1. For those who haven't read it, please tell us what we should know about Viila and the Doomsday Affair.
I explicitly wrote this book for people to enjoy. I didn't have any dark secrets to share or hidden motives, and I don’t belong to any secret societies. I filled it with as much humor as I could, with unusual characters, love stories and adventure. This is a book I want to read. It is a book for people to enjoy, laugh and cry while reading (though to be honest I don't know anybody who's cried) and then tell their friends they had a great time.
2. What drew you to writing initially, and what genres attract your attention?
I have loved science fiction and fantasy since I read Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein in my early years. In science fiction, and especially fantasy, you can explore ideas, characters and situations that are parallel to but could never exist in what we call the real world. I'm not much of a fan of the real world and there's nothing better than to get lost in the world of a good novel.
3. Do you have any plans in place right now for a follow-up to Viila and the Doomsday Affair?
I'm not sure I can live without Viila in my life, and just for that reason may have to write a follow up novel. She basically browbeats me all day long as she has so many stories to tell. I really wish I could meet her in a bar. I'd even shave and get a haircut. But unfortunately, no matter how much we like fantasy and science fiction, at some point reality sticks its head in and drags you back to the world of bills, halitosis and politics.
4. Your bio indicates that you've led a very intriguing life -- what influences might we see from your experiences in the book?
I've watched tons of directors, writers and other creative people working on projects and I usually think they're bozos. I believe that at some point, you have to “Go for it” without listening to critics and helpful voices. Nobody has a magic plan for writing or producing a successful piece of entertainment. There is no road map. I believe you might as well entertain yourself while you're writing because nobody else may like it. Because I like humor, my standard phrase is, “if it makes you laugh it's right.” Of course, in my movie jobs or when I'm working for someone else, I get fired a lot.
5. Where can find out more information about your work, including websites and social media tags?
My main social website now is danchikwritingbeware.com, which is a name I quite like and hopefully will cause problems for my brother. I'm on Facebook, but I usually just poke fun at people who try and write sincere things. I'm also on Instagram and LinkedIn but since I don't know how to use them I just look at the pictures people send me. I always wanted to start a website that allowed people to ask questions so I could give them the worst possible answers, but I haven't got there yet.
My children's play called The Princess and the Ogre is apparently produced a lot, which I only learn by rumor since no one ever sends me royalties. Of course, being ADD, I have a bunch of plays and other writings in my computer which are about half finished.
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