attempt to broach. There will always be more unsaid than said. I hope that I can interest the audience enough to want to seek out more books (not just mine) on bullying, wild animals, politics or any other topics I might address.

Muriel:  Who is a favorite author of yours, and what is it about the author that you find fascinating?

David:   My favourite author was/is Isaac Asimov. He holds the record for writing the most books on different subjects. There have been people who have written more books - but all on poetry or history, et al. Asimov wrote 468 books on scores of subjects. I have about 100 of his books and I delight in the way he inserts anecdotal musings about so many things. He may include a bit of math in a book about the Bible or give an insight into history while talking about the chemical elements. . I want to develop the skill of being able to tangentially connect almost any subject with another. (when I go off the subject, I rarely come back...uh, what was I saying?)

Muriel:  I love your illustrations!  Who does your illustrations and cover designs?

David:  Although I did not do the drawings for the first book, I did the illustrations for the second book with Anthony Brown. I drew the designs for both covers and I plan to illustrate (or co-illustrate) all future books.

Muriel:  What advice, if any, do you have for other writers?

David:  Many authors tell other writers to "write, write, write". This is not bad advice, but I would add, "read, read, read" to the previous advice. Read and discover what you like and how you might like to write. Read from the masters and follow their lead when it comes to development, tone and strength of plot.

Muriel:  How do you present or market your work?

David:  I wish I knew more about marketing. The hardest part is the actual selling. I wish more people would "like" my books' Facebook pages and spread the word. We have a book or two on marketing which we will really need to peruse and follow.

Muriel:  How do you handle compliments and criticism given to you by your readers and fans?

David:  I like feedback. Compliments are very good, but constructive criticism is even better. I hope that the readers enjoy the books and can't wait for the next one. That's the way I feel about certain authors (Grisham, Mosley) and I would love to have people one day feel that way about my books.

Muriel:  I know that you make hand-drawn cards and I hear that you’re a poet, but what else do you do when you are not writing?

David:  I draw, letter and write. Our company is DLW Publishing. Those are my initials and it stands for Drawing, Lettering and Writing. I plan to have a blog entitled Different Lists Weekly (DLW...remember those?) I still make greeting cards. I have been commissioned to work on a couple of art projects for the inside walls of buildings. I do editing and ghost writing for others. I have designed logos for people and organizations. I have been a song leader and a children's art teacher at my church. I have spoken at an anti-bullying conference and was on a panel with City Council members.   I volunteer at the Children's Hospital. I'm going to be a judge for high schoolers in an upcoming writing contest. The contest is in March and there will be an Awards Luncheon in April where the winners will receive scholarships. Did I mention that I love my wife? Yes, I still find time to spend with her (and I work full time).

Muriel:  How can readers contact you to find out more about your books?

David:  My website, which will be updated soon, is booksbydavidwatkins.com

I can also be reached by e-mail(davidwatkins10@comcast.net) or on Facebook. I hope to learn how to blog and that will be another point of contact.

Muriel:  David, thank you so much for taking the time to share your insights with us.  It has been a pleasure.  I assure you that I will be eagerly waiting for your next publication.  I am looking forward to talking to you again in the near future.

To my readers, if you have not had the opportunity to read Benny and the Basketball Bully, or Lancaster Lion, please do.  Again, let me say that they are excellent books to give to your children or grandchildren.  These are the books that you want to read out loud with them, or read to them as a night time story.  Please visit David’s website or you can find pages to his books on Facebook.  Our children and grandchildren deserve to have exposure to more positive reading materials.  Let’s support an author who has a positive message to share with our children.  -Muriel

Valentine’s Day – To be Loved? Or To be in Love?  (Part 2)

In my last blog, I shared some interesting facts (well at least I believed them to be interesting) about Valentine’s Day.  This time, I would like to share information on why we have some of the symbols that are used during Valentine’s Day.

Cards were the essential gift of Valentine’s Day until the “commercialism” of Valentine’s Day developed as we know it to be today.  To receive a hand-made card was all that was required; because the card would be decorated with lace, hearts, and a beautiful verse or two.  This was the quintessential of expressing love. 

Cupid or (Eros in Greek Mythology) is known to be the God of Love, and son of Venus, the Goddess of Love.  He went from being a sexy Adonis figure, to being a pudgy little cherub thanks in part to desire, to make him more presentable to women and children.  Most of the time when you see Cupid today, he portrayed as the pudgy little cherub that we know today.  It has been said that Cupid would shoot his invisible arrows (which were filled with desire) into the hearts of intended loves and they would fall madly in love.  Blame Cupid for all misfortunes of love! (Although, my vote is to bring back the Adonis figure of Cupid!)

Hearts, for Valentine’s Day are primarily three colors.  Red: represents warmth and feelings, the human heart, and life.  White: represents purity or faith; it can also represent the love between two people.  Pink:  represents innocents or virginity. (“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.’ ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery)

Roses:  Venus…red roses were said to be her favorites flower.  If red roses are good enough for the Goddess of Love, then surely, we as mortals can appreciate them. 

“My love is like a red red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
My love is like the melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.” ~Robert Burns

Candy – chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac for years!  A no-brainer! “God gave the angels wings, and he gave humans chocolate.” ~Author Unknown

Too many of us are hung up on the idea of love, lost-love, no love, wanting love, desiring love, falling out of love, falling in love, being in love, hating love, detesting love, dreaming of love, hung up on love…I really don’t need to go on.  Remember, Valentine’s Day is only one day!  You still have 364 other days (ok, 365 in a leap year), to appreciate those you love.  Valentine’s Day does not define you as a man or woman.  Expect not and gain everything!  There are many ways to show love and be loved; not always does it have to be romantic love!  Express love on Valentine’s Day to everyone and don’t worry about receiving love back.  Que Sera, Sera!

My thoughts: “Focus your love on those who love you; don’t pen your hopes on love!  I would rather you love me than be in love with me.”~Muriel 

Happy Valentine’s Day!  

Thoughts for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day – To be Loved? Or, To be in Love?  (Part 1)

Before I plunge into my feelings (my blog, my feelings) about Valentine’s Day, I’d like to share a few interesting facts about this particular holiday that brings either great joy, or discontentment to so many people.

Did you know that Valentine’s Day is second to New Year’s Day as a holiday that is celebrated throughout the entire world? 

Yes, Valentine’s Day, is celebrated throughout the entire world.  Different cultures may celebrate it in different ways, but it is the second biggest holiday on an international level.  Valentine’s Day has been celebrated for many, many years.  Some look upon it as being a “religious” holiday, and others have look at it as being a pagan holiday.  (The paganism is traced back to the Roman Empire  Those pesky Romans!.) 

Did you know that Valentine’s Day origin can also be traced to ‘The Roman Empire?’ (What was it with the Roman Empire?) 

During the rule of Roman Emperor Claudius, II, he outlawed all marriages because he feared that his young men would not fight if they were wedded.  It was his belief that they would choose to stay with their wives, rather than fight, and it would be a great loss to the Roman Empire’s army.  As a result of his law, many young couples would seek Bishop Valentine, of the Catholic Church, and he would secretly marry them.  Eventually, Bishop Valentine was captured and sentenced to death by Emperor Claudius.  While in jail, it is said that he fell in love with his jailer’s daughter and in the last letter he wrote to her, he signed it, “from your Valentine.”  The rest is legend!  

Did you know that Valentine’s Day became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages?

A lot of historians give credit to Geoffrey Chaucer (yes, Mr. Canterbury Tales himself), for the first written reference to Valentine’s Day being associated with romantic love.    “Courtly love,” a term that is no longer used today, became the direction for Valentine’s Day and has become the variant that we know today. 

Did you know that the oldest written Valentine still in existence is a poem written by Charles the Duke of Orleans, for his wife while he was being held a prisoner in the Tower of London? 

Je suis desja d'amour tanné
Ma tres doulce Valentinée...

—Charles d'Orléans, Rondeau VI, lines 1–2

Roughly translated, “I am sick of love, my gentle Valentine…” but that is only the first two lines of this poem.  To understand it fully, you would have to read and translate the entire poem.

Did you know that Valentine's Day is mentioned in Hamlet by Ophelia? 

To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day,
All in the morning betime,
And I a maid at your window,
To be your Valentine.
Then up he rose, and donn'd his clothes,
And dupp'd the chamber-door;
Let in the maid, that out a maid
Never departed more.

—William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act IV, Scene 5

Men, did you know that you have the diamond industry to thank for introducing jewelry into the scene in the 1980s?  

Although a lot of you would like to say woman are responsible, it just isn’t true.  Valentine’s Day is a money maker for jewelry stores and jewelers thanks to the diamond industry.

Did you know more condoms are sold on or around Valentine’s Day?

Well, I didn’t say all of my facts would meet approval, but it is very true.  There is a 20% to 30% increase in the sale of condoms during this time.  Interesting, there is a higher percentage of pregnancy test sold in March, than in any other month!  Do the math!

Did you know that “Date Rape,” or attempted date rape, is a big boom on the evening of February 14^th?  Sadly, this is a fact!  Date rape comes when the “expectation of more” isn’t given on Valentine’s Day.  Unfortunately, there are men and women who have expectations of what they should give or not give.  Valentine’s Day was never intended to be a “booty call.”  (Personal message:  I hope your head still hurts where I beamed you with a vase.) 

Did you know that in Japan, the women mostly give chocolates?

Yes men, there is actually a place where you get to be treated to chocolates.  However, don’t get it confused…in Japan there is also a custom of giving “obligatory chocolates” as well.  Do the research! 

Did you know that 10% of women send flowers to themselves on Valentine’s Day?

I don’t have a problem with this at all…but don’t just send yourself flowers, take yourself out to dinner too!  Buy yourself that piece of jewelry you have been admiring.  Who says you can’t be your own Valentine?

Speaking of flowers, do you know the mark-up on flowers during Valentine’s Day is inevitable?    Supply and Demand!  Simple as that!  My husband refuses to buy me flowers for Valentine’s Day!  He will buy me roses the week before or the week after, but never on Valentine’s Day.  Does it bother me?  No!  It is one of his idiosyncrasies; and he has given me enough flowers in my lifetime.  Before you get twisted in a knot about not receiving flowers remember one thing:  Flowers will die, but memories will linger!

…more to come about the symbols of Valentine's Day!